Skin conditions

A mole that is changing — beauty treatment safety

Name: A mole that is changing: which treatments are safe?
Creator: Anna

Also called Atypical or changing pigmented lesion, changing mole, atypical mole, irregular mole, suspicious mole, mole that has changed, ABCDE mole check, melanoma check, dysplastic naevus.

In short

On this page, A mole that is changing is checked against 88 treatments: 88 are ones to avoid. The tightest restrictions are in Facials and Body Treatments.

Most oftenAvoid

Every treatment name opens its own page

Facials

25 treatments · all 25 to avoid

Facials — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic)Also: glycolic peel, lactic peel, mandelic peel, alpha hydroxy peel, light chemical peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	BHA Peel (Salicylic)Also: salicylic peel, beta hydroxy peel, acne peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — BHA Peel (Salicylic) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Carbon Laser FacialAlso: Hollywood peel, China doll peel, carbon peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Carbon Laser Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Classic FacialAlso: European facial, deep cleansing facial, traditional facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Cryo FacialAlso: ice facial, cold therapy facial, frotox Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Cryo Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	DermaplaningAlso: blade exfoliation, facial shaving, peach fuzz removal Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Dermaplaning If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Enzyme PeelAlso: fruit enzyme peel, papain peel, bromelain peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Enzyme Peel If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Express FacialAlso: mini facial, 30-minute facial, lunchtime facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Express Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Galvanic FacialAlso: iontophoresis, desincrustation, galvanic current Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Galvanic Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	HIFU (Ultherapy)Also: Ultherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, non-surgical lifting, ultrasound lifting Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — HIFU (Ultherapy) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	High-Frequency FacialAlso: high-frequency wand, violet ray treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — High-Frequency Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	HydraFacialAlso: hydradermabrasion, hydra facial, aqua facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — HydraFacial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Jessner's PeelAlso: combination peel, modified Jessner Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Jessner's Peel If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	LED Light TherapyAlso: red light therapy, blue light therapy, yellow light therapy, LED facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — LED Light Therapy If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Mesotherapy (Facial)Also: meso facial, vitamin injections, skin booster injections (face) Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Facial) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Microcurrent FacialAlso: NuFace, non-surgical facelift, facial toning Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microcurrent Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	MicrodermabrasionAlso: crystal microdermabrasion, diamond microdermabrasion, MDA Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microdermabrasion If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	MicroneedlingAlso: dermapen, dermaroller, collagen induction therapy, CIT, skin needling Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microneedling If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Oxygen FacialAlso: Intraceuticals, oxygen infusion facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Oxygen Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Phenol Peel (Deep)Also: deep chemical peel, Baker-Gordon peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Phenol Peel (Deep) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	PRP Facial (Vampire Facial)Also: platelet-rich plasma facial, vampire facial, blood facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — PRP Facial (Vampire Facial) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Radiofrequency (RF) FacialAlso: Thermage, Venus Freeze (face), skin tightening RF Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Radiofrequency (RF) Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	RF MicroneedlingAlso: Morpheus8, Profound, Vivace, Genius RF, radio frequency microneedling Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — RF Microneedling If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	TCA Peel (Medium)Also: trichloroacetic acid peel, medium depth peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — TCA Peel (Medium) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Ultrasound FacialAlso: ultrasonic facial, cavitation peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Ultrasound Facial If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Injectables

11 treatments · all 11 to avoid

Injectables — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse)Also: Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse, collagen stimulators, PLLA, calcium hydroxylapatite Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Botox / NeurotoxinAlso: botulinum toxin, Dysport, Xeomin, Azzalure, Bocouture, anti-wrinkle injections, wrinkle relaxers, tox Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Botox / Neurotoxin If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Cheek FillersAlso: midface filler, cheek augmentation, Voluma Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Cheek Fillers If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Dermal Fillers (General)Also: hyaluronic acid fillers, HA fillers, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Dermal Fillers (General) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Fat-Dissolving InjectionsAlso: Aqualyx, Kybella, deoxycholic acid, lipolysis injections Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Fat-Dissolving Injections If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Lip FillersAlso: lip augmentation, lip enhancement, lip injections Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lip Fillers If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Mesotherapy (Body)Also: body meso, fat-loss mesotherapy, cellulite mesotherapy Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Body) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	PDO Thread LiftAlso: thread lift, PDO threads, PLLA threads, Silhouette Soft, non-surgical thread lift Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — PDO Thread Lift If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	PolynucleotidesAlso: Plinest, Newest, PN injection, salmon DNA injection Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Polynucleotides If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster)Also: Profhilo, Restylane Vital, Restylane Skinbooster, hydration injections Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Tear Trough FillersAlso: under-eye filler, under-eye treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Tear Trough Fillers If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Laser & Light

7 treatments · all 7 to avoid

Laser & Light — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	Fractional Ablative LaserAlso: CO2 laser, Erbium laser, ablative resurfacing Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Fractional Ablative Laser If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Fractional Non-Ablative LaserAlso: Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, non-ablative resurfacing Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Fractional Non-Ablative Laser If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)Also: intense pulsed light, photofacial, fotofacial, IPL photorejuvenation Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Laser Hair RemovalAlso: LHR, diode laser, Alexandrite laser, Nd:YAG laser, permanent hair reduction Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Laser Hair Removal If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)Also: PDT, blue light + ALA therapy, Levulan therapy Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico)Also: Q-switched laser, Pico laser, PicoSure, PicoWay, tattoo removal laser Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Vascular LaserAlso: V-Beam, KTP laser, pulsed dye laser, broken capillaries laser Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Vascular Laser If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Body Treatments

15 treatments · all 15 to avoid

Body Treatments — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	Aromatherapy MassageAlso: essential oil massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Aromatherapy Massage If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Body PeelAlso: chemical body peel, back peel, body acid treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Body Peel If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Body ScrubAlso: body exfoliation, salt scrub, sugar scrub, body polish Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Body Scrub If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Body WrapsAlso: algae wrap, mud wrap, paraffin wrap, seaweed wrap, detox wrap Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Body Wraps If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)Also: CoolSculpting, fat freezing, cool sculpting, Zeltiq Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Deep Tissue MassageAlso: sports massage, remedial massage, firm pressure massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Deep Tissue Massage If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	EMSculpt / EMS Body TreatmentsAlso: EMSculpt, Emsella, electromagnetic muscle stimulation, HIFEM Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — EMSculpt / EMS Body Treatments If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	EndermologieAlso: LPG, mechanical roller massage, endermology, cellulite massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Endermologie If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Hot Stone MassageAlso: stone therapy, geothermal massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Hot Stone Massage If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Lymphatic Drainage MassageAlso: MLD, manual lymphatic drainage, Vodder technique Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lymphatic Drainage Massage If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Prenatal / Pregnancy MassageAlso: pregnancy massage, maternity massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	PressotherapyAlso: compression boots, Ballancer, lymphatic pressotherapy Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Pressotherapy If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Radiofrequency Body TreatmentsAlso: Venus Legacy, Exilis, body RF, skin tightening RF (body) Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Radiofrequency Body Treatments If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Swedish MassageAlso: classic massage, relaxation massage, full-body massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Swedish Massage If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Ultrasonic CavitationAlso: body cavitation, ultrasonic fat reduction, cavi-lipo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Ultrasonic Cavitation If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Hair Removal

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Hair Removal — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	Depilatory CreamAlso: chemical hair removal, hair removal cream, Veet, Nair Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Depilatory Cream If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	ElectrolysisAlso: needle electrolysis, permanent hair removal, galvanic electrolysis Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Electrolysis If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Hot WaxAlso: hard wax, Brazilian wax, hot wax depilation Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Hot Wax If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Strip Wax (Soft Wax)Also: soft wax, strip waxing, honey wax Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Strip Wax (Soft Wax) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	SugaringAlso: sugar paste depilation, Egyptian sugaring, Persian sugaring Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Sugaring If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	ThreadingAlso: eyebrow threading, facial threading, khite Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Threading If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Nails

10 treatments · all 10 to avoid

Nails — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	Acrylic NailsAlso: liquid and powder nails, L&P nails, sculpted acrylics Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Acrylic Nails If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Builder Gel / BIABAlso: BIAB, builder in a bottle, hard gel, structure gel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Builder Gel / BIAB If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Classic ManicureAlso: regular manicure, traditional manicure, polish manicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Manicure If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Classic PedicureAlso: regular pedicure, spa pedicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Pedicure If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Gel ManicureAlso: Shellac, gel polish, soak-off gel, CND Shellac Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Gel Manicure If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Gel PedicureAlso: Shellac pedicure, gel polish pedicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Gel Pedicure If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Medical PedicureAlso: med pedi, podiatry pedicure, Margaret Dabbs pedicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Medical Pedicure If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Nail Strengthening TreatmentsAlso: IBX, nail repair treatment, nail bond treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Nail Strengthening Treatments If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Polygel NailsAlso: poly gel, gel-acrylic hybrid Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Polygel Nails If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Press-On NailsAlso: adhesive nails, stick-on nails, nail tips Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Press-On Nails If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Lashes & Brows

8 treatments · all 8 to avoid

Lashes & Brows — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	Brow LaminationAlso: brow perm, brow sculpting Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Brow Lamination If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Brow TintAlso: eyebrow tinting, brow dye Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Brow Tint If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Classic Lash ExtensionsAlso: individual lashes, 1:1 lash extensions Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Lash Extensions If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Henna BrowsAlso: henna brow tinting Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Henna Brows If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Hybrid Lash ExtensionsAlso: mixed lash extensions Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Hybrid Lash Extensions If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Lash LiftAlso: lash perm, keratin lash lift Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lash Lift If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Lash TintAlso: eyelash tinting, lash dye Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lash Tint If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Volume Lash ExtensionsAlso: Russian volume, fan lashes, 2D-6D lashes Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Volume Lash Extensions If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Permanent Makeup (PMU)

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Permanent Makeup (PMU) — A mole that is changing
What we found	Treatment
See a doctor first	Areola TattooAlso: 3D nipple tattoo, post-mastectomy tattoo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Areola Tattoo If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Eyeliner TattooAlso: permanent eyeliner, lash line enhancement, lash line tattoo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Eyeliner Tattoo If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Lip Blush / Lip TattooAlso: lip tint tattoo, permanent lip colour, aquarelle lips Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lip Blush / Lip Tattoo If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Microblading (Eyebrows)Also: eyebrow embroidery, feather brows, hair-stroke brows Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microblading (Eyebrows) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Powder Brows / Ombré BrowsAlso: machine brows, ombre brows, shading brows Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Powder Brows / Ombré Brows If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence
See a doctor first	Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)Also: SMP, hair tattoo, scalp tattoo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) If a mole or a pigmented patch is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, more than one colour, or has changed in any way, it needs a doctor's eyes on it before anything cosmetic happens over it. See your GP: there is an urgent referral pathway in the UK for a suspected melanoma, and you should be seen within about a fortnight of that referral. The treatment can wait. This is also the moment to say that beauty professionals are often the first to spot a change, and being told to get something checked is not an overreaction. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsNHSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Sources

British Association of DermatologistsSkin cancer recognition guidance
NHSMoles and the ABCDE checks for melanoma
National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceNG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral

Written by Anna · London-trained cosmetologist

Last updated 3 September 2026

Every treatment, checked