My mom was crazy about sunscreen before skin protection was in fashion. As a child, she would bathe us in lotion every time we left the house. Other teens my age would be greasing up and tanning at the Jersey Shore. I was stuck wearing hats and sitting in the shade. And yet, last fall, I was diagnosed with skin cancer.
How are you protecting your skin? Tell us and you'll be eligible to win two bottles of my favorite year-round skin care: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion. (One for you and one to give to a friend whose skin you also care about!) It's SPF 30 and it keeps my skin soft without being greasy or smelly.
Since I grew up with a mom who was ahead of her time, I never thought I'd get skin cancer. And then I noticed a small bump on the side of my nose. It didn't look exactly like a pimple since the center of it was slightly indented, but I wasn't sure. When the bump didn't go away, I decided to make an appointment with a dermatologist. I hadn't had a full-body check-up in many years, so I figured it was time.
I expected the doctor to laugh and tell me in a slightly embarrasing way that I had adult acne. Instead, she took one look at my face and said, "Yep, that's cancer."
As she took a biopsy to confirm her diagnosis, she explained that I had basal cell carcinoma (BCC). "Of all the cancers to get, this is the best one." (Um. Yay?) It rarely spreads to the organs and if treated in a timely manner, it is not considered life-threatening. However, BCC tumors do grow, so the longer you wait to remove it, the more disfiguring it could be.
I wanted that sucker out fast. The doctor recommended a common procedure to remove BCC called Mohs Surgery. It's outpatient surgery with just local anesthesia, designed to remove the cancer but not much else, so it leaves the smallest scar possible.
I was so nervous about the procedure but it really wasn't too bad. Just uncomfortable at times, and a lot of waiting.
Six months later, I can still see the small scar, but most people would never notice it. I'd like to say I learned a lot of new things from this experience. But the truth is, I already knew them all, I just didn't pay attention. And now I do.
For more info on skin cancer prevention, check out SkinCancer.org.
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive two bottles of CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion, valued at approximately $26 total. Giveaway is open through May 20, 2018 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member MomOnTheEdge.
I am an avid sunscreen user and lather my kids up religiously!
I always use sunscreen with a high SPF carry an umbrella and sunglasses. I have Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome so the sun is not my friend.
I always put on sunscreen!
Lots of sunscreen, a giant hat, sunglasses, and a parasol. I'm essentially a vampire.
Use sunscreen, and go to the dermatologist yearly. Plus staying hydrated and moisturized!
I buy products that double duty as a sunscreen, such as face creams (or makeup) with an SPF. Also, I sit in the shade whenever possible. I get enough rays walking without sitting in the sun.
GREAT IDEA i USE Jergens SPF 45
My job involves working outside every day. Even when the weather is unbearable hot, I wear long sleeves and a hat. A few years ago, I got badly sunburned on the top of my head, forgetting that also needs to be covered, so now it's a must.
When I go out, I always use a 50 SPF face sunscreen and 50 DOG body sunscreen spray. But, mostly I try to avoid to much sun exposer. When I was younger I suffered 3rd degree sunburn all over me it was very bad. Now I'm always cautious, I never want to go through that again. Thank you for the opportunity!
I use sunscreen daily.
I use sunblock everyday! I apply every 2 hours and also wear sunglasses and hats when I go out.
I am sunscreen fanatic! I wear my sunscreen every day. I also wear hats and protective clothing and in general I do try to stay in the shade and not directly in the sun.
I protect my skin with sunscreen and protective clothing/hats.
I wear sunscreen every time I go outside. I am fair skinned and strawberry blond. I did a lot of damage to my skin in the 1970's when sunscreen wasn't so developed and everyone used baby oil in the sun. (Shudder). Now I am super vigilant about protection.
I have moisturizer with sunscreen in it that is my first step every morning with getting ready. My husband is also issuing it now.