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 use a face moisturizer with sunscreen and I try to limit my direct exposure to the sun.
I just went to the dermatologist today! I use SPF 30 moisturizer everyday & wear a hat when working in the yard.
I always wear sunscreen and a hat and also limit my time in the sun. I have magnolia white skin and I am proud of it!!
I use a moisturizer with SPF in it to protect and care for my skin. I use products on my skin that have natural ingredients and aren't tested on animals.
I always look for products with spf which do not irritate the skin.
SPF moisturizer year-round.
I always use sunscreen and moisturizer with SPF
Melanoma "runs" in my family on my dad's side (all of his siblings and 80% of his nieces and nephews have had cancer removed from various body parts. My dad died of melanoma in 2010 at the age of 61 and since then I get checked twice a year and so does my 22 year old son. We use sunscreen year round and we remind each other to be careful and not get too much exposure. We wear hats and cover up if we are out for awhile and we are starting to turn a little red.
I wear a hat when I work in my yard.
SPF Moisturizer always & sunscreen when outside.
I use SPF 40 if I know I'm going to be out in the sun all day long. Otherwise I try to stay indoors! LOL!
I try to wear sunscreen on my face every day. I try to make it part of my makeup routine
i use spf every day, even rainy days
I use sunscreen daily.
I wear a hat and sit under an umbrella to protect my skin