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.
Sunscreen and a big beach hat
I use sunscreens all year round, and I use special sunscreen for my neck during spring and summer because I've been allergic to sun rays.
I always wear SPF even when it's cloudy!
After having a basal cell cancer removed, I got in gear! I now wear sunscreen everyday and especially on my face!
I make sure to lotion all day long. For the summer, I try to remember to put suncreen on myself and the children. Having melanin doesn't escape us from making sure we are protected from the sun.
I use a moisturizer with sunscreen every day.
I protect my skin by using SPF daily. Sure, it is a task but it is so worth it. Not only protecting you from the sun but it helps keep my skin clear and young! Win-win for me, personally, all around.
I always put on my SPF before I leave the house.
I admit, I've been bad about it. Reading this article has inspired me to get sunscreen and wear it daily.
I, too, have had many skin cancers because when I was young I had a very bad burn. I now wear sun screen when I go out and ALWAYS wear a moisturizer for my face with sunscreen in it. As well as basal cell, I have had the next serious type of skin cancer diagnosed and removed.
I wear sunscreen every day. I try to stay out of the sun though because I burn easily.
I use moisturizer and sunscreen whenever I go out.
I am part Irish and Swedish, so I have very fair skin along with rosacea and sensitivity. When I go out, I always have a facial sunscreen on, or at least makeup with SPF in it. I also make sure any exposed body parts are sprayed with sunscreen. When hanging out in the heat and sun, I have a very large brimmed hat and multiple umbrella's that I can use to keep me out of direct rays.
I wear sunscreen but don't use it as often as I should. I do wear sunglasses and a hat. I have an appointment with a dermatologist in a couple of weeks for a check-up. I lived in the Bahamas during high school and didn't wear sunscreen and have had a couple of spots removed that would have become cancer.
Especially since I have fair skin and have lived in the South most of my adult life, I am always thinking about protecting my skin from sun exposure, whether it be a 30 or more spf sunscreen, a hat or visor, sunglasses or long sleeves or even a sun umbrella; it just depends on the circumstances whether it is the full application of sunscreen or not