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.
By using moisturizer with sunscreen!
I protect my skin by only using products with SPF in them, then layering on the sunscreen when I go out.
I protect my skin by having a good skin care routine and wearing an SPF moisturizer everyday. I also limit my time in the sun and I quit tanning in tanning beds.
I use spf moisturizer and sunscreen
I wear sunscreen every day in my moisturizer.
Lots of sunscreen and a hat!
I wear a hat for the protection of my scalp as well as my face. As we age and our hair thins, our scalp gets really exposed to the sun. And I also always use sunscreen moisturizer and body lotion with spf.
I wear sunscreen when outdoors
I use sunscreen everyday, rain or shine.
Moisturizer with sunscreen every day and sunscreen and sunglasses when I go outside.
Sunscreen is a must!
Growing up I sunburned easily so they guarded me from the sun with hats, umbrella etc. My career choice ended up being a job that had me outdoors 95% of the time and I wore my sunscreen everyday! Please protect yourself wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water when outdoors!
sad to say, the most protection would be an SPF30 in suntan oil but for years truly used straight baby oil without hesitation - spritzing a water bottle in between - thankfully never had a problem
Never go out without my sunscreen.
I put sunblock on every day ... even in the winter ... even if it is cloudy.