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.
My moisturizer has spf that I use everyday!
I love being outdoors and the sunshine, but my mother (who was from Siberia) taught me to never stay out in it for more than fifteen minutes at a time, even with lotion on. It is basic, but very good advice.
I moisturized constantly and stay out of the sun like Michael Jackson used to.
I use a moisturizer with sunscreen.
I use makeup and lotion with SPF and always wear sunscreen and a sun hat at the beach!
I use moisturizer that has SPF in it!
Always try to wear sunscreen if I am going to be out for an extended time.
Woohoo, sun safety! I like to cover up my arms and legs as much as I can with clothing. I wear sunscreen on my body and be sure to use makeup with SPF on my face. I also use sunglasses. I should wear a hat more often...
spf 50
I love Cerave products, have been using their moisturizer for years. I get told I have beautiful skin at 64. Also use sunscreen and keep nagging my kids to use it also!
I didn't use to use sunscreen but I use it now. That and a moisturizer are a must.
I use a SPF 50+ sunscreen on a daily basis, whether I go out or not.
wear sunscreen daily, reapply as needed, stay in the shade
Big hats, sunglasses and SPF. An umbrella comes in handy too.
you gotta use sunscreen all the time - i have to re apply every 2 hours.