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 wear sunscreen everyday, stay in the shade, and wear long sleeves
Sunscreen, hat and umbrella
I wear sunscreen daily on my face and then on my shoulders when I'm not covered up
I buy the highest SPF I can find and make sure to cover my ears.
I use a moisturizer with Spf of 30
As a little girl. Mom did not use sunblock. It not introduced until 1974. But I do remember, mom using long sleeve if we plan to be in sun for a while. As of today. I use it a lot. I even spread the word for men and women. To use plenty on your chest area and neck. Big believer of sunscreen! And always share with others.
I protect my skin more than I used to by wearing sunscreen and a hat when I'm in the sun.
I like wearing a hat when I go outside :)
I moisturize regularly and hydrate with water.
I am as light as a glass of milk and never tan, so I never go out in the sun without SPF 45 sunscreen on. I have no desire to sit on a beach and cannot stand being in the sun so that's a plus. I keep all our curtains in our home closed all the time to prevent sunlight from coming inside. Summer in Texas is brutal and impossible to be outside anyway.
I use SPF 30 face cream everyday
I wear sunscreen every day (face, neck, backs of hands).
I use SPF moisturizer!
I use a moisturizer with sunscreen every day of the year. When I'm planning on being outside, I apply additional sunscreen to exposed areas. I'm a big proponent of hats and wear one when I know I'm going to be out in the sun over 30 minutes.