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 moisturizer with sunscreen, try to stay in the shade and wear hats when I know Im going to be in the sun for a long time.
Wearing SPF every time I go out, even if it is overcast. Also wearing a cap/hat or using a parasol.
I use SPF face moisture and when I'm outside I also wear suntan lotion.
I try to always put on a sun protective skin cream before going out anywhere even just outside at my apartment building.
i wear my daily SPF moisturizer and when out in the sun i try to wear sun protector
I wear a daily moisturizer with an SPF of 30 and I never leave the house without my sunglasses. I also see my dermatologist on a yearly basis to stay on top of things and keep my skin looking it's best.
I'm guilty of not protecting my skin enough. I sometimes will wear sunscreen when going/sitting outside, but usually only if it's a beach of somewhere other than just a pool. Please help me protect my skin better! :(
I wear sunscreen and a hat when I'm going to be outdoors in the sun.
I protect my skin daily by using tinted face moisturizer with SPF!
Protection from sun! No1 concern!
I use a high SPF every day of the year!!
I use a BB creme with sun block, and my make up is SPF 20. When purposely in the sun (beach, pool, or other activities) I always use 30 and re-apply. Sun makes me so happy but protection is the key - I don't like sunburn or sun spots.
Wear sunscreen daily
Lots of SPF. It's in my moisturizer, make up, everything!
I use a serum, moisturizer and sunscreen every day.