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, a hat, glasses and a coverup!
I wear sunblock on my face and body when I am outside in the sun. I also wear white cotton long sleeved top, wide brim hat and sunglasses to protect my eyes and face.
I always use sunscreen even in the winter
I live in South Florida, I have basically my whole life... as I get older I realize what the suns rays can do to my skin... everyday now I put on my sun screen on my face, it has become part of my morning routine.
I moisturize and use and reapply, as needed, sunblock SP30 with UVA and UVB protection, daily.
I use sunscreen, sun glasses, and a sun hat!
Yes Yes I Have Lupus So Need To Protect My Skin All The Time With SPF In All My Moisturizers & Cosmetic Usage!
I always use SPF cream.
Face lotion with SPF everyday
I use a moisturizer with sunscreen, try to wear hats, I need to start wearing sunglasses though!
Sunscreen or facial and skincare products with spf, hats and sunglasses
I always wear sunscreen when planning to be outside for a long time but for my day to day wear I use a primer with spf in it to put on my face before applying my makeup.
plenty of sunscreen and shade!!!!
I use a moisturizer with SPF. I also make sure I drink plenty of water DAILY.
I never leave the house without sunscreen, a hat and sunnies. We also wear sun clothes here.