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 protect my skin by using a moisturizer that contains SPF 30 every morning. I also use sunscreen every time I am exposed to more UV rays. I avoid tanning beds as well.
I take care of my skin by using a gentle cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen daily!
I use moisturizing lotion that has SPF30 already in it to make life a little easier - one less step and nothing to forget since I am sure to use moisturizer every day as part of my morning routine.
Make sure to use SPF everyday
I use a fruity scented SPF 30 spray sunscreen on my skin. It sinks in fast and is easy to glide on. It smells great and it's greasy so I enjoy wearing it and don't mind the extra step of applying sunscreen. On my face I use a moisturizer with SPF 50 everyday rain or shine to protect my skin from cancer, ageing spots and more. I apply an ample amount to get the most benefit
I have to buy good cream for my daughter who has eczema. I usually buy Eucerin Cream. I would love to try this product though.
definitely use a moisturizer with some kind of sunscreen every day, sunny or not.
I use moisturizer with SPF and also use sunscreen each day!
My husband had MOHS surgery for skin cancer and would love to win 2 bottles of cerva facial Moisturizing Lotion with sunscreen and 1 to share and protect my friend!!! I want everyone to be protected against skin cancer.
Dermatologist says hats and sunscreen. Wish I would have done much younger. I have plenty of awful age spots UGH
I tend to not wear sunscreen at all times. I have to put it on when I know I will be in direct sunlight for hours at the beach or pool or on the soccer/football fields watching my kids. Otherwise I think I'm safe--which is superbad!
I wear sunscreen! I have already had an area of early skin cancer removed, still have the scar, you can't miss it. But it's a reminder to protect my skin. Skin cancer runs on my family.
I use SPFMoisturizer and sunscreen everyday. No matter what season it is. Always wear hat and have sunglasses
I am very fair skinned, I wear lot of sunscreen and hats. I also try to keep one half of my body covered at all times to minimize burn.
I use sunscreen and reapply