Skin Cancer Update + My Go-To Sun Care Products {Clothing, Hats, Sunscreen}
After almost two years of some quiet on the skin cancer front, I figured it was time for a quick update (some new skin cancer news + recent skin care/sun care recommendations). If you are wondering how and why skin cancer fits into this food blog, take a quick rewind to 2015 when my world was somewhat rocked after a small, innocent looking spot on my nose turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. I wrote about the experience in a lot more detail here (warning: there are some graphic post-op pictures in that post).
Over the last 3 1/2 years I have received hundreds of comments and emails from others who decided to get a spot checked after reading that post (many of whom have also ended up with basal cell carcinoma and Mohs surgery), and many others have stumbled on that skin cancer post while searching online for answers and comfort after undergoing a similar surgery/procedure.
What I am constantly learning: skin cancer does not discriminate.
Although the first days, weeks and months after the surgery were unpleasant, to say the least, looking back over the last several years, I am amazed and humbled at how my face has healed. The human body is remarkable!
Does my face look like it used to? Yes and no. Has it healed perfectly? No. Do I still have visible scars? Yes.
But considering I went from this (1st pic was day of surgery and 2nd pic was about a week after surgery)…
…to now this (3 1/2 years post surgery)…
…well, I am grateful on the daily that I have healed so well.
Speaking honestly, there are still times that vanity sneaks in, and I feel a little bummed that my nose looks patchy and puffy and that the jagged scar line running from the middle of my eyes to the bottom of my nose is red and visible. I hate how when I smile, the left side of my nose puckers up in kind of a funky pattern.
But those feelings are usually fleeting. All it takes is me glancing at the pictures from the surgery (or more often, hearing of someone else’s much more traumatic and devastating life experience), and I am instantly put in my place with gratitude.
Enough about the past. What’s happening now?
I’ve been pretty diligent on seeing my dermatologist for skin checkups every six months. I was just there last week, in fact! There have been a few minor instances over the last few years where I’ve needed a spot/mole removed, but everything has always checked out.
Last week my doctor spotted a small area on the side of one toe, of all places, and he’s not excited about how it looks. In his words “I’ve been doing this a long time and I am 100% sure that’s a problem.” Oh wow. Ok, thanks. 🙂
It is most likely a dysplastic nevus (I had one removed on my back a couple months before the basal cell carcinoma on my nose – they are non-cancerous but can be a precursor to melanoma). But it could be something more serious, too, so the safest action is to have it removed and sent to the lab. That’s scheduled for mid-June as well as a laser treatment to hopefully reduce a bit of redness around the scar on my nose.
I am very diligent (read: obsessed) about covering up in the sun. It probably borders on ridiculous, but I make no apologies for it, and I’ve gotten used to the looks and comments (at the pool and beach and waterpark, mostly). I know that the skin cancer issues I’m dealing with with are largely from the extensive sun exposure and sunburns in my youth.
Covering up now isn’t likely to make a huge difference in regards to whether more skin cancer will show up on my body or not. But it also can’t hurt, either. And bonus! It definitely will help my skin age better, so I’m all about protecting my skin – and my family’s skin – against sun damage.
Sun Care Recommendations
I’ve mentioned some of the recommendations below in past posts, but for those who don’t want to search through the archives, here are my best recommendations for upf/spf clothing, hats and sunscreen all in one place.
As a sidenote, clothing made specifically for upf/spf protection is not always super cheap. I totally understand that the price tag, in some cases, may seem higher than shopping for a swimsuit at, say, Old Navy. For me (and the anxiety I’ve dealt with after skin cancer entered my life), finding specific clothing that’s been created especially for sun protection has been a huge blessing. It means that instead of hiding away from the sun which is my first reaction out of fear, I’m still able to enjoy time with my family outside (which is a huge part of our every day lives) without stressing or making life miserable for everyone.
Clothing:
*I’ve ordered specific upf/spf protection clothing from each of these companies and highly recommend the products I’ve linked to below.
- Coolibar: most of my swim gear is from Coolibar; it’s the company that gave me hope for the future after my Mohs surgery. I have this short sleeve rash guard in aqua (I wear a swim top underneath), this convertible swim shirt, these swim tights in navy, and these black skirted swim tights.
- UV Skinz: I have this hooded beach coverup and these swim shorts, Brian has this long sleeve swim shirt and several of my kids have their swim shirts + shorts/skirts (that Costco usually carries in our area in spring/early summer!).
- Tuga: my 10-year old has this swim short/shirt combo (going on two years strong – he’s loved it! I’ll buy him another here when he outgrows the one he has)
- Solbari: I’ve been looking forever for a jacket to replace one that I’ve worn almost daily (bought it from Coolibar years ago and they no longer sell it); I just ordered this one from Solbari. So excited to see if it’s what I’ve been dreaming of! I also have the arm sleeves from here (which I know might seem a little over the top and most normal people wouldn’t want/need them, but we do so much outside work in our yard and on our property that I love having an arm coverup option that doesn’t add heat/bulk like a jacket does on 95+ degree days)
Believe it or not, I don’t always wear long sleeve, ankle length swim gear. 🙂 For indoor swimming adventures, this is my favorite, super flattering for all figures, swimsuit from Target.
Hats:
*I’m a believer in hats! And yes, they are even worth the subsequent hat hair. After wearing hats for years and years, my preference is either a great baseball cap or a non-floppy brimmed hat (I used to wear floppy brimmed hats constantly but the brim would block my eyes more often than not, so now I prefer sturdier hat rims).
- Zappos: I bought this trucker/baseball cap years ago and wear it all.the.time. I also have a couple random baseball caps from random places that I wear randomly.
- Coolibar: I wore a discontinued floppy brimmed hat from Coolibar for years until floppy brims started driving me insane. Now I have this hat in natural brown and I keep it in my car because you just never know when you’ll need to put on a hat. Am I right? I also have this hat from Sunday Afternoons (it’s the one I’m wearing in the picture above – bonus, looks like it is on sale right now!), and I really, really like it. I also have this one; it travels in a suitcase or smashed into a chaotic car of kid-infested road trippers super well.
- Kid Hats: My boys and Brian mostly wear cowboy hats when working outside, but Cam has this sun hat and it is awesome, especially since it has a handy dandy area in the back for pony tails (brilliant).
Sunscreen:
*I’ve recommended a lot of favorite sunscreens over the years. For the most part, I’m still sticking with the same ones (love, love EltaMD) with a few new winners I’ve found recently. I’ll also list several that many of you recommended in my last Friday Thoughts post (haven’t tried them yet myself).
Where possible my family and I try to use physical/mineral sunscreen rather than chemical sunscreens. You can read more about the differences on sites like ewg.org – do your own research to see what you feel comfortable with. Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links included below for products I’ve bought there.
- My kids use Blue Lizard SPF 30+ FACE and Blue Lizard SPF 30+ SPORT (waterproof) daily for outside work/play
- We also all use EltaMD SPF50 UV Sport when spending longer periods of time outside (at the lake, pool, etc)
- I use EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 on my face if I’m going to be outside without a hat for a longer period of time; it is super lightweight and non-greasy and the perfect facial sunscreen, in my opinion (I have the non-tinted one). There’s also EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, which I love equally and is great for acne-prone skin.
- I recently recommended this supergoop unseen sunscreen in a Friday Thoughts post; I’ve been using it daily as a moisturizer + sunscreen. I’m also looking forward to trying the supergoop physical/mineral facial sunscreens.
Here are some sunscreens some of you have recommended: {affiliate links for Amazon products}:
- Keys Solar Rx SPF Moisturizer Sunscreen The CEO/Founder tells her story of developing these products following her melanoma & subsequent skin issues from chemicals in rxs & skin products. They sell trial size packets to see if you like the products.
- COOLA Face Mineral BB Cream Matte Tint, Unscented, SPF 30
- Elta MD Physical SPF 41
- Heliocare gel oil free SPF 50
- Biore UV Watery Rich sunscreen is SPF 50
I feel very strongly (my family would say obsessively so) about wearing sunscreen and covering up in the sun. I know it’s not everyone’s lifestyle, and I also know I can’t 100% prevent my kids from getting skin cancer some day and going through what I’ve gone through, but every little bit of prevention while they are young helps. Right??
For now, I’m the one over there on the soccer field holding an umbrella for some self-imposed shade while everyone else is basking in the gorgeous sun and wearing full body swimsuits and wide brimmed hats everywhere. It’s part of my identity now, and I’m going with it!
Thanks for letting me have this moment to share some of my skin cancer and sun care thoughts with you guys! I hope your summer is looking to be very fun and very sun safe. 🙂
I would love to hear any recommendations YOU have for staying safe and having fun in the sun. Favorite hats? Best-ever sunscreen? Tell me below in the comments!
118 Comments on “Skin Cancer Update + My Go-To Sun Care Products {Clothing, Hats, Sunscreen}”
I am having second moms surgery this week on the opposite side of my nose. Very nervous. My question is, What essential oils did you use for helping your scar heal? Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your story and pictures! It’s very brave of you but also a relief to see how beautiful and how little the scars can be seen on your face now. My 17-year-old was just diagnosed with melanoma on her eyebrow (who knew teen girls’ hormones sometimes trigger it?). Her surgery is approaching this summer just as she transitions to college, and we are worried about the scarring, of course. So thank you for bringing some relief to this mama’s mind!
Hi Mel, I had a couple of SCC’s removed recently on my face (one in December, one in February) – and my dermatologist recommended a sunscreen called
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica (it’s a Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Zinc Oxide) designed for actinic damage. I’ve been putting it on every day, but I notice that it seems to leave a white cast on my face. I’m VERY fair to begin with, and it makes me look like a ghost. Does the EltaMD do the same thing? I also wanted to ask you about the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen., In your opinion, would that one be sufficient to wear if I’m just staying inside all day, or walking the dogs on a cloudy overcast day and wearing an SPF 50 wide brimmed hat? Also with summer coming up, what sunscreen do you recommend for arms? (I probably wouldn’t need it anywhere else, as I always wear jeans, socks and gym shoes, even in summer – and I never go to the beach or swim.). Just looking for the perfect sunscreen for face, neck and arms/hands. Thanks for any suggestions!
Hi Sheila – I love EltaMD for that reason…the kinds I’ve used from that brand don’t leave any kind of white tinge or white residue. I definitely think the unseen sunscreen would be a great all-purpose daily sunscreen (that’s how I use it – and I love the texture and feel of it). I use EltaMD for my arms and legs.
Thank you for putting your story out there for the world. As I sit in my office crying that I will never look the same your pictures brought me some relief. I am on day 4 post op. Still lots of swelling and a little black and blue. I have to work tomorrow and I think knowing I will get lots of questions has me in a none stop crying fit. This is one time I will be thankful to wear a mask…..Tammy
After reading your skin care journey, I encouraged my 35-year-old, red-headed husband to go for another skin checkup, since it’s been a few years. It turns out that his peeling forehead was due to precancerous conditions. So a thank you. He’s since been treated and will go for checkups more regularly now. Thanks for sharing your journey along with your delicious recipes.
I was diagnosed with melanoma 9 years ago. It’s been a journey. I appreciate all that you’ve recommended to your readers. One very, very important thing that I wish I had known and started years ago in my shielding from the sun, is the importance of vitamin D. Truly. It is hugely important for health. I’m now dealing with other health issues because of my very low vitamin D levels. So, if you are going to be pushing sunscreen and skin protection, please also post about vitamin D and how critical it is for health it’s health benefits. Thank you.
Please do not recommend trucker hats with the mesh back as a form of sun protection. I was just diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on the back, top of my head, exactly where the mesh is. I was with my doctor today, scheduling my procedure for Tuesday to hopefully get all the cancer out with clean margins. I brought one to ask her about it because I have a ton of them that I love. She told me to stop wearing them as they are zero protection from sun where the mesh is. Thank you for sharing your story, but I would rather have people know those hats do not protect the full head.
Add me to the list of people who went to the dermatologist after your story. Squamous cell carcinoma for me. I’m in to hats and long sleeve swim shirts of dorkiness, too. 🙂
Wisconsin misses you!
You should also check Lands End for the great swim rash guard shirts and skirted leggings for women UV50. Their products are guaranteed and there are often promos for products, too.
Costco carries UV broadbrimmed hats for women every spring and summer that are very affordable and again, the Costco guarantee!
Thanks for the recommendations, Susan!
Also…do you use makeup to cover your scars? If so what kind has worked best for you?
I just use a little powder (I use pur brand) but that’s it. I use a toner on my face along with a moisturizing serum and then a sunscreen moisturizer…then powder and sometimes a little blush. It doesn’t mask the scar completely but it helps even out my skin tone/spots.
Our blonde, blue eye grandson rogues potatoes in the summer, that means 8-12 hours everyday walking potato fields in the sun.. Blue Lizard is the best sunscreen we have found for him to prevent sun burn. I highly recommend it for anyone who has to be in the sun all summer.
Thanks, Michele! Makes me feel better about using that sunscreen on my kiddos. Also, miss you!
Hi, I was wondering is you would share who your Dermatologist is?
I really enjoy your blog. Some of our favorite family recipes have come from you:)
Hi Jeana – my dermatologist is Dr. Owsley at Comprehensive Dermatology (in Nampa).
Thanks Mel for sharing your story, it helps to be more vigilant and aware about our bodies. I hardly use sun screen on my girls and after reading here ill make more effort. Prevention is better than cure. Stay blessed. Lots of love all the way from RSA.
Thank you! 🙂
I found your blog when I was preparing for MOHS on my temple. I SO appreciated your account, it helped me feel calmer about my own procedure. 37 stitches later and a cool “7” shaped scar leftover, I am determined to make sure my kids are as protected as possible.
I bought a few of the Trader Joes sunscreen stickes (like little deoderants) and stash them everywhere so it’s easy to swipe a nose or neck if we’re out.
Also! I’ve now made dozens of your recipes and loved them all, so i think there was an aditional happy outcome!
I haven’t seen sunscreen at TJ’s – will definitely look next time! Thanks, Becky! And good luck with your continued healing. I bet your scar looks pretty awesome. 🙂
I love those zinc sunscreen sticks from Trader Joe’s. They make it so easy to get around my kids eyes without getting in them. My husband got one in a goodie bag from a bicycle fundraiser he rode in and I’m hooked, the sunscreen is a little thick and sticky but works great for a day at the pool or working in the yard. Love your story Mel, I had a diagnosis of colon cancer a few years ago that was thankfully fully resolved with surgery but it sure changes your perspective on life, especially when you have little kids!
One more note, my oncologist is very opposed to chemical sunscreen so I’m glad you have such a large audience to influence toward mineral sunscreens.
Since Cam’s cute hat probably doesn’t come in my size, I’m wondering whether any of your sun hats fit when you have your hair in a ponytail?
Check on Amazon, that hat does come in adult sizes!
Hey Kami – looks like the hat does come in adult sizes. (Thanks, Kendra!) the hats I have aren’t great for ponytails…if I have one in, I usually take it in and lower it down to the nape of my neck and then the hats are fine.
Have you had any issues Elta MD sunscreen from amazon? I looked into as I got it as gift and wanted more but the Elta MD website said only authorized dealers guarantee the product is not counterfeit or out of date and gave me a “provider search” for the product. None in my area :/
They also have a list of unauthorized dealers and all the online shops including amazon are on the list of unauthorized dealers… just curious if you have ever got some that seemed off, out of date, or didn’t have batch number or date stamped on the bottom?
Interesting, Laura! I haven’t had any issues ordering from Amazon but that’s definitely something to look into. My dermatologist’s office sells it as well…I’m out of town but when I get back home, I’m going to have to look at what I’ve bought from Amazon. It’s worked great in terms of sunscreen for us (effective and good quality)
The first recipe I made of yours was creamy white chicken chili, about 8 years ago. You’ve become a friend in my head. You taught me how to make the most amazing breads ! I think you are beautiful, that little tiny scar is nothing, your gorgeous, girl !
Thank you so much, Gigi! You are so sweet.
Thank you for responding!!
I ended up having my family who lives where they can buy it from a doctor, buy it and ship it to me. But if I could just go amazon it would be cheaper!! But I’m scared that I would get a counterfeit and get burned! Glad to hear you haven’t had any issues. I may give it a shot next time.
I made your Chicken & Shrimp Coconut Curry recipe several years ago (I even adapted it on my own blog) and I came to see if your blog was still around. I’m so happy to see that it is!
And, oh my goodness. I’m so glad you’re okay. My husband had melanoma removed from his back (and he downplayed the severity of it–men!) I admire your tenacity and willingness to educate on sunscreen. Yes, mineral sunscreen is the way to go for sunscreen safety.
We use Beautycounter mineral sunscreen here. I joined as a consultant because I am very passionate about safer ingredients, and I trust the brand. I’d be more than happy to send a sample of the mineral sunscreen your way.
Thank you, Lisette! I’ve had a lot of offers for beauty counter products – I appreciate it!
You look beautiful. Thank you for posting the update. I read a blog where the lady posted about her masectomy with pictures. Very informative. It is called the weight of my weight.
Interesting, Michelle – what a brave, brave woman!
Having my nose Mohs surgery on Tuesday. Am a bit anxious, but am confident all will work out. I have been using the Elta MD SPF 46. I truly do love it. I don’t mind putting it on each morning. I bought Babyganics sunscreen for my 18 month old grandson. I like it and he doesn’t seem to mind.
Thanks for all your posts about skincancer. Such valuable information.
Good luck on Tuesday, Elaine! I will be thinking of you – please send me an update when you can!
Thank you for reminding me of the need for sun protection. You are a beautiful woman inside and out. Please write a review on your new jacket. If I may ask, what size jacket did you order? We are about the same built and could definitely benefit from a jacket like this. Thanks for always be honest about life and the great recipes.
Hi Lynn! I wasn’t quite sure what size to order, but I went with a medium. I’d rather have it slightly loose than too tight. I’ll keep you posted with what I think about it!
I just ordered the Elta sunscreen, even though the price tag was a little painful! I need to be diligent. Just curious – how long does a bottle last you?
A really long time! I always check the expiration because the bottles last a really long time (definitely more than one summer season – but that may be because I rotate through several different kinds of sunscreen).
Thank you so much, Mel, for giving all of us a great lesson in how to be thankful for our health and all the many blessings the Good Lord does give us, instead of complaining about what we don’t have. I can’t imagine the courage you had to have and the sleepless nights you spent worrying, not only about yourself, but about your children! I think you look BEAUTIFUL!! Before AND after! You have saved many people with your article, I am sure of that. Saved not only their faces and other body parts, but maybe their very lives, also. Thank you so very much for baring your soul and your face, with no vanity or pride stopping you, and showing the hard surgery you went through, I can imagine and understand the panic that must have rising in you each time the dr came back and had to cut more. As difficult as it must have been to put your private life and health out there for all to see, I know God will bless you many times over for your selflessness and generosity in truly wanting to help others! I have always loved your recipes and enjoyed them so much. It’s so nice to know that the person behind them is such a loving, giving and caring person! It makes it so easy to love you too! You and your family will be in my prayers and I look forward with faith to a good report on your toe! God bless and keep you and your family!
All the very best,
Lynn
Oh Lynn, you are just the sweetest. Truly. Thanks for your kind and sincere words.
I’m glad you updated us Mel! You do look amazing! I totally get how you feel though, I have a scare in between my eyes from an accident as a kid and when I was younger it didn’t bother me, but know that my skin is having some affects of age it looks deeper and more noticeable. I hate it, but I’ve realized almost everyone else doesn’t even notice it. You are beautiful and I’m so glad you’ve healed as well as you have!
I’ve been using the Blue Lizard for my kids faces since you posted about it last time and I love it!
I have a question about the swim tights, I really want to get some! Do you wear them alone or do you have to wear a swim bottom underneath to keep your bum from showing through too much? And I hate wearing swim suits with my mom belly, but I totally just ordered that suit from Target!
I’m glad for all of your recommendations! I am a red head with super fair skin and I burn SO easily, its ridiculous. I am very careful now and still always manage to get a burn once or twice a year when I’m not expecting it. (Like standing outside taking to my neighbor in the Spring) I had some awful burns on my face as a kid so I wont be surprised a bit if skin cancer shows up in my life. I’ve had such bad burns I’ve even started to convince myself that is wha’t going to kill me someday! I appreciate all you’re sharing! Thanks Mel!
Hey Josie! Oh my goodness, I hear you about those innocent spring chats with neighbors or friends on the front sidewalk and the sun is beating down and before I know it the tops of my feet and nose are burned. Ugh! For the swim tights, the ones from Coolibar have a double lining (at least the ones I bought a few years ago) so you *probably* could get away with wearing them without a swimsuit/swim bottoms underneath but I always wear swim bottoms with them. Makes me feel a little safer. Haha. Hope you love that target swim suit! It’s dreamy!
I really appreciated your post about your experience. It made me get what I thought was just a benign cyst that was between my eye and nose checked. Yep, it was basal cell carcinoma and required Mohs surgery. So, I thank you very much for inspiring me to get it checked and taken care of before it became worse.
So glad you were able to get in figure out what was going on. I’m so glad you decided to see your doctor about it, Derelys!
You are focused on the scar, we just see a pretty face!
You are sweet. Thank you, Debbie!
Do you have any recommendations for a spray sunscreen with a mineral base? I recently read the chemicals can make it in your breastmilk so I’m more motivated to switch brands! Thanks!!
Hey Lucy – that’s my ongoing search! I haven’t found a spray sunscreen that is mineral based. I’ve also read some reviews on spray sunscreens that have made me nervous about spray sunscreens not being great for lungs as it is breathed in? I need to do some more research on that.
Thanks for the recommendations! My kids and I have been using Blue Lizard Face since you recommended it last time but I only just realized it doesn’t say water resistant like some of the others. Have you tried the new Blue Lizard Kids? I’m wondering how it compares.
Hey Jennifer – I haven’t tried the specific Blue Lizard kids line…but I was pretty sure the sport variety of Blue Lizard was water resistant. I’m going to have to go check on that.
The Sport one is, but the Face one isn’t. I’ll try the kids and report back. 🙂
Thank you Mel for the testimony and all the links to products. I also had skin cancer in 2016 on my right cheek. I originally thought it was a age spot (I just turned 60), but it turned out to be cancer. The original diagnosis stated they would remove one day and stitch the next; however, testing revealed a larger margin needed to be taken. By the time this occurred, closing required a plastic surgeon. Thank goodness for wrinkles, lol. My right check was replaced with the skin from my neck, called a flap. I avoid sun and always wear sunscreen now.
Oh my goodness, Susan! You are amazing. That had to be a very frightening experience for you! It sounds like you are recovering well…and your attitude is inspiring!
Thanks for sharing! I need to order that Elta sunscreen and get a hat pronto. Thanks to your post years ago, I’ve made it a point to go to the dermatologist yearly. Your kids will thank you when they’re older about your “obsession”.
Your face is beautiful and I don’t even notice the scarring. I hope and pray everything goes okay with the spot on your foot!❤️
Thank you, Jennifer! I bet you’ll love that elta sunscreen. It’s amazing.
Mel, I feel I have to address your comment about covering up now not protecting you in the future. As a 67 year old woman who had her first skin cancer (basil) at 30 I’ve been covering up for a long time, as well as using sunscreen before all my friends. I went through years where I had numerous more cancers taken off through various methods but it’s almost as if I’ve outlived all the damage that I did in my youth. Now I’m reaping the benefits of covering up all those subsequent years. So, keep at it and thanks for another netsite to shop for hats! Don’t forget San Diego Hat Company – they carry a lot of sunhats and I can attest to how well made they are.
Thank you for the reminder, Sue! Great perspective! And thanks for the recommendation on those hats!
Thanks Mel for keeping us healthy. It’s good to buy products from a trusted friend’s recommendation. Thanks for bringing awareness to your readers about being careful and also not to be critical of others, I’m guilty of wondering why someone would use long sleeves in the summer but I won’t anymore. Thanks!!
Thank you, Jocy!
Thank you for your sharing your journey with us. We have a family farm and all of us have seen way too much sun exposure in the past and are now taking aggressive action to prevent any additional skin damage. Thanks to a great dermatologist in Boise (and tubes of sunscreen in every tractor!) we are mindful of the dangers of excessive sun exposure. By the way, I love the furry paw and leg that shows up in a couple of your photos? Golden retriever?
Yep, that’s Maggie, our faithful golden retriever. 🙂
Hi Mel, I read your story and if you want information on a product that will be of great value to you about cancer, skin cancer you can email me directly. I do not sell the product I just take it and the testimonies are outstanding. Stay well…….you are so beautiful inside and out! Pamela
Thanks, Pamela! What’s the product called?
Good heavens! I am covered with spots and freckles and moles. How would one ever know if something were a problem with all this going on? Fortunately, I get checked every 6 months by someone much wiser than I–and who can see areas of me that I can not. Sometimes I wonder if that is enough!
I think that’s enough, Beth! I’m covered in miles and freckles too. That’s why I’m grateful for a good dermatologist and also I try to notice if any of them are changing shape or color.
Thanks for these tips! I have that Target romper suit and am bonkers about it too. Glad you’ve healed well!
Glad we have the same taste, Alisha!
Like so many others, I’ve appreciated your forthright perspective about skin cancer. In the past 3 years, I’ve had Moh’s Surgery for carcinoma and Slow Moh’s (can you believe it’s called that, ha!) for melanoma on my face. I’m still at the afraid-to-be-outside phase! Since this is a supportive and open community, I’ll add that my dermatologist insisted that I be checked for melanoma on my eyes (interocular melanoma) at my next eye exam, and during my next OB GYN exam for vaginal melanoma (rare, but happens).
Great feedback, Susan! I feel like being educated about the prevention is very important. I haven’t heard of slow Mohs. Good luck with all of that! It’s not a fun journey for sure, but I’ve had to really seek for balance of being concerned and precautious but not so paranoid I never leave my house. It’s hard!
I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I’ve never noticed your scar.
Thanks, Diana, it covers up pretty well with makeup
Thank you for your picture-you are beautiful by the way! I understand how you feel about your face-I got shingles and guess where-right on the left side of head and face. Everything swelled especially my nose. It took a long time for my nose not to feel numb. I had to go to the eye doctor to make sure shingles weren’t in my eye. You gave so much information; thank you for your time and to be brave to post your (beautiful!) face in all it’s stages! Have a safe and wonderful summer with your family!
Thank you, Kathy! I’m so sorry about shingles. That sounds painful and I’m sure it was pretty awful for you. I hope you are healing well!
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m 37 and thought I was too young to have skin cancer already. But sadly I ended up having MOHS for basal cell carcinomas on 2 places on my face this year. I am now super paranoid about the sun and really appreciate the tips you’ve shared. Thank you for sharing your journey. It helps to know others have gone through similar experiences. I love your blog and I’ve been enjoying your recipes for years.
Hello, Mel. Been one of your fans for years, Thanks for the update and advice. I too, had to have surgery due to too much sun as a kid.
I am glad you are telling others to take precautions. This is important info.
Gord
Thanks, Gord!
I never would’ve noticed your nose if you hadn’t pointed it out. I have had a few friends with facial scars that have had a lot of success using a derma roller and serums. Maybe ask your dermatologist about that if you are looking for something else to use. I don’t know the brand name, but the rollers have small needles that just pierce the skin (no pain or blood) that help products to be absorbed more and help with scar tissue.
Thanks, Emily! Great suggestion!
I wasn’t going to comment. The main reason being that I know you do what you feel you need to for you and your kids, but I just kept thinking about it and then I thought you are always reaching out wanting to hear others opinions, advice, and perspectives. Which is awesome because I am a big believer of hearing others perspectives and you never know when you might hear that one thing you needed to hear or that one thing that reinforces what you are choosing to do!
For starters, I am so happy for you that you were able to catch the basal cell and get it taken care of. I too had basal cell on my face right by nose, on my cheek. I was also blessed with a good surgeon who did a great job. I hope all works out with your toe!
However I have to ask, if you are daily covering up you and your kids, what do you do for your vitamin D?? Supplements are definitely not sufficient and there are only 9 or so foods that vitamin D naturally occur in. Most of which are fish and only 1 of which is plant based–mushrooms. I know there are foods that fortify with vitamin D, but they can’t truly replicate the true, wonderful, free source that the Lord created for us–the sun!! It is by far the best, most natural source of Vitamin D we have! We need the sun! Do we need to be getting first/second/third degree burns from it in the heat of the day? Of course not! There is definitely a time and place for natural sunscreen. However our bodies were created to work perfectly with the sun to convert its light into the vital vitamin D it needs when it hits the skin. It’s incredible how it works, if only we could create our own food with it likes plants do
I found this article very insightful and on track with what my instincts had already been telling me:
https://www.outsideonline.com/2380751/sunscreen-sun-exposure-skin-cancer-science
I love your blog and refer to it often when I need a recipe. I also have gotten some of your games that we have enjoyed and I love your Friday thoughts, one main reason is because of the comments and hearing others perspectives and what has worked for them which is really what it is all about. Finding what works for us. I love the quote “do the best you can with what you know and when you know better, do better” which is what I think others can gain from your blog and the community of followers you have built. Keep on living your passion and sharing your god given talent and gift!
Thanks, Holly! Love hearing everyone’s perspectives and thanks for sharing that article. I think it’s a well made point about the vitamin D. For my family, my kids don’t wear sunscreen 24/7. When they go outside for recess at school, for instance, they aren’t covered up. Same if they are going outside to shoot hoops for a couple minutes or play on the swing set so I feel like they get plenty of natural vitamin D from the sun…and then for prolonged sun exposure, it’s all about sunscreen and hats because sunburns are never worth it, in my opinion (even though we don’t avoid them completely thanks to teenagers who can’t be forced to do anything, ha). Appreciate the comment!
I use an app called dminder that totally helps. It tells me the UV rating for my town that day and how long I can be out. If the UV is 1 or 2 I am ok without sunscreen but any higher then I put it on. It helps because I used to think ‘oh, it’s not that hot’ and skip it. It’s not about temperature! Also it tracks vitamin d and tells me if I am even getting any. (It’s not just any time the sun is out). This is super important to me because I have a couple kids with serious depression and vitamin d makes a difference
That is really cool Lauren! I will definitely check the app out! Thank you for the info!
That’s really cool – thanks for sharing, Lauren!
I’m glad to find non-chemical sunscreen. Thanks. How often do you re-apply if your day is in and out of the house, driving kids around, errands etc. I’m not used to wearing sunscreen and I’ve developed vitiligo. YUK. The patches look extra white if my skin has tanned at all.
I’m 75 yrs old and need to take better care of my lower legs and arms. Thank for your information.
Jane
Hi Jane, I apply sunscreen moisturizer to my face every morning when getting ready and then reapply if I have prolonged sun exposure during the day. It’s more a feeling when I know that I’ve been in the sun enough to put more on (on my face and/or arms and legs). I need a small tube in my purse and in the car for when I’m out and about.
I love that you share these things! I have become a lot more fond of hats as I’ve become older, and I’ll definitely be checking out those sunscreen recommendations. After going through a cancer experience that we 100% could NOT have prevented, it seems silly not to prevent in whatever ways we can the cancers we do have some control over. Thanks for sharing your journey! You look beautiful.
Such a great point about prevention, Vicky! I agree with you 100%!
Checking ingredients and using a safe sunscreen with non-toxic ingredients is so important. Use EWG’s app Healthy Living, check their approved sunscreen list for this year – they’re helping to take the guess work out of it for us all!
I personally use Beautycounter for myself and family. I can trust in the clean, well sourced high-end ingredients and love that’s it’s not sticky or pasty white. They even have a tinted sunscreen to help with the start of summer white bod!
Look for a mineral based non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen that is reef safe. We want to protect ourselves AND our oceans!
Thanks for the suggestions, Jenny!
Unfortunately, protection from the sun and especially from serious sunburns happens much more frequently AFTER a person has a skin cancer. I let a atypical skin lesion grow
for at least 6 months because I thought it was “just a wart”. Turns out it was a squamous
cell skin cancer. Just had sutures removed yesterday and made a 6 month return appointment. I hope and pray that all will be fine. But I wonder how many people will take
heed
. Your surgeon did a beautiful job. You look lovely. Keep spreading the word.
We have a swimming pool and I keep sunscreen on a patio shelf but as you know, to be most effective it should be applied hours before swimming, especially since putting it on and hopping in the pool tends to wash it off.
I’ve heard of people that had a melanoma on the bottom of their foot (and other private places). I’ve found too that even dermatologists tend to place the responsibility to really inspect your body to the patient. We should take responsibility but education is important.
Such great points, Judy! My sister had a deep melanoma removed on her upper leg that had hardly ever seen the sun. It’s really important to know our bodies and look for changes/identify concerns. I hope your future checkups come back clean; good luck with your recovery. I’m so glad you made it in to get that lesion checked out.
Thank you for sharing! Always love your recommendations. I often feel like I’m the over kill one with sunscreen on my kids/me (though I aspire to be in your level) and this just motivates me more. Do you put it on your kids before they go to school? Long live hats, who wants a sunburned part/ears?! So glad you continue to heal and you’re using your experience for good. Love all you have to say on everything, ever. Hah.
Hi Amanda, I mentioned this in a comment above but I don’t put sunscreen on my kids before school unless they are having a special outside PE day or something because I want them to get some of that beneficial vitamin D. But for all prolonged sun exposure, it’s sunscreen and hats all the way for us because I don’t feel any sunburn is worth getting vitamins for.
Thank you for sharing your story and all the info on sunscreen & clothing you like. I’m always looking for good sun proof clothing and sunscreens so I appreciate good recommendations. So glad your doing well.
Thanks, Laurie!
Mel,
I first came to your blog for the food, but was very touched by your skin cancer journey. Of all things, I had read your posts about the cancer about a year prior to receiving a melanoma diagnosis. Your journey helped me considerably, as I had to adjust to the “new normal.” I hope everything goes well with removing the spot from your foot, if that’s the route your doctor takes. Fortunately, the Cancer Center where I initially was treated referred me to a dermatologist who has melanoma as a specialty, and she is VERY aggressive and thorough. I get checked every 3 months, and have had one additional positive melanoma diagnosis to date. I appreciate you continuing to inform and educate others with your journey, and thank you for your recommendations (and recipes)!
Christine, I’m SO grateful you have a dermatologist perfect for treating your melanoma. It’s such a relief when you know you are well taken care of that way. Good luck to you! You are right, it really is just a new normal but I’m finding it’s doable even though some of the lifestyle changes aren’t necessarily mainstream.
My husband would tell you I am borderline obsessed with my daughter and her sunscreen/hat wearing too. I figure I’m not going to ruin her skin for her. I know she’ll have all the opportunity to succumb to the tanning bug, but while she has no control over it, I’m going to make sure I don’t screw things up for her 🙂
Thanks for the recommendations and sharing your story!!
So true, Alyssa! I’m finding I’ve lost much of that control with my teenagers. They are *mostly* good about wearing sunscreen/hats but I definitely can’t make them wear it like I could when they were toddlers!
Thanks for sharing, your story is very similar to mine. I should have started wearing the upf clothing much sooner, but better late than never. I’m convinced that sunscreen is important, but it’s not enough. Best of luck to you, continue your vigilance! You look fantastic 🙂 .
Better late than never is right, Deb!
I have got so many tabs open right now with all your recommendations! I’m curious, do you reapply throughout the day? I always put my sunscreen on in the morning, then my makeup, and don’t end up reapplying because I don’t want to wash off all my make up and start over. How do you do it?
That’s a great question, Marci! I put on facial sunscreen every morning when getting ready and then I reapply if I have prolonged sun exposure that day or I’m doing a lot of driving with the sun coming in the window. I don’t wear a ton of makeup, just a little powder; when I reapply sunscreen to my face, I just dot a little more powder on and call it good.
I found the solution!! Supergoop makes Setting Mist that works amazing! Doesn’t ruin my makeup one bit! Also I got their mineral sunscreen and nearly cried. It is perfection and my face loves it. Bless you for these suggestions!!!
Mel thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully you will inspire many people to take care of themselves in the sun. You look fantastic. Health makes one very rich.
Thanks so much, Susan. Well said about good health.
Wear many hats from Wallaroo. I have worn a hat from Solumbra too. SPF shirts from LLBean and Landsend. Also I daily use a sunscreen from EltaMD uv facial or from Cotz Face. Both are excellent. Fortunately I have never had any skin cancer but am super cautious in the sun.
Thanks, Susan!
you look lovely, Mel, and I concur with the others–no one would notice if you had not pointed it out. Thank you for the warnings on skin cancer and so very happy you had a success story with yours!
Thank you, Karen!
Thank you for writing this! I’m super cautious about sun exposure, and we ALWAYS put sunscreen on ourselves and our kiddos. (My cousin had skin cancer, so we are always really careful.) And I frequently wear long sleeves in the summer. This makes me feel like I’m not totally crazy. 😉 God bless you and your family!
Thank you, Christine! Good for you for taking those precautions early!
You look great and the recovery is amazing. No one would even notice anything, if you didn’t point it out to us on here. Thankful for the health you have now and the goodness of the Lord to help all heal so beautifully. Thank you for serving others and your family in so many ways. Not everyone has the courage, time or commitment to share their lives with others.
Rebecca said it so well! You look beautiful, and your story reminds me to be more vigilant with my family, as my husband just has pre-cancerous tissue removed from his nose. Your recommendations are appreciated and help me feel better about investing in our protection. Jesus loves you!
Thank you so much, Rebecca and Jennifer!