Wednesday Wellness | Is skin cancer lurking in your future? How to still achieve that perfect glow
Hello my darlings!
Is it just me or has this week just slowly creeped by? Somehow we’ve made it to the middle though, which means it’s Wellness Wednesday. This week, with the sun shining bright, we’re talking the dangers of those UVA’s and UVB’s you may or may not be so fond of. Back in my young years, I loved me some good ol’ crisping in the sun – or the tanning booth- depending on the season. Now I absolutely cringe thinking about the damage I soaked up along with that tan I thought I so badly needed. Uh hello – skin cancer souffle!
I don’t want to sound like scary Sally but we never know what life might throw at us down the road. Did you know your immune system lives and breathes in your skin? With my transplant patients, skin cancers were the number one form of cancer we saw in their aftercare and years following their transplant. When you’re immunosuppressed, you lose the ability to fight off certain infections and diseases. This also means historical diseases or in this case, sun damage, may come to surface. I cannot stress the importance of daily sunscreen, even if you’re not out lounging by the pool.
We tend to think we are invincible, especially in our young years, until we find ourselves knocked on our behinds – but let me tell you – the gift of health is precious and should be regarded as such. Did you know one person dies from melanoma every hour? An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer within the course of their lifetime (JAMA, 2005). So – with those frightening statistics – I stick with my paleness and embrace an occasional self-tanner! But before we jump into those, I want to encourage you all to not only self-check your skin regularly and seek medical advice for any suspicious looking moles or changes in your skin, but to also see a dermatologist at least once a year – especially if you have had lengthy sun/UV exposure/blistering burns in the past. Not sure what questionable moles look like? You can generally use the “ABCDE” rule or consult a physician if you’re unsure.
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
- B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
- E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Now, let’s talk a sun-less tan. Did you know I’ve never actually gotten a spray tan? Weird, right? Even more weird, I’ve never used a self-tanner. Growing up I had friends who had them done and looked like a zebra or seriously looked orange, hence my fear. Then I came across this incredible find – Say Hello to Sexy Legs and fell in love because it washes off, like lotion! When applying Hello Sexy Legs, the gel doesn’t stain your hands and doesn’t leave you feeling sticky either. Guys – I’m pleased as punch! They also have a wonderful highlighter, weekender set, and contour stick. You can find their website here for more information.
If you didn’t catch last week’s Wednesday Wellness topic – trot back here.
Photography by Megan Weaver
Reference:
Robinson, JK. Sun exposure, sun protection, and vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294:1541-43
August 9, 2017 @ 12:23 pm
This is such an important post. I get checked every year and so does the rest of my family, but I don’t think many people are as serious about it when they should be!
August 9, 2017 @ 12:44 pm
Wow! Good glow. Also, I LOVE your earrings and outfit! Beautiful 🙂
August 9, 2017 @ 12:52 pm
This is fantastic information. I’m so glad we’re moving away from tanning and accepting spray tans. My family has a serious history with skin cancer, and it’s so important to be aware of the signs. Thank you so much for sharing this post.
P.S. You look gorgeous!! Your accessories are amazing!
August 9, 2017 @ 5:55 pm
I have quite a few moles on me and I do worry that they will change etc. Sometimes I worry that I am worrying too much, but can’t take it too lightly right? Thanks for writing a post about this and bringing it to more people’s attention.
August 11, 2017 @ 1:34 pm
Great to bring attention to this important subject, skincare is something we need to think about at every age. I’m loving that white outfit with the pops of color too!
August 11, 2017 @ 1:35 pm
Thank you for the acronym that’s super helpful!
August 11, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
Great post and super informative not to mention how awesome your outfit looks especially the earrings. Thanks for bring light to such a serious issue.
August 11, 2017 @ 2:13 pm
Such an important post! Your pictures are beautiful, they really make your page pop!
August 11, 2017 @ 3:29 pm
Such an important post! You’re really glowing! And I love your outfit!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
August 12, 2017 @ 1:15 am
These are really great ways to help pinpoint any potential trouble! Thanks for the reminders and I absolutely love your outfit 😉
August 12, 2017 @ 9:09 am
Skin cancer runs in my family, so I’m always on the lookout for it. I’ve never been able to tan, although I’m a true Floridian in the fact that we know how to avoid the sun for the most part! I either don’t go out or lather on the sunscreen!
August 12, 2017 @ 1:48 pm
I love the idea of a self-tanner that washes off! I think every bit of awareness helps when it comes to caring for our health, but it is nice to have all these new options when it comes to a safe tan. Also I love all the bright colors of your accessories!!
August 13, 2017 @ 4:28 pm
Your skin looks glowing! Ill have to try this stuff! Also, thanks for the tips Ill have to keep the abcde rule in mind!
XO-Lisa
http://www.thatssodarling.com
August 14, 2017 @ 1:28 am
This is such an important post! I had a basil cell carcinoma removed from the bridge of my nose when I was just 23. I can still remember the sound of the surgeons knife cutting open my skin and then sewing it back up (luckily I couldn’t feel a thing and the scar was very minimal). I have worn sunscreen and a hat every day since!
Lisa
http://www.prettylittleshoppers.com
August 14, 2017 @ 9:00 am
Yes skincare is very important and I always stress this to my beauty readers. It’s amazing how much people don’t think of spf in their skincare needs either. Thanks for bringing more awareness with your post you shared even more valuable information????????
August 14, 2017 @ 11:20 am
Love the entire outfit. The fringe earrings are beautiful. Self tanners are great. I use them a few times a year when I feel like I need more of a glow.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
August 15, 2017 @ 7:53 pm
Such an important post! I also loooove the clutch, it’s so beautiful!
August 16, 2017 @ 2:12 am
I am so happy to have you discuss this. I used to work for The American Cancer Society – so this is near and dear to me! I also love that tinted glow gel!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
August 16, 2017 @ 7:05 am
Such important info! Thank you so much for the reminder! And gorgeous photos!! 🙂
August 17, 2017 @ 12:32 am
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