THE SUN GODDESS
Growing up I never really knew how damaging the sun could really be. I would lay out by the pool or at the beach with my friends, practically pouring suntan oil all over, hoping for that perfect tan. Any time I would visit my grandparents in Florida during the school year, I would make sure that I came home with the quintessential “vacation tan”. I would break out the light colored clothing for the first day back from break so that my suntanned face and body looked that much darker. I’d whine when I would prematurely peel.
REALITY CHECK
Fast forward to today and it is a world of difference. I don’t think twice before making sure I’ve properly armed my body with sunscreen before leaving the house. I live in the land of sunshine (for the most part) and even taking a quick ride in the car to run errands exposes myself to the sun. I cannot avoid it, and it is not by any stretch of the imagination, my friend.
SUNSCREEN TIME
When I was younger, I would apply sunscreen once in the morning and then never reapply. I may as well have not applied at all. Did you know that you need to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and then based on the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of your sunscreen is the timeframe with which to reapply? 2 tablespoons of sunscreen should do the trick.
Reapply every few hours, every hour would be ideal. If you are in and out of the pool or ocean or sweating, I’d reapply much more frequently.
Below are some of my picks when it comes to sunscreen. Click on each image to learn more or to purchase them! They are affiliate links, which do not cost you anything but does help support this blog!
GUIDELINES FOR SUN SAFETY
Sunscreen usage is one of a few important steps you can take to prevent skin cancer. Others include:
- Cover up in clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
- Stay in the shade.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Look for changes in your skin – especially moles. If they change in size or color, call your dermatologist for an appointment.
- Cloudy days don’t mean that you won’t encounter sun exposure – apply sunscreen regardless.
IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW
Here are some interesting facts about skin cancer, as taken from Skin Cancer Foundation website:
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
- There are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined.
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
Those facts are a bit daunting, right? The most important thing that you can do is visit a dermatologist every year for a “well visit”. To take 30 minutes out of your year and confirm you are healthy, or if there is something found, to take care of it immediately is so worth it.
PREP RECOMMENDATIONS
Don’t wear makeup to your appointment, but if you have to (your appointment is in the middle or end of the work day) take it off before the examination.
Bring with you a list of all products you use on your skin to discuss with the doctor.
Don’t be afraid to break out that notepad and pen to write down key things your doctor is explaining to you.
Ask a lot of questions! This is your time to get the answers you need. Below are questions that I always ask.
- What products should I use on a daily basis for my skin type? Are the products that I am currently using OK for my skin type?
- What causes acne?
- How do I prevent skin cancer? What are some of the signs and how frequently should I have my skin checked?
- What’s the best sunscreen to wear?
- What can I add to my diet to help my skin?
- Can I still use the products I have at home in conjunction with what you are prescribing?
- Is it OK to have sun exposure if I am using this cream/medication?
- What are the latest anti-aging procedures and products available?
- Are there supplements that I can take to help my skin?
I hope you’ve already visited a dermatologist but if you haven’t, here’s basically what transpires:
You take off all of your clothing except for your bra and underwear. Some doctors do offer to check your nether regions too, and that is entirely up to you. The doctor comes in and slowly scans every section of your body, looking for moles that could be precancerous or cancerous. He or she checks your scalp, your armpits – everywhere. It seems a bit awkward at first – you’re standing there with only a fabulous paper or cloth robe on – but before you know it, the exam portion is completed. If by chance the doctor does find a mole that looks iffy, he or she will remove it to have it biopsied. Then you will learn about different products that the doctor may offer you – this is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have.
Ashley says
I am so pale that I always wear sunscreen. I still normally tint a tad even when I wear sunscreen, but I know I won’t burn or get skin cancer if I take the right percautions.
Dana says
So true that the lighter the skin the easier it is to burn. What is your favorite sunscreen to use?
Joules (from Pocketful of Joules) says
Great tips! I was a sun worshiper/swim team swimmer as a kid and now I try to protect myself as much as possible. =)
Dana says
Thank you Joules! I’m glad you protect your skin now! I feel like it wasn’t pushed much when we were younger, but anything you can do now is great!
Trisha says
I love this! I was badly burned by the sun when I was younger and have to see the dermatologist every year since then. It’s so important to stayed covered up. Even if it’s hot and bothersome.
Dana says
Thanks Trisha! I hate covering up because I get so hot, but when you look at what could be if you don’t cover up – it’s worth it!
Kelsie says
These are great tips! I love the sun and sometimes am not as generous as I should be with my sunscreen!
Dana says
I’m the same way Kelsie. Growing up (even till right before my boys were born) I didn’t know that I would need to apply as much sunscreen as they recommend. I would tab a bit on and that was all.
Alison @ Puppies & Pretties says
These are great tips! I have gotten better at using sunscreen, but could still improve.
Dana says
Thanks you Alison! I feel like I need to put a timer on to go off when I need to reapply. LOL
Allison Jones says
I’ve never burned, but I still wear sunblock daily! It’s so important. These are great pointers.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Dana says
Thanks Allison! However beautiful the sun makes our day, it can seriously damage our skin!
Angie Scheie says
Interesting timing on this post! I just had 5 suspicious moles removed, and am waiting for the results. As a fair skinned redhead who had her first basal cell carcinoma removed at 24, I go every 6 months. I play a lot of beach volleyball and I still need to be much better at reapplying and the other tips you gave. Although Sun Bum is my far my favorite sunblock!
Dana says
Good luck with the results of your mole testing Angie! Sun Bum is great sunscreen!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I never, ever use sunblock. Ever. I like to get an awesome tan.
Dana says
Just be careful! You know you can get a tan even using sunscreen, right?
Melisa says
Yes! I always appreciate a good sunscreen reminder. I’m a super pale girl, so I’ve always slathered on sunscreen. The effects of the sun on unprotected skin are too scary!
Dana says
I completely agree with you Melisa – the sun is so terrible for our skin. What is your go-to sunscreen?
heather@swellcondition says
Oh, I was the same – every year I just baked out there! Not anymore though and thankfully I didn’t do too much damage (I went and got checked). I do protect my kid though and am very diligent about it. Thanks for your printable, that’s quite handy.
Dana says
Thanks for stopping by Heather! What’s your favorite sunscreen?
Natasha Mairs says
I am really sun safe, I use a factor 50 in summer and always use a moisturiser in the mornings with a SPF of 20. I think it’s important to teach kids about this too, as when i was a teenager, there wasn’t much said about it and I often used to sunbathe with no protection
Dana says
Yay Natasha! I am so glad you are sun safe!!!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
I know I don’t take proper care of my skin. When I find a routine that I like and it is working I am all excited and then the next thing you know I have fallen out of the routine.
Dana says
That is very common, believe it or not! You just have to try super hard to keep up with it!
Kathy Kenny Ngo says
I was pretty cocky when I was young. Now though that I am almost 40, I can see the wear and tear on my skin.
Dana says
That was my problem growing up as well, Kathy. I thought I was invincible 🙁
Terri says
I loved laying out the sun in my younger days and now I will not leave my house without sunscreen on. It is so important to start taking care of your skin in your younger years!
Dana says
I completely agree with you Terri. I wish I knew as much as I do now when I was younger.
michelle mink says
i make regular visits to the dermatologist to get checked out for possible skin cancer. it runs in my family and i don’t want to take any risks
Dana says
It’s so great that you go to the dermatologist annually! 🙂
Ana De- Jesus says
I really need to do more to take care of my skin it is so icky at the moment. Thanks for the printable!
Dana says
Glad you like the printable Ana! It really takes little time to do so, but I can tell you I wasn’t the best at it until recently!
Jeannette says
I was so bad about wearing sunscreen when I was younger but now I’m very good about it. I take pretty good care of my skin but I think there is always room for improvement
Dana says
Jeannette, I’m so glad to hear that you are good about wearing sunscreen 🙂
Heather says
You must be careful which brands you use, the chemicals can actually cause cancer. So glad I don’t burn and live in the clouds!
Dana says
Heather, you are so right. I check the EWC site and also read the bottles to make sure I’m not putting worse chemicals on my skin! Where do you live?
Amy Jones says
I used to believe that the sun was harmless, nowadays i cant leave without my sunscreen and my umbrella.
Dana says
Umbrellas are great for the sunny days – I should add them to my post – thank you Amy!
Colette S says
Oh yes I need to load up on some sunscreen for me and the kids.
Love the photos!
Dana says
Thanks Colette!! I am stocking up more so this year!
Elizabeth O. says
I have never been so concerned with my skin or my kids’ until the severe weather changes. It really has opened my eyes to all the things that the sun can do to damage our skin and that’s when I made some skin care changes. Thanks for all the pointers! It’s really important that we take good care of our skin.
Dana says
It has been rather crazy lately – the erratic weather that is! I’m glad you liked the pointers 🙂
rika says
I need to start using a Retinol product! I also need to apply sunscreen more often
Dana says
Retinol is great for wrinkles! 🙂
Doran @ Haute Beauty Guide says
I am a big SPF user. I go with a tinted one every morning and the a spray on in my car for touchups.
Top5life says
Skin care is very important. People must be extremely cautious about choosing the products.
Dana says
I completely agree!
Mardene Carr says
I try not to be out in the sun during the peak times (about 10 – 4). As a black person I realise that many in my community do not take this too seriously but we all need to take heed
Dana says
Yes, the sun is definitely at its most dangerous during those hours! Great job in protecting your skin Mardene!
Shaylee says
I used to tan a lot when I was a teenager but stopped when I hit about 21 and have worn sunscreen religiously ever since! Even though I adopted this good habit fairly young I can still see some sun damage on my face that is appearing as dark spots!
Dana says
I know Shaylee – I see my dark spots and get so mad at myself! The best thing I can do is spread the word and hope to instill this on my boys as well.
Liz Mays says
I”m getting much better about putting the sunscreen on earlier before I get out in the sun. I think that helps so much. I also bring it with me so I can reapply it.
Dana says
That the trick – bringing it with you to reapply!!! I forget that sometimes 🙂
Ann Bacciaglia says
I was careless when it came to protecting my skin when i was younger. I am paying for it now with sun spots. Sunscreen is so important to put on everyday.
Dana says
I agree Ann!
Eileen Kelly says
Could not agree more. Skin cancer and melanoma run in my family. I wear sunscreen 365 days and I love blue lizard
Dana says
Blue Lizard is great, Eileen. Keep up the great sun-safe work!
Ana Fernandez says
OMG I really get worried about one of every five americans will develop some form of skin cancer!
yonca says
Great tips! I used Blue Lizard which is really good!
Dana says
Great choice – we love Blue Lizard too!
Lawrence says
Taking care of your skin …especially for the summer. This was an eye opener. I shared this with a coworker.
Dana says
Thank you for sharing Lawrence! It is very eye opening – I hope you take great care of your skin!
Kiwi says
Great tips especially because its about to get hot again! Yay time for some heat!
Dana says
Thanks! Thank you for stopping by 🙂