Memorial Day weekend is almost here. It’s very sobering to think of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Our family likes to take time to honor and remember those who have fought for our country and defended our freedom. Sometimes we attend a local event, our church has a gathering, and we usually end the day with family around the pool. May God bless our country and the families missing loved ones that have sacrificed their lives.
This upcoming weekend is often the first time we find ourselves out in the sun for the season. Are you stocked up with fresh and unexpired sunscreen for the sunny days that are coming? I am a big fan of Neutrogena® Beach Defense® Sunscreen. I had melanoma skin cancer a few years ago. HERE is my story. Apologies if you’ve heard it. I think I will forever be humbled to be alive and I want to give the gift of early detection of this cancer to someone else. It can be the most deadly, but also the most treatable skin cancer if caught early.
There are a few types of skin cancer. Melanoma is the SUPER scary kind of skin cancer: the most common registered cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer death among the 15-44 year age group. That statistic is the age group of MAJORITY of our readers. So what do I do now? I get checked every 3-6 months and I am super vigilant about wearing sunscreen and covering up in the sun. Thanks to good sunscreen and cute rashguards, my whole family enjoys summer activities without fear of the rays.
I use Neutrogena® Beach Defense® Sunscreen because:
- Beach Defense® provides superior skin protection from harsh summer elements, clinically proven to help defend the signs of sun damage
- Prolonged contact of the skin with water makes the skin more susceptible to UV rays. Formulated with HELIOPLEX® Technology, the sunscreens form a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protective barrier that is clinically proven to help skin defend against harsh summer elements
- Beach Defense® Sunscreen Spray provides beach strength broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection in a lightweight, fast absorbing mist, ideal for outdoor skin protection of the active family
- Water resistant (80 minutes)
- Lightweight, fast absorbing
- Oil free, PABA free
- Available in five forms FOR around $10 a bottle:
- Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
- Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70
- Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70
I made a lot of mistakes as a teenager and got some very bad burns on purpose with the hopes of getting a darker shade of white. It’s 20 years later and I’m paying for it. I am currently recovering from a skin cancer surgery I had last week that left me with a shoulder blade full of stitches. It was basal cell skin cancer. While not often fatal, these nonmelanoma skin cancers can be extremely destructive if not detected and treated early. My poor kids have seen my scars and Frankenstein markings. I hope my children never make the same mistakes and that they will #mimicmommy in her wiser years when she wears sunscreen every single day. How about we give away some Neutrogena® Beach Defense® Sunscreen!!!
Candace
June 6, 2017 at 10:35 pmI have not. So scary. I always make sure we all wear sunscreen.
amanda whitley
June 6, 2017 at 12:26 pmi have not had skin cancer but a woman from work’s daughter did so she actually tells us constantly to put on sunscreen. i teach my kids to #mimicmommy by telling them to put on sunscreen every time we leave the house in spring/summer no matter what.
Kim
June 5, 2017 at 7:12 pmI havent but my uncle did sadly 🙁
I always put sunscreen on my crew!
Sarah Hall
June 5, 2017 at 3:11 pmI have been blessed and have not had skin cancer but I have friends who have. I try to encourage the kids to always use sunscreen whenever they are outside.
Talia
June 5, 2017 at 11:57 amFortunately, we have not dealt with skin cancer in my family. Hopefully, it’s because I try to set a good example by always putting on sunblock on myself and the kids before we spend more than 15m outside. I also use sunblock in my daily moisturizer, and I call it my sunblock (ha). If they come to expect it and it’s a part of their routine, it’s not a hassle. My husband, OTOH, I’d like him to integrate it more into his routine.
heather
June 3, 2017 at 4:23 pmMembers of my family have had skin cancer and I have some spots that I need to have looked at.
Jessica To
June 3, 2017 at 8:45 amI try to always put sunscreen on when we are out so he doesn’t just think I am making him do it.
Kelly D
June 1, 2017 at 1:38 pmI haven’t had skin cancer. When I was little I got sun poisoning on a vacation in FL and I was so sick, so I would teach my kids to #mimicmommy as I am now because I cover up and look for the shade.
Lauren
June 1, 2017 at 9:59 amI have not had skin cancer. I need to be better about reminding everyone to reapply the sunscreen, though!
Shannon
June 1, 2017 at 2:03 amI don’t have skin cancer. I’m a playground supervisor so I’m outside all day. I apply sunscreen a ot so I would love to win this.
Terri S.
May 31, 2017 at 4:58 pmMy husband had basal cell cancer on his face. His doctor said this type of cancer is from the harmful rays from the sun. My children and grandchildren know to avoid the sun during peak hours and to wear protective clothing plus use sunscreen.
Crystal Gregg
May 31, 2017 at 11:27 amMy father had skin cancer from spending years outside with no protection.
My son is very pale white so I make sure he puts sunscreen on when we go play outside.
Amanda Stovall
May 30, 2017 at 11:22 pmOh, yes… unfortunately, my family has gone through skin cancer, among other types as well. We are all very fair skinned & I teach my kiddos by layering them up (whether they prefer it or not) & as long as I’m able to I certainly will continue to do so! And once older, I’ll share deeper more personal stories and reasons why it’s just so very important…
Amanda Stovall
May 30, 2017 at 11:23 pm*lathering
Darlene Owen
May 30, 2017 at 6:54 pmI do not have skin cancer but I do use sunscreen often.
latanya
May 30, 2017 at 9:51 amI have not had skin cancer, but we do apply sunscreen whenever we go outside.
Nancy
May 30, 2017 at 9:42 amSunscreen is important for everyone to use all the time. We need to be a good example for our families and teach them to use it daily.
rachel
May 29, 2017 at 10:54 pmI have never had cancer but have had close relatives. Make sure you keep skin protected
Cheryl B
May 29, 2017 at 9:01 pmNo skin cancer, thankdully, but I have use sunblock on my children since they were babies, so they just know it is something they just wear.
Laurajj
May 29, 2017 at 5:06 pmI have not, but always watch any spots and check with my doctor. I have to admit…I am great at sunscreening the kids…..but not always myself. This summer….I am going to remember to do me too!
Iliana R
May 29, 2017 at 12:29 amI haven’t had skin cancer but I tell every one in my family to use sunscreen constantly because they think that cancer isn’t going to hit them.
Nannypanpan
May 28, 2017 at 11:20 pmMy husband had it. I always use lotion when outside for any amount of time
jeremy mclaughlin
May 28, 2017 at 9:24 pmI have not had skin cancer, have my family use sunscreen to protect them.
Julie Waldron
May 28, 2017 at 1:53 pmI have not but my husband farms and is out in the sun a lot, so it does worry me.
Marilyn Nawara
May 28, 2017 at 9:47 amMy father-in-law had skin cancer. I’m always harping on my 2 boys about putting on sunscreen — they do a good job, but always miss the top of their ears and back of their neck.
Janice Crespo
May 27, 2017 at 6:21 pmI’ve never had skin cancer. I try to remember to make sure my grandson and his friends always have sunscreen on when they go out.
Dan Dykstra
May 27, 2017 at 8:56 amI have not had skin cancer but we really stress the importance of sunscreen.
Laurie Nykaza
May 27, 2017 at 2:26 amI have had skin cancer removed and so has my mom and grandmother did too so wearing sunblock now is so important.
Nicole Martin
May 26, 2017 at 9:31 pmI’ve not had skin cancer… Thank God! I make my son wear sunscreen when we’re outside.
Will G
May 26, 2017 at 9:18 pmI never have. We teach our kids to #mimicmommy by putting on sunscreen.
Breanne
May 26, 2017 at 6:40 pmI’ve never had skin cancer and I don’t have any children yet.
Rachel
May 26, 2017 at 6:18 pmI have never had skin cancer. I have a fair complexion and wear face lotion with SPF everyday. Thank you for sharing your story!
LeAnn Harbert
May 25, 2017 at 11:57 pmI’ve never had skin cancer. I always make my granddaughters put on sunscreen before they can go outside.
Seyma Shabbir
May 25, 2017 at 11:28 pmI have not had skin cancer but I get checked and have gotten flagged with irregular skin growth.
Angela Saver
May 25, 2017 at 10:11 pmI have not had skin cancer, but my dad had melanoma and was very lucky and he is still living. Melanoma is the aggressive form of skin cancer, so he was blessed bc he found it early. All of us kids now see a dermatologist yearly as well as my Dad.
sarah s
May 25, 2017 at 8:03 pmNo, but it is something that a couple of family members have had trouble with.
Jill Rivera
May 25, 2017 at 12:08 pm#mimicmommy No, I don’t not skin cancer. A family member pass away because of it. I am always putting lotion on.
Ginny
May 25, 2017 at 7:09 pmI’m so sorry to hear that. I’m sure you do put on sunscreen!
KENNETH OHL
May 25, 2017 at 10:49 amI have not but my sister in law has it is very scary especially in FLorida so hot
Keri Justice
May 25, 2017 at 7:58 amI have not, but I always make sure my kids and myself always wear SPF when we’re going to be outside for any extended time.
Edye
May 24, 2017 at 8:44 pmThankfully, I have never had it. I always encourage my family to wear sunscreen 🙂
Soha Molina
May 24, 2017 at 7:18 pmI have not, luckily.
Samantha C.
May 24, 2017 at 5:16 pmI have not, but I have heard of people around me getting it and I worry very much about it.
Elle
May 24, 2017 at 5:04 pmNo and we are always big on suntan lotion. I haven’t had issues with them not wanting to wear it thankfully.
Rosie
May 24, 2017 at 3:48 pmI haven’t had skin cancer – yet – but my mom and my sister have had it. I use sunscreen all year round every day. I also take extra and dab it on my loved ones. Kids know it is important. I also make sun hats and they are so cute for me, kids and to give away to keep the sun off your head and face as much as possible! I lead by example!! #mimicmommy
ColleenMarie
May 24, 2017 at 3:32 pmI do need to go better with applying sunscreen to myself, I always get the kids.
Heather B
May 24, 2017 at 12:48 pmThankfully I have never had skin Cancer. I do have several relatives that have, seeing things they have gone through definitely makes me ensure that we are well protected!
Patricia
May 24, 2017 at 10:30 amNo skin cancer in our family, but it is still important to take care of our skin. I make sure my kids wear sunblock before we go out.
Brandy Wilson
May 23, 2017 at 11:11 pmI have! I had basal cell at age 27. I tanned way too much growing up. My kids are slathered with sunscreen at every chance and I make sure that they see me and showing them my scar helps.
Lauryn R
May 23, 2017 at 7:05 pmI personally haven’t had skin cancer, but my dad has. He had it on his nose and had to have surgery to get it removed. Now that I have kids of my own I definitely try to keep them protected from the sun when we are outdoors for long periods of time! We use strong SPF and also get chapstick with it in it as well. They also make hats and swimwear with SPF built in.
Maryann D.
May 23, 2017 at 6:46 pmI have not had skin cancer. But I was in the sun way too much when I was a teenager and lived in Florida. So it is a big worry to me. I have used sunscreen ever since then and taught my children to do so since they were very young. My daughter does not want wrinkles so she uses sunscreen every day!
RENEE WALTERS
May 23, 2017 at 4:18 pmI do not have skin cancer, thank goodness. I always wear sun screen.
Amy Z.
May 23, 2017 at 4:09 pmI have not had skin cancer, thankfully. I make sure to use sunscreen when I go out and that my family does as well.
Kristen
May 23, 2017 at 3:34 pmI do not have skin cancer, but my grandmother did and it always helps remind me to lotion up! I prefer the shade anyway….
hannah
May 23, 2017 at 3:12 pmI haven’t had skin cancer but have had family members who had it. Definitely a very scary type of cancer. I take great precautions not to get burned.
Sharon Rooney
May 23, 2017 at 2:47 pmYes, I did have a spot of skin cancer on my arm, thankfully that is the only place that I have had it. I now go for annual skin checkups.
Janet W.
May 23, 2017 at 2:09 pmI’ve had a couple of precancerous spots removed on my face before. I try to teach my grandsons to #mimicmommy by talking about the importance of healthy skin and how sunburns are bad and can turn into cancer when they get older. I try to lead by example and also make it part of our outside routine to apply sunscreen.
Sara Zielinski
May 23, 2017 at 1:31 pmI have not had skin cancer but a few of my family members have. Sunscreen is very important to prevent skin cancer.
Natalie
May 23, 2017 at 1:02 pmNo I have not had skin cancer, we use sunscreen all the time
Cynthia R
May 23, 2017 at 12:52 pmI haven’t had skin cancer. I use sunscreen every day even if it’s just facial lotion and lip balm with some SPF protection. I also wear big sunglasses and if I’m outside for a long period of time a hat.
Mary H
May 23, 2017 at 12:00 pmI have not had skin cancer, but I spent too much time unprotected in the sun in my younger days, so I try to make up for it now by always using SPF.
KV
May 23, 2017 at 11:19 amI tell them that sunscreen is important because it protects you.
janetfaye
May 23, 2017 at 11:14 amNo and I teach to #mimicmommy about sun protection by wearing sunscreen daily year round.
Dee Lafrenz
May 23, 2017 at 11:05 amI have never had skin cancer, but my Grandmother did, and so have a couple of my friends. Theirs was on their face, and it left quite a scar. As you said, years ago most people did not protect their skin. Thank you for sharing your story. It might just save another person from the trauma.
Ginny
May 23, 2017 at 12:42 pmMy biggest fear is getting it on my face. Thankfully my makeup has sunscreen and I’ve probably protected myself the most on my face, but I could do better at reapplying it on my face. I’m glad you haven’t had any skin cancer!