Embracing Sun Safety: My Ongoing Journey with Skin Cancer, Healing, and Essential Protection

After a period of relative calm on the skin cancer front, I felt it was time to share an updated perspective on my journey, including new developments and my current, highly recommended skincare and sun care essentials. For those wondering about the connection between skin cancer and what is primarily a food blog, allow me to rewind to 2015. My world was significantly altered when a small, seemingly innocuous spot on my nose was diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma (BCC). I extensively documented that challenging experience, including the surgery and recovery, in a previous post, which you can read in more detail here. (Please be aware that the linked post contains graphic post-operative images.)

Over the past three and a half years since that initial diagnosis, I’ve been incredibly moved by the outpouring of support and shared experiences. I’ve received hundreds of comments and emails from individuals who, after reading my story, decided to get a suspicious spot checked. Many of these courageous people subsequently discovered their own basal cell carcinoma and underwent Mohs surgery. Others have stumbled upon my post while searching for comfort and answers online after enduring similar procedures themselves. What I continue to learn from these interactions, with profound clarity, is that skin cancer truly does not discriminate.

The initial days, weeks, and even months following my surgery were, to put it mildly, unpleasant. However, looking back over the years that have passed, I am continually amazed and humbled by the remarkable healing my face has undergone. The human body possesses an incredible capacity for recovery and regeneration.

Does my face look exactly as it did before? Yes and no. Has it healed perfectly without a trace? No. Do I still have visible scars? Absolutely. But when I consider the journey, transforming from the initial post-surgery appearance (the first picture taken on the day of surgery, followed by the second approximately one week later)…

Beyond the Past: Current Skin Health Updates and Vigilance

While reflecting on the past is important for context and learning, it’s equally crucial to focus on the present and future of skin health. I have maintained a strict schedule of dermatological check-ups every six months. In fact, I was just there last week! Over the past few years, there have been several minor instances requiring the removal of a suspicious spot or mole, but thankfully, all have consistently returned benign results, offering a sense of relief.

However, during my most recent appointment, my doctor identified a small area on the side of one of my toes – an unexpected location. He expressed significant concern about its appearance. His exact words were, “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I am 100% sure that’s a problem.” Hearing that was certainly a moment of apprehension, yet it underscored the critical importance of his expertise and my commitment to regular screenings.

The doctor believes it is most likely a dysplastic nevus. I had a similar one removed from my back just a couple of months before the basal cell carcinoma on my nose was diagnosed. Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that, while typically non-cancerous themselves, can be a precursor to melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Given this potential risk, and the doctor’s strong professional judgment, the safest course of action is to have it removed and sent to a lab for biopsy. This procedure is scheduled for mid-June. Coincidentally, I will also undergo a laser treatment during the same visit, aimed at hopefully reducing some of the lingering redness around the scar on my nose.

My approach to sun exposure has evolved into what some might describe as obsessive diligence, and I make no apologies for it. I am unyieldingly committed to covering up whenever I am in the sun. It probably borders on ridiculous to some, but I’ve grown accustomed to the curious looks and comments, especially at pools, beaches, and waterparks. I understand that the skin cancer issues I’ve faced are largely attributable to the extensive sun exposure and sunburns I accumulated during my youth. While covering up now may not entirely prevent future skin cancers from appearing, it certainly can’t hurt. Furthermore, and as a welcome bonus, it undeniably helps my skin age more gracefully. For these reasons, I am all-in on protecting my skin – and my family’s skin – against further sun damage and its long-term consequences.

Essential Sun Care Recommendations: A Comprehensive Guide

Over the years, I’ve shared various sun care recommendations across different posts. To simplify things and provide a holistic resource, I’ve compiled my top recommendations for UPF/SPF clothing, hats, and sunscreens all in one comprehensive guide. These are the products and strategies that have become indispensable in my sun-safe lifestyle.

It’s important to acknowledge that clothing specifically designed for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and SPF protection isn’t always the cheapest. I completely understand that the price tag, in some instances, may appear higher than, for example, purchasing a swimsuit from a mass retailer. However, for me, especially considering the anxiety I’ve grappled with since skin cancer entered my life, discovering specific clothing created solely for sun protection has been an immense blessing. It means that instead of retreating from the sun out of fear – which was my initial, instinctual reaction – I am still able to fully enjoy outdoor time with my family. This outdoor time constitutes a significant and cherished part of our daily lives, and with these protective measures, I can participate without constant stress or making life miserable for everyone around me.

Clothing: Investing in UPF Protection

Understanding UPF is key to effective sun protection through clothing. Unlike SPF (Sun Protection Factor) which applies to sunscreens and measures protection against UVB rays, UPF measures a fabric’s ability to block both UVA and UVB rays. A UPF rating of 50, for instance, means only 1/50th (or 2%) of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate the fabric. This offers a consistent, reliable form of protection that doesn’t wash off or require reapplication.

*I’ve personally ordered and tested specific UPF/SPF protection clothing from each of these companies and wholeheartedly recommend the products I’ve linked to below based on their quality, effectiveness, and my positive experiences.

• Coolibar: This brand holds a special place, as it’s the company that truly offered me hope for a sun-safe future after my Mohs surgery. Most of my swim gear comes from Coolibar due to its superior protection and comfort. I own this short sleeve rash guard in a vibrant aqua color (which I typically wear over a swim top for added coverage). I also frequently use this versatile convertible swim shirt, these comfortable swim tights in navy, and a pair of chic black skirted swim tights, which provide both coverage and style.
• UV Skinz: Another fantastic brand for reliable sun protection. From UV Skinz, I particularly appreciate this comfortable hooded beach coverup, perfect for transitioning from water to land, and these practical swim shorts. My husband, Brian, relies on this long sleeve swim shirt for his outdoor activities. Additionally, several of my children wear their excellent swim shirts + shorts/skirts, which we often find conveniently at Costco during the spring and early summer seasons in our area.
• Tuga: This brand has proven incredibly durable and well-loved by my kids. My 10-year-old son has been wearing this swim short/shirt combo for two years running, and he absolutely loves it! It’s held up remarkably well to active play, and I fully intend to purchase him another set once he outgrows his current one.
• Solbari: I’ve been on an extensive search, literally forever, for a replacement for a beloved jacket I’ve worn almost daily, which I originally purchased from Coolibar years ago but is now discontinued. I recently ordered this Luxe Hoodie from Solbari and am incredibly excited to see if it lives up to my high expectations! I also utilize their arm sleeves. While I recognize these might seem a bit “over the top” for most people, and perhaps not a necessary item for general use, my family and I spend a significant amount of time doing outdoor work in our yard and on our property. Having an arm cover-up option that doesn’t add the heat or bulk of a full jacket on sweltering 95+ degree days is an absolute game-changer.

Believe it or not, despite my extensive collection, I don’t always wear long-sleeve, ankle-length swim gear! My choices are strategic, aimed at maximizing protection during peak sun exposure while still allowing for comfort and freedom.

Hats: Your Essential Head Shield

I am a fervent believer in the power of hats for sun protection! And yes, they are unequivocally worth the subsequent “hat hair” – a small price to pay for safeguarding your skin. After years of consistent hat-wearing, I’ve developed a clear preference: either a well-fitting baseball cap for casual protection or a non-floppy, sturdy-brimmed hat for more extensive coverage. I used to wear floppy-brimmed hats constantly, but I found that their brims would often obstruct my vision rather than just protect my face, leading me to prefer hats with firmer, more reliable rims now.

• Zappos: For everyday wear, I purchased this versatile trucker/baseball cap years ago, and I wear it all. the. time. It’s incredibly comfortable and reliable. Beyond that, I also have a couple of other random baseball caps from various places that I rotate through for different casual occasions.
• Coolibar: As mentioned, I wore a now-discontinued floppy-brimmed hat from Coolibar for many years until I transitioned away from floppy brims. Currently, I rely on this Tempe sun hat in natural brown. It’s always stored in my car, ready for action, because you truly never know when you’ll need to throw on a hat to protect yourself from unexpected sun exposure. Am I right? I also highly recommend this Tradewinds hat from Sunday Afternoons – it’s the one I’m wearing in the picture above, and I really, really like it for its comfort and effective brim (bonus, it often goes on sale!). For travel and rugged use, I also have this World Tour hat; it withstands being stuffed into a suitcase or smashed into a chaotic, kid-filled car during road trips exceptionally well without losing its shape or protective qualities.
• Kid Hats: While my boys and Brian predominantly wear cowboy hats for their extensive outdoor work, my son Cam utilizes this specific sun hat, and it is truly awesome. Its standout feature is the ingenious handy-dandy area in the back designed specifically for ponytails, which is an absolute brilliant design for active kids with longer hair.

Sunscreen: Your Daily Topical Defense

Over the years, I’ve recommended numerous favorite sunscreens, and for the most part, I continue to rely on the same trusted formulations. My absolute top choice remains EltaMD, which I love wholeheartedly. However, I’ve also discovered a few new winners recently that I’m excited to share. Additionally, I’ll list several sunscreens that many of you generously recommended in my last Friday Thoughts post (though I haven’t had the chance to personally try them yet, they come highly recommended by our community).

Wherever possible, my family and I prioritize using physical, or mineral, sunscreens over chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens work by creating a physical barrier on the skin with active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, deflecting UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, conversely, absorb UV radiation, converting it into heat that is then released from the skin. You can delve deeper into the differences and potential impacts of each type by conducting your own research on reputable sites like ewg.org, to determine what you feel most comfortable with for your skin and health. Disclaimer: Please note that Amazon affiliate links are included below for products I have purchased and personally use.

• My children consistently use Blue Lizard SPF 30+ FACE for their daily facial protection and Blue Lizard SPF 30+ SPORT (which is waterproof) for their body during outdoor work and play. These formulations offer excellent broad-spectrum protection.
• For extended periods spent outdoors, such as at the lake or pool, our entire family relies on EltaMD SPF50 UV Sport. Its high SPF and water resistance make it ideal for active, prolonged sun exposure.
• For my own facial protection, especially when I anticipate being outdoors for a longer duration without a hat, I use EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40. This is, in my opinion, the perfect facial sunscreen: it’s incredibly lightweight, non-greasy, and blends seamlessly. I personally use the non-tinted version. Another excellent option is EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, which I love equally, especially for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
• I recently highlighted this Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 in a Friday Thoughts post. I’ve been incorporating it into my daily routine as both a moisturizer and sunscreen due to its unique, invisible finish. I am also eager to explore Supergoop’s range of physical/mineral facial sunscreens soon.

Here are some highly regarded sunscreens that our wonderful community members have recommended to me: {affiliate links for Amazon products where applicable}:

• Keys Solar Rx SPF Moisturizer Sunscreen: The CEO and Founder of Keys Pure shares a compelling story of developing these products after her melanoma diagnosis and subsequent skin issues caused by chemicals in prescriptions and skin products. They thoughtfully offer trial-size packets, allowing you to sample the products before committing.
• COOLA Face Mineral BB Cream Matte Tint, Unscented, SPF 30: This product offers a beautiful matte finish with mineral sun protection, making it a favorite for many seeking a tinted, natural look.
• Elta MD Physical SPF 41: A highly recommended broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen known for its gentle formula and effective protection.
• Heliocare Gel Oil Free SPF 50: A popular choice for those seeking high SPF protection in an oil-free gel formula, often praised for its texture and broad-spectrum capabilities.
• Biore UV Watery Rich Sunscreen SPF 50: Hailed for its incredibly lightweight, non-greasy, and watery texture, this Japanese sunscreen is a cult favorite for its high SPF and comfortable wear, often feeling like a light moisturizer.

Living a Sun-Safe Life: A Personal Commitment and Community Ethos

I feel very strongly, some in my family might even say obsessively so, about the importance of consistently wearing sunscreen and thoroughly covering up when exposed to the sun. I recognize that adopting such a rigorous lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and I also understand that I cannot 100% prevent my children from potentially developing skin cancer someday or experiencing what I’ve gone through. However, I firmly believe that every little bit of proactive prevention and sun-safe habit instilled while they are young makes a significant difference. Right?

For now, you’ll find me on the soccer field, steadfastly holding an umbrella to create my own self-imposed shade, while everyone else around me basks in the gorgeous sun. You’ll see me at the beach in full-body swimsuits and sporting wide-brimmed hats everywhere. This commitment has become an integral part of my identity, and I embrace it fully. It’s not just about fear; it’s about empowerment, about taking control where I can, and about setting an example for a healthier future for my loved ones.

Thank you for allowing me this moment to share some of my deeply held thoughts on skin cancer awareness and essential sun care strategies. I genuinely hope that your summer is shaping up to be both incredibly fun and, crucially, very sun safe. Prioritizing skin health allows us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without unnecessary risks.

I would absolutely love to hear any recommendations YOU have for staying safe and truly enjoying your time in the sun. What are your favorite sun hats? Have you discovered a best-ever sunscreen? Please share your invaluable insights and experiences with our community in the comments section below!