During the long days of summer, many people relax by the pool and go on beach vacations, allowing the sun to warm their skin and give it that sought-after glow. However, those that have had skin cancer think about summer quite differently.
The “My 16-year-old Self” campaign addresses the dangers of the sun and tanning beds. Participants in the video talk about the decisions made during youth and adolescence and how they ultimately changed their lives. When you are 16, you aren’t always thinking about what will happen when you are 40, but you should.
We know for a fact that the sun damages our skin. Research shows that prolonged exposure to the sun ages skin and causes skin cancer. We don’t have to live in fear of these cancers if we take some precautions, beginning at a young age. Remember to apply sunscreen with a high SPF regularly, wear a large-brimmed hat, and avoid sunbathing during the hottest times of the day.
Know your own skin and check it regularly. Plan to visit a dermatologist yearly for a skin exam, and use a little makeup for that glow you’ve been wanting instead of a tanning bed when the weather cools off.
If you’ve had skin cancer, be extra vigilant. Use the natural oils in Milkweed Balm to the muscles surrounding painful incisions. Take care of yourself and your skin. A little vitamin D is good for everyone—just be smart about it.