Last month, I had skin cancer removed from my face. (During Skin Cancer Awareness Month—gotta love the irony.) The pre-cancerous spot, which was under my nose, above my lip on the left side, was virtually undetectable. In fact, the only reason it was spotted during a routine acne appointment was because it looked like a very subtle, dried-up pimple the size of a pin prick.
My dermatologist noticed the teeny-tiny mark and asked how fresh my breakout was. Confused, I told her it wasn’t a zit at all, so she immediately grabbed her dermatoscope to take a closer look, and then quickly confirmed it was a pre-cancerous sore and needed to be removed ASAP. The next thing I know, a cold blast of nitrogen was being shot directly into the spot, which would “freeze off” the cancer, and over the next few weeks, the spot would dry up and peel off. And that’s exactly what it did.
As a beauty editor, I was mortified. As a human in the world, I was terrified. And as someone who is incredibly diligent about wearing sunscreen every day (even when indoors!) and writes about the dangers of the sun’s rays as her full-time job, I couldn’t believe I’d actually get skin cancer. But growing up under the Florida sun, at the beach, it sadly makes sense.
A month later, the spot is gone but could come back, according to my derm, so I’ve been extra generous with my sunscreen application, and have also incorporated a hat into my daily commute. (I’ve been loving the Supergoop Every Single Face Watery Lotion SPF 50, and I just got the Prequel UPV hat.)
From now on, I’ll be making two skin check appointments every year out of precaution. I’m also going to be more attentive to new or changing bumps and discoloration on my skin—both on my face and body.
And you should too!
Reader Question
I use a bunch of different types of sunscreens (gels, sprays, and sticks) but now I’m wondering if they work the same as creams.
— asks Allure Reader Raya
“There is no difference between the formulation of [the SPF in] a spray sunscreen and a lotion,” dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, previously told Allure. However, because of the differences in the delivery systems, it’s difficult to determine how much actually makes it to the skin when it’s in spray form, and those types of formulas can get swept up in the wind during the application process.
Lotions, gels, and sticks can give you more reliable coverage, because they’re easier to control—you can see exactly where you’re putting them on.
Have a burning skin-care question? Send one in.
Editor’s Pick
BEST SERUM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Wearing vitamin C serum under your morning sunscreen can help boost the effectiveness of your SPF.
“I have super sensitive skin, so finding a vitamin C serum always comes with a risk of irritation and inflammation. I’ve found this lightweight formula brightens and protects—without any side effects.“
Quick Tip
Don’t have time to reapply your sunscreen every two hours? No sweat: just get dressed. You can easily add an extra layer of sun protection with UV protection clothing, like a big floppy hat or a long-sleeve shirt with UPF 50.
Book Club
youthjuice by E.K. Sathue
★★★★☆
The secret to reversing the signs of aging? Blood. But whose? This horror story is both graphic and fascinating and had me reconsidering my relationship with the beauty industry. (Don’t worry, we’re still on good terms. 😅)