Sunscreen That Won't Destroy the Coral Reefs

Shannon Smyth
Your sunscreen is killing the coral reefs around the world. That's not an exaggerated statement. But wait, if I can't wear sunscreen in order to protect the coral reefs, how am I supposed to protect myself from sun damage and skin cancer? Turns out it is two specific ingredients in your sunscreen that are doing the damage, and there are alternatives! Scientists have identified the culprits to be oxybenzone and octinoxate, both really great at doing their job to protect you from UV rays, not so much when it comes to marine life and coral reefs. These two ingredients act parasitic in nature by robbing the reefs of nutrients. As the reefs die, so does the ecosystem it had sustained. Considering that most of this earth is made up of ocean and it is a vital resource, it's pretty important to act now that we are aware of one contributing factor. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are not only in sunscreen, but are often the sunscreen in your favorite moisturizer. But for the sake of this article, we'll focus on providing an alternative to the sunscreens that have become a Summer staple in your beach bag. To do your part, look for sunscreens and moisturizers with titanium oxide or zinc oxide and that are biodegradable. Sunscreens that are coral reef safe: Coral Safe All Natural Biodegradable Sunscreen, SPF 30 Beauty by Earth Mineral Biodegradeable Sunscreen SPF 25 Stream2Sea Biodegradeable Mineral Sunblock SPF 30 Reef Safe Biodegradable Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45+ These are just a few coral reef safe sunscreens, but there are plenty at varying price points on Amazon. Many do appear to be a bit more expensive than the kind you'd find at the drugstore, but if it means helping to save our oceans, it's worth it to do your part. Do you have a favorite reef safe sunscreen not mentioned? Please feel free to tell us in the comments! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

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Fashionable Sun Protection with Sea Lily

Candyce Ross
Sun protection with Sea Lily via @agirlsgottaspa Leaving the north for a holiday in the sunny Southern Hemisphere is a tricky one. Not tricky in the sense that it's difficult to do - trust me, I could spend my days on the beach all day every day without a problem! But tricky in the sense that all you want to do is take in as many beautiful ocean views as possible while soaking up the sunshine yet, you know all the dangers of UV rays and the long term damage that each hour in the sun causes. I recently visited Mauritius and was reminded of not only the beauty of the island, but also the importance of looking after our skin in the baking hot sun. Whilst a sun-kissed look will last only a few weeks, the damage we do to our skin through sun exposure lasts years. Often sunscreen is not enough – we need a cover-up to aid in sun protection as well. The problem I find in warm climates is that the last thing you feel like doing is covering up completely - I mean, you're trying to cool down and it seems almost counterintuitive to add more layers. Am I right? Sea Lily beach sarong via @agirlsgottaspa Thankfully, the cool, light fabrics of my Sea Lily Hanna cover-up and sarong helped solve this dilemma. Made from 100% cotton, these garments are a lifesaver if you want to make the most of the sun whilst still protecting your skin. Now, if the thought of covering up in the sun leaves you with terrifying flash backs of your mom smearing sunscreen all over your face and squeezing you into some dreadful nylon ‘rashy’, then fear not. Fashion has finally caught up with sun-smart wear and the Sea Lily range is full of fantastic beach and poolside resort style garments. Wear Sea Lily Hanna cover-up in Mauritius via @agirlsgottaspa The Hanna cover-up has beautiful embroidered detail on the front and long sleeves to keep arms protected. It is the perfect ‘day to night’ piece as it can easily be teamed with some sandals and jewellery for summer evenings or thrown over a bikini during the daytime. Not only does Sea Lily have us rejoicing for allowing us to tick both the 'stay cool?' and 'stay cool?' criteria, but the brand is also dedicated to coral reef conservation. Coral reef conservation + Sea Lily via @agirlsgottaspa This is something that is very close to my heart. In 2013 I was involved in a coral reef conservation program in the beautiful, tropical Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. We built coral farms with the aim of rebuilding the coral population on the coast of Mauritius and in doing so rebuilding the homes of many a sea creature. Sea Lily donates a portion of each sale to coral reef conservation and so it seemed only natural to return to the island with garments that support the cause I was involved with years ago. Sun safety with Sea Lily via @agirlsgottaspa As we go about our busy lives we may be unaware that coral reef destruction is a serious issue. The WWF believes that two-thirds of coral reefs are under threat worldwide, with 25% of coral reefs already considered damaged or beyond repair. With coral reefs forming the home of a quarter of all marine life, coral reef destruction poses a massive threat to our oceans. Whether you are heading to the beach or preparing for a coastal getaway, why not make a special effort to look after the world whilst looking after your skin as well? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Does the Sun Really Age You? #Ad

Shannon Smyth9 comments

Disclosure: Thanks to RoC® skin care with SPF I'm getting my skin ready for the Summer as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #WomenWhoRoC skincare-with-sunscreen

Does the sun really age you? A question those without a single wrinkle or dark spot ask with skepticism. I'm pretty confident I never asked this question when I was younger simply because I wasn't invested in the long term health of my skin. I was just about the here and now, and I only really wanted sun-kissed skin. All without any sun protection at all. Even now, I still want a glowing tan. It makes me look younger, it masks my uneven skin tone, and it makes me look thinner (you just gotta love an optical illusion.) The difference between now and then? I understand that sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 (as recommended by the AAD) is an absolute must. My skin will still darken a bit, but protected. Some of the RoC® skin care products I've been using, RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer and RoC® MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Chest, Neck and Face Cream both have broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30.  This is sufficient for every day application, but if you plan to head to the beach, make sure to use it in conjunction with a sunscreen you will re-apply every two hours. sun-aging sun-safety There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. They each do something a little differently to the skin and a good reason to use a broadspectrum sunscreen, which covers both. Think UVA = aging and UVB = burning. UVA is what causes those pesky dark spots and skin cancer and UVB causes photoaging and skin cancer, as well. If you go to a tanning salon (and truth be told, I used to in my late teens/early 20's), it's UVA rays that are emitted the most (which is why you tan so fast in the booth.) Here's more info about the two: UVA: Can pass through window glass. Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather. Is present all day, at the same intensity and every day of the year. Penetrates deep into skin layers. Is 95% of the sun’s rays. Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays. Affects long-term skin damage. UVB: Cannot pass through window glass. Causes sunburn. Causes tanning. Helps the body with normal vitamin D production. Varies with the season. It is more intense in the summer than in the winter. Varies with weather conditions. Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon. Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator. Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens. Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer. skincare-sun-safety Back in the "olden days" skin care products didn't come with built-in sunscreen. I'm glad they do today to protect our skin from damage. In terms of my skin, there's not too much I can do about sun damage caused from the past, but using skin care products like RoC® with SPF 30 will help protect against future sun damage when used with other sun protection measures. How are you protecting your skin from sun damage? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen Review

AmandaOnAir2 comments
Sun Bum Continuous Spray #sunscreen #review

As you may have read, I was diagnosed with Melanoma just a couple of years ago. Life after Melanoma requires a lot more preparation when spending time out in the sun and while I was once a sporadic sunscreen user, I am now a faithful daily user.

Something I’ve learned over the past few years of trying almost every sunscreen available … they are NOT all made the same! They come in a variety of forms, apply and protect differently, and most of all feel different.

I may be jumping the gun here, but I already started online shopping for our honeymoon in October and sunscreen was top of the list.  Being prepared for nice weather and vacation means my sunscreen and sun safety product arsenal gets restocked.

As I was doing some shopping for the honeymoon, I added Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 70+ ($15) to my shopping cart. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Sun Bum and a friend of mine swears that it’s the only sunscreen she’s ever used that doesn’t feel like a thick film coating her body. I’ve been dying to try it! 

When it comes to SPF, I always reach for the higher numbers. No matter what level SPF you choose, it's important to keep in mind that you still need to reapply regularly.

The one thing that bothers me about reapplying sunscreen is that by the end of the day, I typically feel like I am coated in guck. I'm thrilled to report that using Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunsreen SPF 70+ left behind no guck, no coating, and no sticky film. AMEN!

This can is a winner and at $15, you're getting a superior product that won't break the bank. I’ve been using it daily and my first impression was a lasting one … I literally said aloud “Ahhhh, it’s light!” I absolutely LOVE how light this formula is. It’s not sticky or filmy, and it applies clear. That is one of my favorite things about it.

It applies clear and it absorbs into your skin with one stroke of your hand. Unlike many other sunscreens, it doesn’t spray on as white streaks that need to be rubbed in. Not only is that a time saver, but it looks and feels better too.

Have you ever used a sunscreen that applied white and left your skin looking milky and painted on? Those just aren't the kind of sunscreens you can wear day to day. Sun Bum is the kind of sunscreen you can (and I have been) literally wear daily, anywhere, and you don’t even realize you have it on.

With other sunscreens, I've been hesitant to wear nice clothing while wearing it because I didn’t want to ruin my clothes, this ultra waterproof and sweat proof light formula is a dream for everyday use.

It’s also a great pick if you’re active outdoors in the summer or vacationing. This is an everyday sunscreen you an apply over your regular moisturizer and not develop a thick film. It applies perfectly clear, feels light, and the scent is gentle and pleasant…kind of vacation-y.

SUN BUM sunscreen

And if my friendly nod of approval and adoration isn’t enough …  here’s a super important seal of approval. Sun Bum Sunscreen is tested, approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, you can be assured you’re getting the best in skincare.

So far, I only got my hands on Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen, (which is available in SPF 15+, 30+, 50+, and 70+) but Sun Bum products are available in a variety of forms.

Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen review. #sunprotection #sunbum

I already have my eyes on the Sun Bum Face Stick. Considering how effortless and light the spray sunscreen is, I can only imagine how perfect the face stick is going to be!

Sun Bum products are:

  • Paraben Free
  • Oil Free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Won’t Clog Pores
  • Anti Aging
  • Photostable

If you’re looking for a day to day sunscreen that easy and light, I highly recommend giving Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen a try. If you’re new to spray sunscreen – hold the can 4-6 inches away and spray! Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen mists on and rubs in with one swipe. It is THAT light.

Continuous spray means it’ll keep coming until you’re done spraying! This can sprays with ease and allows you to use all the sunscreen you want with one long spray!  

Speaking of using all of the sunscreen you want, did you know the average person only uses 1/4th of the amount of sunscreen they need/should? Apply liberally friends! Practice safe sun!

Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

*Disclosure


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Mott 50 Sun Protective Fashion Review

AmandaOnAir1 comment

Mott 50 Scarf

I wish I could express the intense fear I felt the day I found out I had Melanoma. That feeling along with the waiting and uncertainty alone has changed my life forever and made me wish 1,000 times that I’d done a few things differently just a couple years ago. (Starting with covering up at the beach!)

That fear is also something that I am certain would change you too. Instead od dedicating one month of the year to Skin Cancer Awareness, it's something we should be vigilant about throughout the year. 

Sun safety goes beyond just SPF, but should include UPF, too. I discovered a really cute and wearable line of sun protective clothing that I am so excited about! Had I known then what I know now, I would have taken sun safety a lot more seriously.

palo santo perfume

Life after Melanoma has been about educating myself and others, finding every way possible to protect myself from the dangers of the sun, and the hardest part … getting over my fear of spending time outdoors. (Yeah, there was actually a period of time where I was afraid to commit to attending outdoor events.)

When I first attempted to shop for sun protective clothing a few years ago, my search came up short. I couldn’t find anything a 20-something year old would want to be seen in and just because I want to protect my skin doesn’t mean I want to look drab!

The thought of spending extended periods of time outdoors first felt terrifying. I was afraid to be in the sun and felt like there was nothing I could do to cover up enough to enjoy daylight.

Thankfully, with time and information, I’ve adjusted to taking proper precautions to protect my skin from the sun and I am now beyond THRILLED to have stumbled upon Mott 50, a line of super cute sun protective clothing and accessories.

These pieces are life savers … literally. If you’ve ever tried to shop for sun protective clothing in the past you know that the selection is usually sad and frumpy. What about the fashionista that wants to cover up?  That’s what the gals who started Mott 50 were thinking when they started the line!

Sun safety isn’t just about preventing skin cancer (which by the way is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.) … it’s also about preventing premature aging like wrinkles and sun spots. Nice skin is what’s in.

Mott 50 is a new line of fashion that offers sun protective clothing, with UPF  in every garment. UPF  = ultraviolet protection factor. UPF indicates how much of the sun’s UV rays are absorbed by the fabric before it reaches your skin.

A UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th (or 1 %) of the UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) can penetrate fabric, thus indicating how effective the clothing is from blocking UV rays. Pretty cool, huh?

Dermatologists rank sun protective clothing as the #1 way to successfully block the sun’s harmful rays, proving to be even more effective than sunscreen.  Mott 50 is finally a place where fashion meets function!

The pieces are stylish, easy-to-wear, super cute and are 50 UPF. If you’re wondering what makes Mott 50’s clothing different from regular clothes and gives it a higher UPF, I did some research! 

It’s the tightness of the weave and low porosity of the fabrics Mott 50 uses in their line create a higher UPF in these garments than in typical clothing. In comparison to regular clothing … the average white t-shirt has a UPF of just 5.

Mott 50 Swim Dress

There are an array of cute and fashionable pieces available from Mott 50 with 50 UVF! I’m not a model, but I wanted you to see how fabulous these pieces are. I’m a huge fan of the Girandella Infinity Scarf ($68) because you can wear it a few different ways.

I’m wearing it in toast/white stripes. It’s made in the USA … you can throw this lightweight shawl in your tote and wear it as a scarf or a shawl as a cover up. It is so soft! (Contents: 92% Rayon Soft Spin Bamboo/8%Spandex)

If you’re a beach-goer or spend a lot of time outside in the summer, this piece is one of Mott 50’s best sellers. The Santa Cruz swim dress ($115) can be worn like a dress cover up or cinched up on the sides as a top. I’m wearing shark grey, (I like neutrals that go with a lot because I get to wear them more often) but it comes in a bunch of gorgeous colors.

Certified with 50 UPF, every lady who spends time outdoors in a bathing suit should have this piece in her closet. The fabric is breathable and dries REALLY quickly. It also has a nice amount of stretch to it.

Wearing Mott 50 allows me the ability to spend time outdoors without worrying like crazy. That is such a relief. While the harmful UV rays penetrate regular clothing, Mott 50 apparel blocks the suns rays in a fashionable way. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime?

Some cases can we dealt with at the dermatologists office, others take lives and when they do, it happens very fast. In the past 40 years, Melanoma (the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer) has risen 800% among young women age 25-29.

Mott 50 got my stamp of approval, but they got a huge nod from the Skin Cancer Foundation, earning their seal of approval! To achieve the seal, all of the fabrics had to be tested, certified and reviewed by them before gaining the seal of recommendation.

*press sample

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Melanoma Survivor Story Q & A

Shannon Smyth3 comments
If you are local here in Northeast PA, then you may be aware that our very own Amanda, a DJ on 98.5KRZ, is a melanoma survivor. Amanda is a vibrant personality who is the picture of health. However, at the young age of 25, Amanda noticed something unusual about her skin that led her to obtain a shocking diagnosis: Melanoma cancer.


Since May is Melanoma Awareness Month, I recently interviewed Amanda to find out how she discovered the abnormality and what she is doing now to protect herself from skin cancer.

a girl's gotta spa!

Q: How old were you when you first noticed that something wasn't right about your skin?

I was 24 when I first noticed what I called a “mark” on my breast. I didn’t call it a mole at first because it was just a dot and it had just recently appeared. (Or at least I had just noticed it was there.) It was something I noticed one day when I got out of the shower and ignored for a few months until I saw that it had changed.

Q: Can you describe what Melanoma looked like?

When I first noticed the “mark” in question, it was a small dark dot. Almost like the tip of a black Sharpie marker. A few months later, it was a larger dark dot that now had a brownish rim around it. The dark center had a faded brown rim with uneven edges that almost looked smeared.

At this point, it was the size of a pencil eraser. I showed a friend and continued to show her every couple of weeks so that she could tell me whether or not she thought it was changing. I didn’t want to overreact about it, but at the same time I kept reminding myself that I didn’t remember ever seeing it there before.

I kept saying that and that gut feeling is what ended up saving my life. I knew that “dot” was turning into a growing, darker mole, was not there before.

Q: Prior to this point, would you say you had a good handle on understanding what Melanoma was?

NOT AT ALL. Actually, I didn’t even really know what Melanoma was or how serious is it. I knew enough about skin cancer to know that it was a red flag to have a mole that is changing, which is the only reason I ended up addressing the mole with my doctor.

Q: Leading up to this, had you been wearing sunscreen on a regular basis?

 No, but I also wasn’t a sun worshiper. Sunscreen was one of those things I would apply if I remembered to, but it wasn’t a priority. I always felt some level of heat exhaustion when I was out in the sun, so I never stayed out in it long in the first place. But before Melanoma, hats were a fashion accessory, not a sun safety must.

Q: Had you ever used a tanning bed or had multiple sunburns?

I have to admit, as much as I wish I never had, I did use tanning beds, but not regularly. If I had to guess, I’d say I probably used a tanning bed between 20-30 times in my life. Just a few times before special occasions to "get a base."

It sounds so stupid now, but I either didn’t know better or didn’t care. Had I known the fear I would feel just a few years later, I would have never directly put myself in that kind of danger.  As far as sunburns go, I grew up in New England and spent some time at the beach growing up, so I’m sure I had a few sunburns, but I can’t recall anything significant. (It only takes 6 sunburns in your lifetime to put you at risk for skin cancer.)

Q: How long did you wait until you asked a medical professional about it?

I waited far too long to show a doctor. Silly me, time was ticking. It was about 6 or 7 months from when I first noticed the “dot” until the “dot” grew into a dark weird shaped mole. Still then, I watched it.

It continued to grow and look funnier for a few months. I continued to show a friend who is very active with the American Cancer Society and her reaction is what made me finally realize I needed to say something.

I didn’t actually see a doctor about it until almost a year after I first noticed that something was up. For anyone reading this who is questioning a mole - PLEASE DO NOT WAIT! Waiting was extremely stupid, but I wasn’t educated enough to know I was allowing the cancer time to spread.

Melanoma Survivor Story Q&A #melanomaawareness #melanoma #skincancer

Q: Once you saw a doctor, what happened next?

I first showed my gynecologist because the mole I was watching was on my breast and because I wasn’t sure it was something to worry about, I waited until my yearly check up. It was very dumb to wait for it to be convenient to get it checked out, but my appointment was coming up and I just figured that would be a good time to show the doctor.

When I showed her what I was worried about, she got serious. She told me I needed to call a dermatologist the moment I left her office and tell them that my doctor said I needed to be seen immediately. I wasn’t expecting the urgency; probably because I didn’t have the slightest clue how fast Melanoma spreads or how serious it is. (While my gynecologist doesn’t know skin as well as a dermatologist, since my experience, she has made an extra effort to check her patients for suspicious looking moles in private areas that primary doctors don’t typically see.)

I called the dermatologist (I was a new patient, I didn’t have any reason to see a derm before) and scheduled an appointment. Next thing I knew, I was having 3 moles removed for biopsy. The one on my breast was the only one I knew about and was worried about. Little did I know, there were 2 more pre-cancerous moles living on me. One was on my back, the second on my other breast. The suspicious mole on my right breast actually was Melanoma.

When my dermatologist first called, I was on the air and told him I couldn’t talk. We were in the middle of our show and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting him to say anything bad. He said he’d stay a little late that night to call me back and give me the news when I got off the air.

When he called again an hour later, he told me that a team of experts reviewed my case and diagnosed me with Melanoma. He then said I would be requiring another surgery immediately. My eyes filled with tears, but to be completely honest, I wasn’t really sure what Melanoma even was.

He told me that my oncologist would be calling in the morning to schedule the surgery because they feared that the cancer may have already begun to spread to my lymph nodes. Wait, I need an oncologist?  Isn’t that a cancer doctor? So for anyone who are under the impression that it’s “just skin cancer, they can just scrape it off,” that is very far from reality and that has become a statement that will throw me right into sun safety preach-mode.

He told me not to go home and Google or look it up on Web MD because the information is very scary. Of course, that’s exactly what I did. To say that I was scared out of my mind doesn’t even begin to describe what I was feeling. I felt dumb. Why did I wait so long to see the doctor? Did I do this to myself?

The surgery was painful. I am sharing these details with hopes that it will reach someone and change the way they think about their time spent in the sun. I don’t wish this experience on anyone, but I am grateful to have caught it in time to warn others.

In order to find which lymph nodes the cancer would likely spread to, I was brought down to the radioactive medicine department and had a radioactive tracer dye injected direction into my areola. (The mole site was nearby.)

I was told this lymph scan with dye is the same scan that breast cancer patients also receive before surgery. To say that the dye stung is a gross understatement. I laid there on a cold metal table surrounded by doctors, weeping. It burned. The injection site and my whole chest burned like it was on fire.

They injected this dye 5 separate times. Wearing a thin paper robe, naked from the stomach up, sobbing on a cold metal table. I laid there for an hour while the machine showed the doctors where to operate and which lymph nodes to remove. I’ve read that this is often done while under general anesthesia, but for me it was not and it was extremely painful. The gist – this is not fun.

Later that day, they put me under and they removed a bunch of lymph nodes (sentinel lymph node biopsy) from under my right arm. In addition to the lymphadenectomy, my surgical oncologist also did a wide local excision of the mole site and the surrounding area. They cut and scooped a 4 inch area on my breast to get all of the infected cancer cells out.

The doctors said it looked like the cancer had just begun to spread to my lymph system, but we literally caught it “just in time” before it got any further. Of course, we didn’t get this news until 1.5 weeks AFTER the surgery.

Telling this story back now loses some intensity because it lacks the time spent worrying in between appointments. The waiting was the worst part. There are weeks in between biopsies that you have absolutely no idea what you’re facing. All you can do is wonder. Is it that bad? Am I catching it in time? Will I have a chance to fight it?

While recovering at home and waiting for the results from this surgery, I daydreamed about my future with my then boyfriend, now husband. I wondered if we’d even have a chance to live the life we dreamed of together (update: we are now married with two beautiful girls.)

My mom was also wonderfully supportive through all of this (especially the waiting) and often reminded me not to worry until there was something to worry about. I was blessed with a chance to tell you what I went through because thankfully, we caught it just in time.

What I learned from this that I hope you take with you, is to know your body. I essentially caught this myself. Melanoma is the fastest spreading skin cancer and the deadliest. It spreads so fast that waiting to get something checked out can cost you your life.

Q: How has Melanoma changed the way you spend your time outdoors and sun safety in general?

Melanoma has changed everything about the way I spend time outdoors. I don’t just hang out outdoors. I go out and live a normal social life, but I take extra steps to make sure I’m prepared to protect myself. I use sunscreen like a regular moisturizer. ALL THE TIME. I’m obsessed with protecting my skin from the sun and I now feel like it’s my duty to educate others about sun safety.

I don’t go to the beach and hang out. I don’t spend long periods of time out in the sun and I don’t drive around during peak hours with my sun roof open. Work wise, I work in radio and we often do live broadcasts outdoors at concerts. Before Melanoma, you would likely find me bopping around all over the place, now you’ll find me under the tent.

My first vacation after Melanoma was terrifying. I was scared to be outside, but realized I also can’t stop living. I went armed with sunscreen, hats and cover-ups. I no longer look at hats as just fashion accessories, but as MUSTS that also happen to be cute. Melanoma is not going to stop me from looking cute, but I am going to embrace being pale.

I try every new sunscreen that hits shelves and have found some favorites that also give a nice glow and even shimmer. The main thing is that now I’m using it! I also wear sunglasses every day. While they are also cute fashion accessories, Melanoma can also form on your eyes and they need to be protected too. I keep a pair of sunglasses on me at all times.

My experience with Melanoma has left me with an overall sense of paranoia about my own skin that I like to just call awareness. I constantly check myself for new “marks” (I still call them that) and even take pictures of moles that I think may be changing. Sometimes I start to convince myself something doesn’t look right because it’s a fear, but that fear stems from learning how serious Melanoma is.

Since my surgery, I have had a few scares and other procedures done. For a 6 month span, I had MRI’s done on my brain because there was fear that the Melanoma had spread there. I also had another mole removed from a very private place that NEVER sees sun. I literally mean NEVER. I also found this myself. Again, I caught this in time before it spread.  

This was another frightening reminder that this is going to be a never ending battle with the sun and with my own paranoia and fear of not catching it in time, next time. My current struggle is with trying to find a balance between awareness and living in a constant state of fear.

Q: What key piece of advice do you want readers to know about Melanoma?

The one thing I hope readers take away is that Melanoma is not a beast you want to fight and a worry you want to have. KNOW YOUR BODY. Do a monthly skin check and know what moles already exist and what they look like. Taking pictures helps.

If you start to worry something is changing, measure it. One thing I try to stress to my friends and family is that you have to be your own finder; your doctor doesn’t see you enough to notice small moles that may change. Know your body, know when it’s changing, and speak up when something doesn’t look right! You could save your own life.

Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 35, and the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to 30.

Early signs of melanoma are changes to the shape or color of existing moles or the appearance of a new mole. They are often referred to as the ABCDE’s of Melanoma.

  • Asymmetry

  • Borders (irregular)

  • Color (variegated)

  • Diameter (greater than 6 mm (0.24 in), about the size of a pencil eraser)

  • Evolving over time

If it looks suspcious - schedule an appointment right away with your dr!

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Suncare: UVA and UVB protection

Shannon Smyth3 comments
Protecting your skin from UV rays is a daily task. I know several people who have had a Melanoma and Melanoma Cancer. When caught early, it can be taken care of; however, I did have a favorite family member pass away when I was 6 years old from Melanoma Cancer. My aunt was only in her early 20's when she died. So this is not something that can happen at an older age--but at any time in life. What's the difference between UVA and UVB and how do they affect our skin? #suncare #skincare #skincancer #melanoma So let's talk about what we can do to protect our skin from the sun's damaging rays. First, what are UVA and UVB rays and where and how do they affect us?

How UVA Affects Us:

Can pass through window glass. Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather. Is present all day and every day of the year. Penetrates deep into skin layers. Is 5% of the sun's rays. Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays. Affects long-term skin damage.

How UVB Affects Us:

Cannot pass through window glass. Causes sunburn. Causes tanning. Helps the body with normal vitamin D production. Varies with the season. It is more intense in the summer than in the winter. Varies with weather conditions. Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon. Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator. Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens. Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer. SPF (sunscreen protection factor) is your key to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The SPF # is what predicts how long your skin can be in the sun with a low risk of burning or damaging your skin. SPF 30 is best, while the higher SPF only provide minimally more protection. While water resistant sunscreens help maintain sunscreen on your skin through perspiring and water activity, it is only for a few hours and it is best to reapply sunscreen every two hours regardless. Should you get a sunburn, you will feel the effects within 2-6 hours of the burn. In more severe cases, sun poisoning can occur. I have had sun poisioning in the past, and it is not fun! While we're discussing using sunscreen in the spring and summer months, it is incredibly important to wear it year round. UVA and UVB rays are ever-present regardless of season. The intensity may vary, but you are still at risk for sun damage to your skin. As you age, dark spots will begin to emerge showing sun damage from years ago. I can certainly see the age spots on my face, but it is even more disturbing when I have my skin looked at under UV light when getting a facial and see just how extensive the damage is. Check out our post on sunscreens that won't detroy the coral reefs which includes our favorite sun protection products. If you're not convinced you need to always wear sunscreen, check out our Q&A with a Melanoma survivor. How do you protect your skin from the sun year round? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

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