In an instant—everything can change.
In the spring of 2013 most everything had gone back to a “normal” or so I thought. We went to the beach for spring break. During the few days we were there I began experiencing itchy skin. I wasn’t sure why. Was I allergic to something?
It began on the first day we were there. My sister and I went out to the beach around 3:30 or so. It was a little overcast so we didn’t put on any sunscreen so it couldn’t be that. I took an antihistamine and went back to the beach the next day. That afternoon I broke out in a rash/hives around my mid-section.
Was I allergic to the sun?
I wasn’t sure but I had a feeling I might be.
I didn’t know it but you can develop a sensitivity to the sun. It happens most often in spring and early summer.
It seems the immune system treats sun-altered skin as foreign cells, leading to reactions such as a rash, blisters or hives. It can happen after only a few moments of exposure to the sun or any UV light source such as a tanning bed.
My body was trying to tell me something but I wasn’t really listening…
As spring turned to summer it seemed to be less of an issue.
I was so concerned about my fine lines and wrinkles but I wasn’t making the connection between my tanning and aging.
I tried R+F Redefine regimen in June of that year and loved it. I could feel the active ingredients working on my face, especially around my eyes. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced even though I’d been using premium products from my dermatologist’s office.
When I saw they had products for my husband’s sensitivity, my daughter’s cystic acne, as well as my aging and sun-damaged skin, I signed on as a Consultant in late June of that year.
That was the beginning of the changes that were coming…
This picture was taken the week after I signed up as an R+F Consultant just before I got the news.
I went to the Dermatologist for my yearly skin screening ( I HIGHLY RECOMMEND). It’s hard for me to look at the picture because it reminds me of that time period when I was making carless choices …
I went to the doctor on July 1st, 2 days after signing up as a Consultant.
I pointed out a little pink, itchy spot. She decided to biopsy it just to be sure. She later told me she thought is was basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer. One week later she called. It was melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer ! I burst into tears upon hearing the news !
I didn’t know that melanoma can be pink (atypical). I had surgery to have it removed 2 days later. It was aggressive but thankfully it had not metastasized to my lymph nodes.
So I began taking skincare, especially sunscreen Very SERIOUSLY.
I use at least a 50 spf and cover up with a UV blocking shirt or a long-sleeve shirt as much as possible . I also wear a wide-brim hat and glasses, watching the clock to remind my family to reapply every two hours.
Thankfully I’ve been cancer -free for almost 8 years.
I so regret abusing my skin but I’m trying to educate anyone who will listen about how to take care of their skin.
I’m thankful that sunscreen is included in our regimens because as dermatologist- created skincare, it’s the responsible thing to do. We care about the skin you’re in and want you to also !
Please take a few minutes to watch my video as I share info on sunscreen and the ABCs that can save your life.
