Lifestyle & Wellness, Skin Care
Everyone has different skin concerns, whether it’s signs of aging, large pores, or blemishes. But no matter your skin type, age, or gender, sun damage is something to watch for. The sun can cause premature aging, dark spots, and, most seriously, skin cancer. Learn five ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and read stories from people who’ve survived it.
Reducing Sun Damage
Skin cancer is the most common cancer: about 5.4 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed each year. The American Cancer Society estimated about 96,480 cases of melanoma—the deadliest kind—in 2019. We’ve put together five easy steps to cut sun exposure using the acronym SCALE. Here’s how to SCALE back your sun exposure:
– Skipping
– Covering
– Applying
– Limiting
– Examining
1. Skipping Tanning Beds
A tan might look healthy, but it’s actually a sign of skin damage. If your skin is tan, it means your skin cells have already been harmed. The Skin Cancer Foundation found that people who use a tanning bed before age 35 raise their risk of melanoma by 75%. The best protection is to avoid all tanning—especially tanning beds, which give stronger UV radiation than the sun.
2. Covering Up
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to cover your skin with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Clothing is your first line of defense against UV rays and has its own rating called UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), like SPF for sunscreen. UPF 15–20 is good; 40 or higher is excellent. A hat with at least a three-inch brim helps protect the scalp, face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses with UV protection help prevent eye damage like macular degeneration and cataracts.
3. Applying Sun Protection
UV damage can happen year-round, so use sunscreen daily—even on cloudy days and in winter. Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay suggests using an Eminence Organics SPF moisturizer every day, and for extra coverage, a light dusting of Sun Defense Minerals. Morag Currin, Founder and International Director for Oncology Training International (OTI), agrees: wear SPF every day; Eminence Organics offers different formulas for different skin needs. Because skin cancer can appear anywhere, protect all exposed areas with an all-over sunscreen like Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying about two tablespoons of sunscreen to your whole body at least 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply at least every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
4. Limiting Direct Sunlight
If your skin feels like it’s burning, it probably is. The sun is strongest between 11 AM and 2 PM. When possible, avoid being outdoors during those hours or stay in the shade. Take breaks in the shade of a tree or under an umbrella. As Morag says, the best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the sun—when that’s not possible, seek shade and wear protective clothing.
5. Examining Your Skin
Early detection saves lives. Skin cancer is highly treatable when found early. Look for irregular spots, sudden changes in the size or shape of a growth, or any new discomfort. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor right away.
Surviving Cancer
Cancer treatments can make skin more sensitive, irritated, or prone to acne. Proper skincare helps healing and supports self-confidence. Morag recommends OTI-approved skincare products to manage discomfort during treatment. Eminence Organics is proud to be recommended by OTI, and we’re honored to share stories from people who have faced cancer.
Belle’s Story
Belle Hack was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2015 at age 80. Surgery removed the cancer from the right side of her face. While the surgery was successful, it left a large scar that made Belle feel self-conscious. Here’s her experience and advice.
How and when did you discover you had skin cancer?
I had a small red spot on my cheek for a few years, and it slowly became more red. My family doctor did a biopsy and found a cancerous cell. On September 30, 2015, I was told I could choose surgery or radiation. I’d heard bad things about radiation, so I chose surgery but was worried about the result. They gave me a cream to draw out the cancer, which made the area very pink. On November 9, 2015, I had the surgery—and I was cancer free.
Tell us about how Eminence Organics products helped you in the healing process.
The Facial Recovery Oil softened and lightened the skin around the scar so much that you can hardly see it anymore. I was amazed at how quickly it worked. I was very self-conscious about my scar and didn’t think an organic product would help, but my granddaughter kept encouraging me to try it. The oil healed the area beautifully—now most people don’t even notice the scar. I now believe in Eminence and the organic approach because of the results.
Do you have any advice about early detection of skin cancer?
If you have a mark on your skin and it changes in any way, get it checked. It’s better to be safe than sorry. I shouldn’t have waited, and I won’t hesitate again. If I’d checked it sooner, my treatment would have been less extensive.
How do you protect your skin from sun damage since your skin cancer scare?
At 81, I try not to be in the sun anymore. I stay in the shade, use Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40, and cover up with clothing and a hat if I’ll be outside.
Chrystel’s Story
Chrystel Mann is a massage therapist with over 25 years’ experience and an esthetician for more than 15 years. She works at an Eminence Organics spa and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Her treatment included chemotherapy, and because she knew chemotherapy can be hard on the skin, she planned to use only OTI-recommended products. Here’s her story and insights.
How did your cancer journey start?
In the summer of 2014, my breast was tender, the skin was peeling, and the nipple was turning inward. A biopsy showed I had stage four breast cancer that had spread to lymph nodes, collarbones, breastbone, lung, and hip. Chemotherapy began in November and brought six months of illness, with vomiting and diarrhea that lasted eight months. During that time, I stayed very positive for my children and my husband. My inner strength kept me focused on healing.
How did you take care of your skin?
I contacted Eminence Organics at the start of my treatment to ask which products would be gentle enough during chemo and winter. They suggested the Beyond Organic Biodynamic® line for its pure, gentle ingredients. I used Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque, Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream, and Echinacea Recovery Cream. My routine was Stone Crop Gel Wash, light exfoliation with Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, then one of the Beyond Organic products depending on how my skin felt and the weather. On very cold days, I’d use the mask as a cream and leave it on.
What were the results for your skin?
To my surprise, my skin stayed beautiful. People who saw me said I didn’t look sick and that my skin was radiant. I felt protected. At the cancer center, many people looked pale, ashy, or inflamed; I was one of the few who looked normal and smiling, even though I was bald.
How are you now?
After six months of intense chemotherapy, treatment continued and will finish on October 22, 2015. I’m so happy to have only two treatments left. It’s not chemo anymore, but it’s still strong medicine. My skin remains beautiful, and I’m very grateful for the support Eminence Organics gave me. Right now, this invasive cancer shows no trace in my body anywhere—I feel like a miracle on two feet!
We’re inspired by these brave women and grateful they shared their stories.
Skin cancer is common and should be taken seriously. Reducing sun exposure with the SCALE approach helps prevent damage while letting you enjoy the outdoors safely. Do you have other sun-protection tips? We’d love to hear them in the comments and on social media.