The Best Ways to Protect Your Skin: As Told By a Melanoma Survivor
Here at L.U.V., we firmly believe our community is everything, which is why we actively seek opportunities to share the stories of the incredible individuals that makes up this community. Today’s post was written by melanoma survivor, Nicole Magliaro. She shares her skin cancer story and favorite ways to protect her skin year-round, not just in the summer months.
—
I received a phone call from my dermatologist the day before my birthday walking along the boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ. After traveling from coast to coast in the sun for the previous two months, this would be one of my last trips of the summer. The spot on my cheek that I thought was a freckle my whole life was melanoma. That call changed my life significantly, and likely in more ways than I’m aware of yet. One of the most important and immediate things I learned, however, was that there are so many ways to protect my skin beyond sunscreen.
Before my diagnosis, I applied sunscreen once in the morning and usually a second time to my face, if I remembered or I was fresh out of the ocean or a pool. I have always been a lover of the sun, but sunscreen was all I used to protect myself from harmful UV rays. Now, things are different. Here are some ways I protect my skin year-round – not just in the summer.
Hats and Sunglasses | As a self-proclaimer of “I look bad in hats,” I didn’t even own any. But now? Any chance I get, I’m wearing a hat. Sun protection and a bad hair day? Perfect combo for a hat. Beyond your typical baseball cap, there are other styles, colors, and designs and are easy to find in retail stores. My collection has grown significantly (even though admittedly most of mine are plain black).
SPF Makeup | Never thought I needed it, and now I’m obsessed. Between full SPF brands and brands with a few sunscreen products, I tried a handful of serums, moisturizers and foundations. I finally found my go-to products that I use every day and my absolute favorite product: a vitamin C + SPF serum. While I still apply sunscreen over it, I feel safer knowing that I’m doing even more to protect my face, especially since my melanoma was found on my cheek.
UPF Clothing | I didn’t even know this existed! I always thought that if my skin was covered, it was protected. But UPF clothing is like sunscreen fabric, especially when it is UPF 50+, and protects the skin on a different level. Many of these brands make athletic gear too, for those who workout outdoors.
Creative Sun Protection | After one quick Google search, I realized there are numerous innovative and UV-protective products. I have also created my own small company, LUVBeads (@luv.beads_). We make bracelets with two UV-sensitive beads that change color when exposed to UV light from the sun and serve as a reminder to apply your sunscreen. Fifty percent of my sales are donated to melanoma research.
After my diagnosis, I knew I didn’t want to live the rest of my life in fear. Skin cancer has a way of creating thoughts of unease and uncertainty for those diagnosed and the ones who love us. I have always loved being outside and didn’t want cancer to take that away from me. It has been comforting to learn that there are companies and people who understand how essential it is to protect our skin so that we can enjoy life, even though it looks a little different.
—
About the Author: Nicole Magliaro
Nicole Magliaro is a melanoma survivor and advocate, as well as an educator, writer, and yoga instructor. She enjoys spending time reading, traveling to new places, and spending time with friends, family, and her rescue pup, Lola. Her small business, LUVBeads by Nicole, donates 50% of sales to melanoma research. Instagram: @nicole_rrose (two Rs is correct!)