Melanoma Monday, But It’s Not What You Think

Body-Suncreens

While I find the name “Melanoma Monday” to be extremely ill-conceived, I think it’s an important day of awareness. But first, let’s not get it twisted with Taco Tuesday, Pizza Friday or any other day connected to something you want. A few weeks ago, I commented to my gym friend (you know the people you see in class each week but don’t really know outside of that room) that she was looking nice and bronzed. I assumed she would tell me she got a spray or used a new lotion, because really, what 30+ year old woman actually goes to a tanning bed, right? Wrong. She said she was “tanning for her wedding” but “just a base.” It took me a minute to process and I felt that I didn’t know her well enough to shame her into never doing it again.  Shame might be a bit harsh, but tanning beds are cancer/wrinkle beds. Why mess with that?

What’s worse, according to a new sun study being released today by L’Oreal, is that American women give themselves a “C” when grading their sun care habits.  Basically, we know we should wear sunscreen, but don’t. What gives? I hear often from my friends and coworkers that it’s “cloudy” or “I’m inside all day” but honestly, the sun is smarter than you think. It reflects off of everything — concrete, snow, windows.  I also think there is a perception that sunscreen formulas are smelly, thick and goopy. Not the case anymore.

While I’m good about wearing SPF every day on my face and neck, even I can do a better job with my body. It’s not just when you’re at the beach or doing outdoor activities. So my Melanoma Monday commitment is to make it a routine to SPF my legs, arms, chest and hands. Don’t forget the hands! Will you join me in making a MM commitment?

Arming myself with a body SPF for all situations:

Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector / L’Oreal Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil / Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense / Aveeno Natural Protection

6 thoughts on “Melanoma Monday, But It’s Not What You Think

  1. Lauren

    I ran into someone recently that proudly (!?) told me they went to a tanning bed and I was so shocked that I didn’t know what to say in response. It’s hard for me to believe that people still go to them.

    I’m religious about my face, but I need to be better about using SPF on my body. How do you protect your eye area?

    Reply
    1. Laurie, 312 Beauty Post author

      Lauren, it’s hard to say something in response, right? I overheard a few teenage girls working at Old Navy talking about tanning, too. I wanted to interrupt and just scream NOOOO! As for my eyes, I usually just wear sunglasses. But I’m going to test out Supergoop’s new eye cream that has SPF 30.

      Reply

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