I thought it may be most beneficial for everyone if I follow up with a bit more detail on what this means, and how to proceed if you get results as scary as mine.

See those red areas? Hot, right?

They can be a million things, from acne (which I DO NOT have) to inflammations, rosacea or spider veins. I do have rosacea – I just had convinced myself it had magically disappeared!
While I didn’t do so hot in ANY area, my one real red flag was the UV spot pictures above. UV spots are, essentially, sun damage.

They happen when melanin coagulates.

Lets just take a moment to ponder how gross that is even in random phrasing.

However, they are invisible to the naked eye…for now. My UV score was 49% – this percentage is meant to compare against others in VISIA database with my age/skin type who I scored better than; the scores for UV spots and porphyrins represent actual counts, with higher counts indicating more sun damage. So, yeah, that’s bad.

My goal? To take better care of my skin before I end up with photodamage, spots, or…in all likelihood, skin cancer. I’m going to wear SPF every day, no matter what! Even if it’s snowing. And, I think the reason this befell me is so I should impart upon all of you that you must do this as well. It’s really, truly, no joking matter!

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A reader emailed near the end of April asking for me to please point out this gorgeous kit from TooFaced.  I took a peek, and couldn’t help but agree.  This is the Love Lisa Beauty Battle Box, from Too Faced Cosmetics and has been a top seller at Too Faced for a good while now.   The kit was inspired by the sister of Too Faced CEO, Jerrod Blandino, who is battling skin cancer.  The kit is $32.50, and includes two lip glosses, a duo face shimmer, and 4 eyeshadow colors.  The best part is that a “fat chunk” of the proceeds on this kit go to the Wings of Hope Melanoma Research Foundation, not just this month, but always. 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so stay tuned for lots more about that from me – as many of you who have been long time readers know, skin cancer is a topic that is way closer to my heart than I would like it to be.  WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN </broken record>!

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This is a WONDERFUL video from the Skin Cancer Foundation about the history of tanning (did you know a great tan was NOT always stylish?) and why you should be comfortable with your natural glow. I don’t have to go back into telling my skin cancer experience again do I? Just go look at any of these pictures and videos of me, and note that lovely 1.5 inch scar down the middle of my nose and remember to use that sunscreen liberally this time of the year – well, all year really. And watch for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s logo on makeup and skin care and know you are choosing the right product for you.Now, someone tell me how I can get comfortable with these skim milk white legs of mine. Thank God for self tanners. I’ll ditch those when full length skirts come back in style.

(Selina – Ill get into more self tanner stories for you soon! *muah*)

Post from: eBeautyDaily

ANYWAY, I found at SheFinds.com a little story about Maggie Gyllenhaal and Olay teaming up to promote Skin Cancer Awareness:

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery have persuaded 150 dermatologists nationwide to participate in the second annual “Bring a Buddy” campaign. During May and June, women can bring their “buddies” with them to the derm for a joint free screening and a lesson in skin care. Visit Olay.com or ASDS.net for doctors in your area.

Don’t forget to look for this Skin Cancer Foundation logo on your favorite products as a symbol that they have been tested and provide an SPF 15 or higher protection for your skin from the sun.

One of my favorite new finds is the Skin Milk Hand Lotion with SPF 15 – it will keep that dreadful problem of your hands showing your age under control! Find it at drugstore.com (or your local drugstore) for the super-reasonable price of $4.39!!

Whatever you do, or use, just do something. Remember, summer is coming quickly, and please lets all try to avoid the bad stuff this year.

Be Sun Smart! Image from British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, where you can find some links to some more information about sun damage and protecting yourself from skin cancer.

Post from: eBeautyDaily