Hey everyone, I’m Idalia Salsamendi, the Director of Business Development at Chriselle INC (you might remember me from this post here! or when I take over Chriselle’s Instagram Stories to show you what goes on behind the scenes), and although I’m more commonly known as the “money girl” of the team (ie: give a good fourteen page client contract and I’ll dissect it to a tee), both Chriselle and I felt it was important to get personal with something that happened to me in hopes that we can help you.
So what’s the topic? Skin Cancer Prevention Tips. Why? Well, earlier this year I went to two dermatologists to check on a “scab” on my forehead that had been there for the last six months with no signs of healing. Rewind… what?! Six months?! I know what you’re thinking… how could I have waited that long to get it checked out? The answer is: I don’t know. Perhaps it was the fear that skin cancer is prevalent in my family? That denial isn’t just a river in Egypt? That by not checking it, I wouldn’t be faced with reality? Very unlike me, but it shows that I’m human and that we all do the strangest things to avoid uncomfortable situations. Lesson learned. You feel me?
They did discover that the “scab” was actually a precancerous lesion that they immediately froze off with liquid nitrogen which is meant to destroy the top layers of the skin where the sun damaged pre-cancerous cells reside. Then hopefully the normal skin heals and the precancerous cells have been killed off. It’s been about six weeks now and thank goodness the lesion has cleared, but the worry doesn’t end here. Now that I know that I’m prone to it, I have to be extra careful now more than ever to prevent it from happening again.
After talking to dermatologists, and doing my online research, here are the top five tips I found to be most helpful. Shocker is, I didn’t know about two of them!
1. Sunscreen
Duh. Really, duh! But how many of us actually use it? I personally didn’t until last year… and that’s because my Armani Foundation had it. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Also, remember that most sunscreens will only last about three hours, so reapply. Now that the weather is getting warmer, and the sun stronger, I don’t leave my house without applying Revive’s SPF!
2. Diet
And by diet, I really mean fruits and vegetables. Eating dark, leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale, as well as citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, contain elements that may reduce the risk of getting skin cancer. Also look for foods that are high in beta-carotene such as carrots, squash, sweet potato, apricots, and mangos. Since my appointment, I’ve actually begun the transition into a plant-based diet. Not saying anyone should go such an extreme, but ever since I started I’ve never felt better. Happy to talk about that journey too if you’re interested.
3. Supplements
It wasn’t until last week that I specifically heard about this particular supplement. And now that I have, it’s literally everywhere: Nicotinamide, a form of Vitamin B3. Studies show that twice-daily doses of 500mg can enhance DNA repair resulting in reduced basal cell and squamous cell cancers as well as actinic keratosis.
4. Laser Treatments
These help remove skin damage and pre-cancerous cells to help prevent skin cancers. They also improve scars, even skin color, reduce wrinkling, and lighten brown spots. Also want to throw in here, that seeing a dermatologist a minimum of once a year is a thumbs up. I first discovered this thanks to my friends at Kate Somerville in Los Angeles and found it was a game-changer.
5. DNA Repair Enzymes
This is another tip that was completely new to me. Traveling as much as I do, I’m always prone to sun exposure, and pollution which obviously can lead to skin cancer. By incorporating DNA Repair Enzymes to your skincare routine, you can boost and accelerate your skin’s natural repair process. PS: Also try Tea Tree Oils, a wonderful holistic add-on to your routine as well.
Thank you so so so much for being part of my journey. To continue following my story (and also for a good time), feel free to follow me at @idaliasalsamendi.
Gracias!
References: Skin Cancer Foundation, The Lancet, JDD, Moy Fincher Chipps Dermatology
x Idalia
Credits:
Photography by Drew ScottWhat do YOU think?
68 responses to “5 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips”
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As I play games your article is such a great article to prevent my skins from sun.
thanks
https://www.decal-design.com/
[…] PS: to read some more about skin cancer prevention, be sure to click here! […]
[…] 8. Skin cancer prevention tips. […]
So useful!
https://chapter-fifty-nine.blogspot.com/
So useful!
https://chapter-fifty-nine.blogspot.com/
I love this!
xx
https://closettostreet.com
I love this!
xx
https://closettostreet.com
Great tips! I got to try lasers!
http://thegirlswhobrunch.com
Great tips! I got to try lasers!
http://thegirlswhobrunch.com
You might like to look into the benefits of Lycopene. As skin cancer sufferer I regularly take Lycopene as it is can help prevent the development of skin cancer tumours. I also take vitamin D as I keep covered up in the sun.
Hi really loved this post I have had basil cells and never knew about a lot of these prevention tips thank you so much ! I am wondering which laser prevention do you use ? Thanks for a fantastic post !
You might like to look into the benefits of Lycopene. As skin cancer sufferer I regularly take Lycopene as it is can help prevent the development of skin cancer tumours. I also take vitamin D as I keep covered up in the sun.
Hi really loved this post I have had basil cells and never knew about a lot of these prevention tips thank you so much ! I am wondering which laser prevention do you use ? Thanks for a fantastic post !
Prevention is so important, it is very important to preserve its youth capital!
Thank you for sharing these valuable tips.
Prevention is so important, it is very important to preserve its youth capital!
Thank you for sharing these valuable tips.
Sometimes precancerous cells can appear in the least expected places even if you use sunscreen.
But relying only on foundation for your SPF in this age and date sounds naive to me.
I’m wearing SPF every single day of the year. In the past I used SPF15 in the winter and 30 in summer. Now I wear 30 all year round! When I’m on the beach (I live in Greece) I re-apply all the time!
Such a great and important post! Thanks for sharing
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Sometimes precancerous cells can appear in the least expected places even if you use sunscreen.
But relying only on foundation for your SPF in this age and date sounds naive to me.
I’m wearing SPF every single day of the year. In the past I used SPF15 in the winter and 30 in summer. Now I wear 30 all year round! When I’m on the beach (I live in Greece) I re-apply all the time!
Such a great and important post! Thanks for sharing
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Skin cancer gets more and more common even in young people, it is so important we speak up.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Preach sistah!
And it’s something that we could probably prevent if we just take the necessary steps.
xoxo
Skin cancer gets more and more common even in young people, it is so important we speak up.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Preach sistah!
And it’s something that we could probably prevent if we just take the necessary steps.
xoxo
Aww I’m glad that you got the lesion taken care of, and I really hope you’re starting to feel better! Sending positive energy and prayers your way! Thank you so much for sharing all of this helpful info that you found out!
Thank you so much for your kindness xo
Aww I’m glad that you got the lesion taken care of, and I really hope you’re starting to feel better! Sending positive energy and prayers your way! Thank you so much for sharing all of this helpful info that you found out!
Thank you so much for your kindness xo
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Great post! I’m so thankful that you shared your story with us and getting the word out there for precautions. Here in the South I still see girls sun bathing and tanning in tanning beds, and I’m so scared for them. The idea to be tan seems to trump all safety matters. I’m glad to see more women speaking up about this matter in order to reduce the chances.
Tabitha
https://shopsiloe.com/
I hear you! I grew up in Miami, and when girls weren’t on the beach, they were in tanning beds. My skin has always been so sensitive, so I’ve had to take double the precautions growing up in such an environment. Thanks for reading and speaking up as well.
Big hug xo
It’s great that you’ve shared your story with us!
Hope you feel better babe!
Love,
Nikki
http://www.runwaytoroad.com
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Thank you for sharing your story Idalia. What specific laser treatments do you do?
Great post! x
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Thanks for these tips. I’m definitely trying to eat more healthy and take supplements x
http://www.franklyflawless.com
Great post! I’m so thankful that you shared your story with us and getting the word out there for precautions. Here in the South I still see girls sun bathing and tanning in tanning beds, and I’m so scared for them. The idea to be tan seems to trump all safety matters. I’m glad to see more women speaking up about this matter in order to reduce the chances.
Tabitha
https://shopsiloe.com/
I hear you! I grew up in Miami, and when girls weren’t on the beach, they were in tanning beds. My skin has always been so sensitive, so I’ve had to take double the precautions growing up in such an environment. Thanks for reading and speaking up as well.
Big hug xo
It’s great that you’ve shared your story with us!
Hope you feel better babe!
Love,
Nikki
http://www.runwaytoroad.com
I would love to learn more about laser treatments! I see so many people doing them now! x
chevrons & éclairs
Totally! We’re also in the midst of some good research for the best laser treatments for different types of skin.
Stay tuned xoxo
Wow, this was a profound and personal post. Thank you so much for sharing and your tips for prevention are spot on.
María Eugenia | http://www.thegirlonanisland.com
https://www.thegirlonanisland.com/2018/05/the-white-dress-at-vizcaya-gardens.html
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and appreciate!
Un beso xo
Idalia
I did not understand how the DNA repair enzymes are to be incorporated? Are these topical treatments? Would appreciate if someone “enlightens” me or if you can expand on the topic on a later post!
Hi Maria Elena! Fantastic question! We included a product link so you can see how you can use it. It’s a topical treatment and the one we focused can be applied twice a day after cleansing (ie: Follow with moisturizer and SPF). Hope that helps! And definitely let us know your feedback if you end up trying it. It’s always wonderful and helpful hearing other points of views.
A big hug xo
Hi Idalia, I just saw your Instagram and came here to read about it. I’ve been following you on instagram for a while now and love watching you take over Chriselle’s stories. Thank you talking about skin cancer. It also has happened in my family so I grew up always afraid of the sun. Last year, I gave birth to my baby boy, Xavier, and now all I do is apply and reapply sunscreen on him. I like the tips you shared and will try them. They are not difficult. Thank you again.
~Ramona
Thanks for this great post Idalia, you are on the right way, but you must avoid the sun not only with sunscreen, the best protection against sun is clothes, hat, cap…… Hope you’ll be great….
Today on my blog an outfit for errands days with a maxi denim skirt….
Kisses from Miami.
http://mylovelypeople.com/2018/05/15/a-total-denim-look-for-errands-days/
Ah a fellow Miami girl! You’re TOTALLY right. Clothing is such key to skincare especially being from such a sunny city.
xoxo
so how much time should go by before you check the lesion? did a dermatologist check it for you?
Prevention is so, so important, thank you for sharing these tips! Glad to hear you are better xx
Chloe x
http://www.softoctobernight.com
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment Chloe. xoxo
Wow, what a personal blogpost. Thank you for sharing the tips. And Idalia, hope you’re feeling better!
[…] I know what you’re thinking… how could I have waited that long to get it checked out? from The Chriselle Factorhttps://thechrisellefactor.com/2018/05/5-skincare-prevention-tips/ […]
Thank you for sharing your story Idalia. What specific laser treatments do you do?
Great post! x
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Thanks for these tips. I’m definitely trying to eat more healthy and take supplements x
http://www.franklyflawless.com
I would love to learn more about laser treatments! I see so many people doing them now! x
chevrons & éclairs
Totally! We’re also in the midst of some good research for the best laser treatments for different types of skin.
Stay tuned xoxo
Wow, this was a profound and personal post. Thank you so much for sharing and your tips for prevention are spot on.
María Eugenia | http://www.thegirlonanisland.com
https://www.thegirlonanisland.com/2018/05/the-white-dress-at-vizcaya-gardens.html
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and appreciate!
Un beso xo
Idalia
I did not understand how the DNA repair enzymes are to be incorporated? Are these topical treatments? Would appreciate if someone “enlightens” me or if you can expand on the topic on a later post!
Hi Maria Elena! Fantastic question! We included a product link so you can see how you can use it. It’s a topical treatment and the one we focused can be applied twice a day after cleansing (ie: Follow with moisturizer and SPF). Hope that helps! And definitely let us know your feedback if you end up trying it. It’s always wonderful and helpful hearing other points of views.
A big hug xo
Hi Idalia, I just saw your Instagram and came here to read about it. I’ve been following you on instagram for a while now and love watching you take over Chriselle’s stories. Thank you talking about skin cancer. It also has happened in my family so I grew up always afraid of the sun. Last year, I gave birth to my baby boy, Xavier, and now all I do is apply and reapply sunscreen on him. I like the tips you shared and will try them. They are not difficult. Thank you again.
~Ramona
Thanks for this great post Idalia, you are on the right way, but you must avoid the sun not only with sunscreen, the best protection against sun is clothes, hat, cap…… Hope you’ll be great….
Today on my blog an outfit for errands days with a maxi denim skirt….
Kisses from Miami.
http://mylovelypeople.com/2018/05/15/a-total-denim-look-for-errands-days/
Ah a fellow Miami girl! You’re TOTALLY right. Clothing is such key to skincare especially being from such a sunny city.
xoxo
so how much time should go by before you check the lesion? did a dermatologist check it for you?
Prevention is so, so important, thank you for sharing these tips! Glad to hear you are better xx
Chloe x
http://www.softoctobernight.com
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment Chloe. xoxo
Wow, what a personal blogpost. Thank you for sharing the tips. And Idalia, hope you’re feeling better!