I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Neutrogena. I received samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation

Suntan is Sun Damage - How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

It’s summer, and it seems like I see more skin on the beach every year.  With cheeky bikinis being the norm, I have to wonder what those women who are subjecting their skin to the burning rays of the sun will look like when they’re my age.  Will they regret those long lazy days in the sun working toward the perfect tan? I say yes. Because though many 20-something women say they’d rather “look good now” because they won’t care when they’re older. But I haven’t met an older women yet who doesn’t want to look her best, long into her 70’s and 80’s.

But healthy skin is important to me and not just because it looks great, but also because it means that I’ve been protecting it from the harsh realities of life. I’ve learned to embrace the pale white skin with the thousands of freckles my ancestors passed on to me. By shielding it from damaging sun exposure, I’m doing all I can to prevent skin cancer, and I have good reason to be concerned about it.

How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

My 75-year old mother is protecting her skin from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and a sunscreen of SPF 50+. She’s had four skin cancers removed from her face already, so she’s aware of the importance of staying sun-safe.

I’ve seen how the removal of skin cancer from both my mother and sister’s faces not only altered their appearances, but it meant painful reconstruction for both of them. They were fortunate that their cancers had not spread, so surgery was all they needed for a cure. But this less deadly form can turn lethal when it goes untreated. Plus one victory doesn’t mean you won’t have another area become cancerous. My mom has had several rounds of skin cancer over the last 30 years. Her first round was her lower eyelid and since then she’s had skin cancer removed from the bridge of her nose,  her forehead, and her upper lip.

 One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, yet only 20% use SPF daily.

You might think since my mom has had so many cancerous lesions that perhaps she spent a lot of time in the sun, but it’s entirely the opposite. However, my sister was a sunbather, having growing up in the 70s when slathering baby oil to intensify a tan was the norm. She also spent time in tanning beds before they discovered they were as damaging as regular sun exposure. So trying to gauge what your risk is, is difficult. But what is known is that using sunscreen to block the sun’s harmful rays can help.

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Baby Solid  - How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

How to Avoid Skin Cancer

Even if you’re like my mother and get minimal time in the sun, it’s a good idea to protect the areas most prone to skin cancer. I’ve read studies that say the face and the top of the ears are the most common areas though backs and the top of women’s thighs are also standard. The theory behind those areas is that they’re exposed to the sun less often. That makes them more prone to burning and sunburns have been linked to skin cancer later in life.

Studies have also recently discovered areas of the body that are easily missed are more prone to disease. Sunscreen needs to be applied thoroughly – it can’t protect if you if it’s too thin or not covering at all. Try using the sunscreen in the places you’re more likely miss first and then do a general application. It makes sense because it gives you two chances to cover the area thus a better shot at full coverage

In addition to sunscreen, always wear a hat when outdoors for extended periods, sunglasses with UVA/UVB rating to protect your eyes (yes, they can sunburn too!), and be aware that the sun can bounce off of water or other reflective surfaces causing burns.

Neutrogena Pure & Free and Sensitive Skin Sunscreens

Neutrogena Sensative Skin Sunscreen - How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

But what about skin that is sensitive? So many sunscreens cause burning and pain when applied, particularly for those people with Eczema. But I’ve just tried three of Neutrogena’s Sunscreen products for sensitive skin, and I can honestly say they have no fragrance and didn’t cause the slightest amount of stinging. In fact, Neutrogena received the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association for their Pure & Free and Sensitive Skin sun blocks.

While Neutrogena has five products with the Seal of Acceptance, here are the three that I tested:

NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

Neutrogena Pure Free Baby Sunscreen - How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

You don’t have to be a baby to love this NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick. The small applicator and solid stick formula means it glides on like a deodorant stick. It’s too small for large adult areas, but it’s perfect for the face and ears and petite enough to fling into your bag for frequent reapplications. It’s excellent for babies too – there are no artificial scents, so it’s safer for sensitive baby skin. It’s a must-have formula for smooth coverage.

NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

 How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

I loved the NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen. It’s thick and creamy, so it clings for easier application and no dripping. It’s scent-free and caused no burning or itching when applied. It absorbed into the skin within a few minutes and because it stays white for a short while it was easier to tell if I’d applied it evenly.

NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Neutrogena Pure Free Liquid - How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

The NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Liquid Sunscreen was my least favorite of the group. It was very thin and dripped before I could get it applied. I ended up having to wipe it from my shorts, camera, and beach towel. I also worried that I wasn’t getting a thick enough coverage to provide the UVA/UVB protection it promised.

Sunscreen – You’ll Be Glad You Used It

No matter what you have planned this summer, take along a sunscreen that’s appropriate for the kind of application you prefer and the type of activities you’ll be doing. Protecting yourself now will mean fewer chances of contracting skin cancer and the promise of less wrinkles and damaged looking skin. I promise, when you reach 50 you’ll be glad you chose to care for your skin.

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Eczema - How to Avoid Skin Cancer: Plus Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin #ChooseSkinHealth #IC ad

Have you tried Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin Care Products? They Would love your feedback! Write a review on the Neutrogena website to let others with Eczema and sensitive skin know that sun protection without pain is possible.

Neutrogena Sun Care products can be purchased at local Walmart stores as well as via Walmart.com.

Find out more about Neutrogena Sun Care Products