I Wrote a Love Letter to My Sunscreen

I had tried many sunscreens on my face before finding my current sunscreen, and I wasn’t happy with any of them, because they either irritated my sensitive skin or made me break out. Makeup or moisturizer with SPF also makes my skin red and bumpy within 15 minutes of application.

The best sunscreen for a skin cancer patient

I knew I needed to use sunscreen on my face, but I didn’t use it unless I was going to the beach or doing something outdoors for a long period of time during the summer.

After switching to a new dermatologist, I mentioned the problem I had been having with sunscreen for my face, and she recommended my current product, which I love. If you’re not happy with your sunscreen, my advice is to keep trying until you find one that works for you and your skin. I never thought I’d find a sunscreen that wouldn’t make my skin break out, but I did, and I hope you do too.

This sunscreen is just right

I’m so happy to have found this sunscreen that I wrote a love letter to it. Is this crazy? Maybe, but maybe not when you’ve had skin cancer and finally find a sunscreen you want to use every day.

Dear Sunscreen,

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found you. My doctor recommended that I try you, but I wasn’t really excited about doing so. You see, the sunscreens I’ve used in the past have left my face itchy, red, and irritated, and have caused bumps on my skin that look like cysts, often within minutes of application. I was getting tired of trying brand after brand, only to have the same uncomfortable and unsightly result. But I decided to give you a try.

The first thing I noticed after applying you to my face is that nothing happened, which is a good thing. I pumped the dispenser, put you on the back of my hand, and applied you to my face, paying specific attention to my two Mohs surgery scars. I looked in the mirror and my skin looked fine. I also noticed that you don’t have a strong smell – in fact, I don’t really smell you at all. I remember once wearing sunscreen and shaking hands with a client who said, “are you going to the beach?” I appreciate that you don’t have a smell since I need to wear you every day, not just at the beach.

My skin feels good after I apply you. It feels soft and moisturized. I don’t notice any signs of you on my face, no white marks or greasiness.

I feel protected when I wear you. I feel I can go outside and not worry about skin cancer, as I know you are keeping me safe. Thank you for that.

I apply you about 20-30 minutes before I head out to the park every morning, and I don’t have to worry. I feel the true test of a sunscreen is at the beach. Even though I’ve had skin cancer, I still go to the beach and take long walks along the water. I wear you and I wear a wide-brimmed hat, and you both do such a good job protecting my skin. I haven’t had a sunburn since I started wearing you. Thank you. Please don’t ever stop doing what you do.

Does anyone else love their sunscreen?