Melanoma Awareness Month - A Cautionary Tale from Gillian Robson

Here’s a cautionary tale from Gillian Robson, the co-founder of the suncare/self-tanning brand TanCream with her guide on what to do and look for.

Gillian Robson - Co-founder of Tancream

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and the message here is very clear ‘please be skin savvy during the lockdown.’ As we’re now allowed outside and the lockdown has loosened, the question is: Have you putting on your SPF? Please take a moment to check your skin and if you have any concerns or if anything that does not look quite right, do seek professional advice.

HERE IS GILLIAN’S STORY:

“My first mole appeared on the back of my left leg at the base of my thigh – I first noticed a slight mark and within days it got darker and then within ten days, it became irregular and even darker. My gut instinct kicked in. I knew it didn’t look right so I took myself off to the GP who immediately fast-tracked me. Within a few days, I was in the hospital, had it checked by a dermatologist and it was removed there and then!

We are SO LUCKY to have such an amazing NHS system 

I got my results within about 10 days. A day I will never forget as I walked in to see the consultant only to be faced with a MacMillan nurse when they told me the devastating news. None of us want to hear the word ‘cancer’ but yes it was an aggressive form of Malignant Melanoma (skin cancer) I had to have more surgery to remove more skin, this was the most horrendous and terrifying time. Having to wait for the results to see if it had gone any deeper than 6mm below the surface as this would go into my bones and bloodstream.

This is a mole that Gillian had removed from her face in August 2019

It is so frightening to think if this happens, it spreads rapidly and in most cases, it can be fatal. Thankfully mine was contained in that area and had not spread, what a relief that was! However, 2 months later when I started with back pain the rollercoaster started again. They rushed me in to have some bone scans and blood tests as they were worried it had escaped them – the NHS is incredible – I was fast-tracked to have all the tests, then a wait for 2 weeks for the results seemed like forever, and my life was on hold! I was determined to remain positive and that this wasn’t going to take me away from my family. This I learned from my aunt who died when I was 12, she taught me lots of values in life but most of all to keep smiling and stay positive. Something she did so well during the last few months of her life as she hid her pain from me and that has given me the strength to get through anything. The next two weeks were all a bit of a blur really, but the call came to say I was all clear of any signs that cancer had spread.

My new life began – I was determined to make others understand why it is so important to wear sun protection. I felt guilty that I had used sunbeds, sunbathed with little sun cream on – something that so many of us did as we didn’t know the reality behind the harmful UV rays that the sun did to our skin and how bad sunbeds really are. Now I was paying the price for it all as I now live with skin cancer. I have had 14 lesions removed over the years; basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas all caught in time as I now know what I’m looking for.

Knowing your own skin and any changes is so important. My number one tip would be to photograph all your skin areas. Take them in good lighting and get your partner to take photos of your back and back of the legs – these are the most common areas to get issues as they are the places we miss when applying sun protection.

If there are certain moles or skin issues that your gut feeling makes you feel uneasy then pay more attention to them. Watch those closely every day and take photos (make sure they are taken in the same lighting as previous ones and the same angle). Measure the diameter over a few days if they change then get them checked out – at the moment due to COVID 19 none of us want to have face to face appointments – so give your GP a call, explain exactly how it’s changed and that you have photos. Offer to send them over via email so they can send them direct to the dermatology department and they can look at them more closely – if there are any concerns then they will tell you the next steps.

Early detection in any cancer is key and skin cancer can affect all skin types

Skin cancer is predicted to be the most common cancer by 2024, 86% is preventable if we wear sun protection. Our skin is the largest organ in our body so we must look after it. After all, if there was a cream that we could apply to prevent breast cancer you’d wear it. It is estimated to cost the NHS £180 million this year, so let us start saving them money and looking after our skin.

Gillian as she is today

I also have some more information I can share with you from MelanomaMe a charity in the North East that supports patients and families experiencing skin cancer. Kerry the founder has also had skin cancer so knows only too well how important it is to talk & share your experiences.”

Other UK charities that Gillian suggests are:

• Melonma- Me Foundation

• Melanoma UK

• Macmillan Cancer Support

• Melanoma Fund

• Melanoma Focus

• Donna Annand Melanoma Charity

• British Association of Dermatologists

As a footnote, The Amazing Blog highly recommends Gillian’s Tancream it’s SPF 50 with a 5* UV it’s also a gradual self-tan bronzer that’s anti-ageing, odour and streak-free. As a unique blend of sunscreen and sunless tanning and has become a multi-award winner, recently with The Beauty Shortlist Award for Innovation. See here to purchase your 100ml Tancream at £44.95.

Love Sun Body - SPF 50 Fragrance Free

With the UK experiencing its hotter and hotter summers apply a high SPF is an essential part our daily routine, not only our faces but also our bodies. From recycling to using reusable straws, we can change little things in our day-to-day lives for the better, including changing what sunscreen we use. According to the Environmental Working Group,  the chemical-filler oxybenzone which is widely found in non-mineral sunscreens can cause bleaching and deformation to the ocean’s reefs. With that in mind, many began talking about the need for reef-safe SPF, including the state of Hawaii who recently banned any sunscreen that is not deemed safe for the ocean. Once we heard this, at The Amazing Blog we started the hunt for a summer sunscreen that is free from these harmful chemicals. When we read all the rave reviews about Love Sun Body’s range of natural mineral sunscreens, we knew that we had to try.

The founder is Dr. Terry Zickerman is a former banker who returned to his passion for science, biology and healthy living. Love Sun Body was born out of a conversation at the beach in Point Pleasant in New Jersey. After six years dedicated to research and formulation, this US skincare brand Love Sun Body made its debut last summer. Instead of the chemical UVA and UVB filters found in most sunscreens, Love Sun Body’s sun protectants contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block out the rays instead of turning the UV into heat as chemical filters usually do. The ingredients found in their sunscreens are water-resistant and safely yet effectively protect you from the sun. Love Sun Body are also the first U.S. sunscreen brand that is internationally certified by Ecocert Cosmos Natural. While we wished we could try all of Love Sun Body’s products, they kindly sent us their SPF 50 Fragrance Free sunscreen to try. Known fact: Mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin – they sit on top and act as a barrier – whereas chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin. Oxybenzone, one of these chemical sunscreen ingredients, is added to 70% of non-mineral sunscreens and, in a study of 2500 Americans, the CDC found Oxybenzone in 96% of the participants bodies.

In addition to being fragrance-free, Love Sun Body’s SPF 50 sunscreen contains 100% natural ingredients that won’t irritate eyes or break out your skin. Unlike other mineral sunscreens, the SPF 50 sunscreen isn’t chalky and dries into a sheer matte finish. Inactive ingredients found in the sunscreen like almond and sunflower oils also make sure your skin stays moisturised. The sunscreen has also proven to be non-comedogenic, so no need to worry about your pores clogging or forming acne. Before taking a dip this summer, make sure to use Love Sun Body’s SPF 50 as you would any sunscreen and re-apply every 80 minutes. SPF 30 sunscreens filter out up to 97% of the sun’s UV radiation while SPF 50 sunscreens filter out up to 98%.For everyday use, we like to apply a small amount of the sunscreen over our favourite moisturiser or serum. If you want to protect both your skin and the environment, purchase a 100 ml bottle for $21 or a 200ml bottle for $32 on the Love Sun Body website here or on Amazon here.

Friday Favourites: Tanning Products to Protect or Enhance

As winter draws closer, it becomes more and more difficult to maintain a healthy and radiant glow. The cold temperatures strip our skin of natural oils, and the shorter evenings limit our time spent in the sunshine (that’s if we’re lucky enough to get any!) However, there is no need to fret, as The Amazing Blog team has unearthed four new tanning related products: One to protect, one to give a sunless glow, another to enhance your existing tan and finally one to remove it all! All useful products but with very different missions. We particularly like to give ourselves a colour boost at this time of year, despite what the weather outside might suggest. The added bonus (and perhaps the most crucial factor) is that by using these products you gain a radiant glow without exposing the skin to harmful UV rays.

Firstly, it’s easy to forget that our skin is exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays on a daily basis. We came across HEVL’s SPF50 Face Creme a unique product that fights against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as the lesser-known danger of High Energy Visible Light. The beady eyed amongst you, will recognise that the brand name is a direct abbreviation of High Energy Visible Light (HEVL), and with this, comes a product that has been formulated by experts in the field of sun protection. For those of you who are unsure of what HEVL is, then you’re not alone. HEVL rays are produced in much the same way as UV rays, meaning they are damaging to the skin whether it is sunny or not. The most profound finding of our research, however, is that HEVL rays can cause a similar amount of damage as both UVA and UVB rays combined. I’m sure you can understand why we were eager to try HEVL’s SPF50 Face Creme.

This face cream has a multitude of benefits. It is SPF50, free from MI, SLS, parabens and perfumes, and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin; due to the light and non-greasy formula. We were also thrilled to discover that is has a slight skin-coloured tint, perfect for non-makeup wearing days, yet the formula acts as a smooth base for days when we require a little more coverage. The visible effects are apparent, however, the ingredients are the real talking point. The addition of Liposhield (a newly formulated ingredient that actively fights HEVL light) ensures that you can be safe in the knowledge that your skin is protected all day. Additionally, added prebiotics strengthen the skin, and maintain it’s natural barrier, aiding with the avails of dry winter skin. If you too would like to protect your skin this winter, then you can purchase a 50ml tube here for £19.95. 

Having protected our skin, the next step in our tanning routine is to use a self-tanning product. We were pleased to come across Curasano, a brand that promises to be inclusive of all skin types, providing effective products for an all year round bronze. This is something we admire, and having used their Spraytan Express for a multitude of special events, we can clarify that there was not a ‘carrot-look’ leg in sight! Initially based in Belgium, Curasano has been providing valuable cosmetics and health products since 2008, and are recommended by dermatologists across Europe. 

Curasano’s Spraytan Express is designed to activate the skin’s natural melanin from the inside, leaving you with an even and golden-brown glow. Self-tan lovers may be aware of the biscuit like smell that is often part and parcel of achieving a long-lasting colour; however Curasano defies this unpleasant side effect with the use of natural ingredients. These include ginseng, aloe vera and vitamin E, all of which are moisturising, yet gentle enough for those who have sensitive skin. We were surprised to find that it only comes in one shade, however, with a range of skin tones in the office, we can confirm that nobody was subject to a tangoed embarrassment. The spray is also suitable for the face, and even for those who suffer from psoriasis or acne. To achieve a party worthy glow, we used the Curasano Spraytan Sentz glove, a soft microfibre glove that helped us to cover our bodies evenly (even those hard to reach areas), and a fail-safe application tool for even the novices amongst us. To achieve an envious glow, apply an even layer over the desired areas, and you should be streak free and radiant for no less than 5 to 7 days. You need only use a small amount, and thus there are up to 60 treatments for the face, neck and décolleté, or up to 10 for the full body. 

To purchase a 200ml bottle of the Spraytan Express for £58.25, click here, and click here to purchase the corresponding Spraytan Sentz Glove for £7.41 .

If at home tanning is still a scary prospect, then we may have the product for you. Solglo’s Tanning Mist is designed to add a bit of colour to natural skin, or can be used to extend your existing (professional or DIY) tan by between 5 and 7 days. The brainchild of United Beauty, an international group with an extensive portfolio of cosmetic and retail products, Solglo is award-winning in sunless spray-tanning products. United Beauty is a British manufactured brand, aiming to provide the ideal tanning solution for tanning professionals. 

We tried their Solglo Tanning Mist in Sun Kissed (which is the lightest), a spray tan in a can that helps to keep your tan looking fresh. The ingredients are effective at keeping the skin moisturised, with both vitamin E and aloe vera which help to ensure that your tan doesn’t flake. We were also pleased to find that the mist is non-greasy, leaving your skin feeling soft, without the sticky feeling of other leading brands. The mist is available in two shades, Sun Kissed (a lighter shade) and Sun Drenched (the darker shade), and both are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. We were also encouraged to find that the brand is nut free. The added bonus for us was the coconut smell, taking away the stereotypically chemical smell of tanning products. Using this product left us feeling as though we’d been transported to a tropical island, a welcome daydream while cooped up in a central London office. To encourage your own exotic transportation, spray evenly across the skin, and enjoy the long-lasting colour. You’ll find that it dries quickly, and thankfully doesn’t transfer onto clothes or bedsheets. To purchase Solglo’s Tanning Mist for £15.58 see here.

Finally, although this blog post suggests we’re all tanning experts…that is very far from the truth. We have witnessed many a ‘do I look orange’ moment in the office, and were therefore thankful to find CrazyAngel’s Strip Tease Tan Eraser. Crazy Angel is a brand that aims to offer personalised self-tanning, straying away from a ‘one colour fits all’ philosophy. The design of the packaging and branding is also unisex, fitting the company’s ethos of focusing on complementing skin tones rather than adhering to stereotypes. This is an outlook that we were impressed by, and one that compelled us to try their Strip Tease Tan Eraser. 

After previously trying Crazy Angel’s Midnight Delight Self-Tan Mousse (see here), we were eager to see how the Strip Tease Tan Eraser faired. We were suitably impressed (and relieved), to find a product that can solve our tanning woes without the use of harsh chemicals. The product is free from the use of alcohol, parabens and mineral oil and the formula itself has a delicate mousse texture, which aims to remove remnants of self-tan in just 5 minutes. Despite being a mousse, we were thankful that it didn’t leave our skin feeling tight; instead it had a silky smooth texture which left our skin feeling nourished (and ready for a new layer of tanning product). We recommend using this product to prep for any self-tan application, as it not only creates an excellent base, but also helps to ensure your bronzed glow lasts as long as possible. The Strip Tease Tan Eraser also has a pleasantly sweet and fruity scent, which draws away from the usually potent chemical smell of similar products. To purchase your own Strip Tease Tan Eraser for £14.99, click here. 

Self-tanning is often seen as a laborious and risky beauty ritual. Today we hope to have provided you with a few new tanning products to help make your routines a little less complicated and streak-free. All perfect for the forthcoming party season!