Great topic! Sorry to hear of your skin cancer. Unfortunately, it's all too common. I am a dermatology nurse, so I see these things many times every day. Some people get it-we tell them they have skin cancer, and that they've obviously spent too much time in the sun. Some people are smart and make changes like you have. They start wearing sunscreen, stay out of direct sun as much as possible,etc.
Some people don't get it. They come in for checkups deeply tan, covered with sun spots, etc. We tell them they are just asking for more skin cancer. And they still won't change their habits. For some, they are as addicted to the sun (or tanning beds) as others are addicted to smoking. When you tell someone they ought to quit smoking, the typical response is "I know, I should..." but of course they continue to smoke. It's the same for tanning addicts. We tell them they are endangering their health and lives by tanning, and they say "I know, I should stop". But they don't.
I cannot stress the importance of NOT USING TANNING BEDS! They may as well call them "Skin cancer, wrinkles, and sun spots beds", because that's what they will give you. Also, sunscreen must be applied frequently. Once in the morning isn't enough if you're out all day. Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, really should be reapplied every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. However, using sunscreen is only part of the solution. Don't fool yourself by putting on sunscreen once or twice but being out in the sun for 6-8 hours straight. You have to seek shade, wear a hat, sit under an umbrella at the pool, etc.
I am passionate about what I do, and I implore those who are sun abusers to take precautions. Sun damage cannot be magically reversed. Your skin has a memory to it. When it gets to the point that it cannot continue to repair itself, you will start to get undesirable effects: wrinkles, brown spots, loss of elasticity of the skin, and skin cancer. Melanoma kills. And it is quite aggressive if it metastasizes. It generally doesn't respond to chemo or radiation. (I would guess that Oldflame's cancers were probably not melanoma(?) Likely Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma).
Have you looked into laser surgery? They are able to help repair some skin problems...it might pay you to check into it. Also, be sure to take a daily multi-vitamin, you may want to take something that is targeted for the skin. Swalker
Laser surgery might be useful for repairing the scars if they are "unsightly", but they aren't a recommended treatment for removing skin cancers. Skin cancer usually needs to be completely excised from the skin, ensuring clear margins at the borders and in the depth of the skin. A daily multivitamin is good for anyone, but it won't prevent or repair sun damage.
