Patricia V.

My skin damage was done in my early years. I was born in Argentina and lived in many countries because my father’s business took him around the world. Although I was lucky to travel, I unfortunately lived in places with intensely hot climates, such as Spain and the Middle East, where I was exposed to a lot of sun and endured severe sunburns.  We didn’t know what we were doing to ourselves. We didn’t cover up or even try to avoid the sun despite burning and peeling; we didn’t know any differently.  I only started paying attention after I turned 40.  I began using sunscreen and to this day I use sunscreen all over.  

At age 66, I was diagnosed with my first melanoma. I had another Melanoma at age 85 and again at 89.  I waited too long to pay attention and my skin suffered for it. I would urge the young people to pay attention.