Interview with Malin Akermann
With more than a million skin cancer diagnoses per year–not to mention the fact that plenty of otherwise smart women (confession: even yours truly!) occasionally choose vanity over health in the form of a tan–raising awareness for skin cancer is crucial. Those gals who are like Jolie, with light eyes, Northern European heritage and naturally pale skin that burns easily, are particularly susceptible, so please, ladies, make sunscreen your best friend year-round! (My favorites: Obagi Nu Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, Blue Lizard Face SPF 30, DDF Organic Sun Protection SPF 30, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunblock–more on that later!)
I interviewed Malin Akermann, who starred in 27 Dresses and The Heartbreak Kid, about her participation in the Neutrogena Partnership for Skin Health viral video (check it out here.) Her answers, below!
Q: So, why did you get involved in the Neutrogena campaign to raise skin cancer awareness?
A: This video and message is something I have a passion for because I understand the importance of checking your skin for suspicious moles. I recently had a suspicious mole removed on my face; I noticed it was changing shape and asked my dermatologist to examine it. I was one of the luckier ones.
Q: Is skin cancer really that widespread?
A: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US; one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime; and more than one million skin cancers are diagnosed each year, accounting for almost half of all cancers. In order to better educate on the importance of self-examination, Neutrogena Partnership for Skin Health set out to create a viral video that would reach a wide-scale audience, including both men and women. Having a spouse check your moles (especially on areas of your body that are harder for you to see and reach) aids in the early detection of skin cancer.
Q: Be honest- have you ever used a sun bed or decided not to wear sunscreen while at the beach?
A: Although in the past I may not have been as diligent in using sunscreen as I should have, I now always try to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher while outdoors.
Q: Is it possible for former sun-worshippers/tanning-devotees to change their ways and become sun safe?
A: Absolutely! It’s never too late to change your habits. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 is the ultimate in sun protection. Its Helioplex Technology, which offers the highest level of UVA sun protection available in the U.S., shields skin against sunburn and premature aging.
Q: It’s rare in Hollywood for actresses to be pale and proud; Nicole Kidman springs to mind, but it seems as if deeply bronzed-if not orange!-is the goal for everybody else. Why the tanorexia?
A: Until recently, being tan was glamorized by Hollywood and the media. However, with all of the new information about the effects of prolonged sun exposure and skin cancer, pale skin is becoming more popular. With all of the great self-tanners available, every woman who feels that a bronzed look is best for her can do so the healthy way.
Q: What’s the best method to check yourself-or your man-for skin cancer?
A: Self-examination is the key and it’s so easy to engage someone else in skin checks to prevent skin cancer. Check yourself or have a significant other check for suspicious-looking moles (especially on areas of your body that are harder for you to see and reach) are the best ways to detect skin cancer early. Additionally, you should make a commitment to yourself to visit a dermatologist at least once a year for a full body can.
Q: Are there certain skin cancer warning signs to look for?
A: Any kind of mole that has changed in shape, size or color could be suspicious. I like to use a “mole-map” to keep track of my moles and note any changes that I may see in their appearance.
Q: What would most women be surprised to learn about skin cancer and skin cancer prevention?
A: Currently one in five Americans and one in three Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, however skin cancer is preventable! Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, performing skin-cancer self checks and visiting a dermatologist at least once a year will help to keep you safe.
Q: Any parting advice or wisdom you can share?
A: Ever since I had a suspicious looking mole removed I have been diligent on wearing my sunscreen every-day and checking myself regularly. I am proud to be part of a public service message and viral video that encourages other individuals to do the same thing.
Tags: Blue Lizard, DDF, Malin Akermann, Neutrogena, Obagi, Sunscreen
September 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
i have mixed feelings about sunscreen. don’t get me wrong, i use it (very pale), but there’s all that info out there about the chemicals in most drugstore sunscreens (chemical barriers, not physical barriers) being bad for you — possibly carcinogenic. i wish physical barriers were more accessible!
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