Model Leni Klum, 19, is following in the footsteps of her famous mother Heidi Klum, 50, who is also a model, but the younger Klum is raising eyebrows at new photos showing off her tanned body.
Leni Klum shared photos of herself lying face down on a bed on her Instagram Story. However, her back is red, indicating a tan. There are wrinkles on her back where the bikini top was located. In a social media post, she wrote: “Clearly didn’t use enough sunscreen,” People magazine was able to capture a screenshot.
However, this incident is not the first for Klum. Last year, she shared a photo of herself in a bikini with visible tan lines. She captioned the post: “A little after the sun kiss.” Concerned fans scolded her for basking in the sun and the damage she caused.
“Congratulations on successful skin damage and aging,” one person commented.
“Are you all right? You feel bad? You’re so pale! So I totally get it, but unfortunately the people who warn you about skin cancer are right. Apply a little sunscreen and you’ll still get a tan. Or get a fake tan,” another person commented.
Too much sun increases the risk of skin cancer
While Klum hasn’t indicated that her tanned skin has caused any long-term damage, we do know that too much sun without protection increases your risk of developing melanoma.
Melanoma most often occurs on areas of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms and legs. However, melanoma can form on parts of your body that receive very little sun or ultraviolet (UV) exposure. These areas may include the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, and under the nails.
Dermatologist Dr. Dandy Engelman previously shared with SurvivorNet, “It’s a common misconception that people think they only need to protect their skin when they’re under bright, warm sunlight. But the reality is that we can get sun damage at any time. year… even in the cold winter months.”
Sunscreen helps reduce the risk of skin cancer, but it’s important to choose the right type.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, recommends using an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every two hours.
“Another important thing to look for when it comes to sunscreen is whether it is broad spectrum or not. This broad spectrum means it covers both UVB and UVA rays,” Dr. Larocca tells SurvivorNet.
“If it’s not on the sunscreen bottle, it probably doesn’t provide it. When I go out in the sun, I make sure to wear a hat, wear polarized sunglasses, and use sunscreen regularly,” Dr. Larocca continued.
Dr. Larocca says people typically only get about 50% of the SPF listed on the label. So, if you use SPF 60, you’re actually getting close to 30 SPF protection. To make sure you’re getting the right protection, she also recommends using sunscreen every two hours.
A Helpful Trick to Help You Stay Alert for Melanoma
SurvivorNet experts recommend that you regularly check your skin for any unusual spots or moles on your body. This can be an important first step towards preventing skin cancer.
WATCH: Understanding ABCDEs During a Skin Exam.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, recommends using an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every two hours.
“Another important thing to look for when it comes to sunscreen is whether it is broad spectrum or not. This broad spectrum means it covers both UVB and UVA rays,” Dr. Larocca tells SurvivorNet.
By using the ABCDE checklist, you can better identify signs of melanoma. The abbreviation means:
- Asymmetrical moles. If you draw a line straight down the center of a mole, will the sides match? Otherwise, your mole is considered asymmetrical.
- Boundaries. The edges of the mole appear jagged, jagged, or jagged; can also mean bleeding’
- Colors: The mole comes in several different colors, including patches of pink, brown, gray and black, but can be any color.
- Diameter: greater than 6 mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolution: Anything that changes over time, such as gaining color, losing color, pain, itching, or changing shape.
Questions for your doctor
If you have been diagnosed with melanoma, here are some questions you can ask your doctor to help understand your situation:
- Has my melanoma spread to other parts of the body or is it localized?
- What are my treatment options?
- Will there be side effects associated with my treatment?
- What types of financial and emotional support will be available to me as I begin my cancer journey?
- How long do you think my treatment will last?
- Will I be able to work and continue my daily activities during treatment?
Learn more about SurvivorNet’s rigorous medical review process.