Rising to absolute supermodel stardom in the ‘80s, Christie Brinkley has long since been a household name. With the star gracing hundreds of magazine covers, countless catwalks and leading a generation of supermodel superstars, we would’ve thought the model was untouchable.
The (recently turned 70 year old) model grew up in the age where sun protection was a little more lax. The crucial need for sunscreen was more often scoffed at (thankfully that stigma has changed). In the pursuit of the perfect tan (and a toned body) to grace the covers of Sports Illustrated, Christie spent a great deal of time outside in the sun. Which leads to her latest update…
Christie Brinkley Health Scare
Starting off innocently enough, Christie had accompanied her daughter to a skin check and (thankfully) asked the doctor to check a tiny lump on her forehead. The doctor knew immediately it needed to be biopsied which led to the supermodel undergoing surgery. Christie ended up having a Basal Cell Carcinoma removed (even choosing to share some graphic images) and has taken to Instagram to use her experience as a warning.
Skin Cancer
The Cancer Council defines a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) as something that “grows slowly over months or years and only rarely spreads to other parts of the body”. Being in the harsh Aussie sun means that if we’re not careful with our skin protection we’re at greater risk of developing skin issues ourselves.
To best protect ourselves against the powerful UV, it’s important to consistently apply (and constantly reapply) a protective SPF. Such as the Invisible Zinc Face + Body Sunscreen SPF50+ ($19.99 at Priceline), and also seek shade and wear protective clothing (don’t forget a cute hat and sunnies!). And let’s be sure to take Christie’s close call as a powerful reminder to be booking in to get our skin checked regularly.
Main Image Credit: @christiebrinkley
What sunscreen do you wear daily? Where do you go to get your skin checked?
I wear the Cancer Council suncreen and BB cream.
Wow looks like the doc did a good job on her skin.
I wear sunscreen most days, definitely due for a skin check
So important to get these checked out
It seems to me that so many of my friends are having this problem
This is a good reminder to not put off having a skin check.
Yes we all need to be so aware and take action sooner rather than later.
So scary! Wishing her a speedy recovery
Always such a scary thing
Yikes. Probably should not have swiped to see the graphic pics.
I have hada few removed the last year
Good that she cauight it early
Dad has had BCC & melanomas, & has bad scarring a a result. I get checked regularly & favour Invisible Zinc sunscreen.
I use Neutrogena sunscreens, and I’ve been having yearly skin checks for the past 49 years.
That is worrying, i dont get my skin checked .. i wish it was more affordable to do skin checks in NZ
Just shows you never know and it’s best to get any spot checked
I have never checked my skin.
I was bad about sunscreen in my younger days too, but I’m careful now.
I use sunscreen daily now after having some removed too