Your Story Series: Amy Schmidt
After beating skin cancer multiple times, Amy is now empowering others to embrace a sun-smart life.
Could you please share your experiences around being diagnosed with skin
cancer?
As I write this, I’m healing from my fourth Mohs surgery, my first on my face. At 55, with a history of suspicious moles and Mohs procedures, I assumed the spot on my right temple was just an age spot. It wasn’t itchy or bleeding, nothing like the others.
At my six-month check with a new dermatologist, the moment the magnifying light appeared, I knew. It was basal cell carcinoma.
Having been through this before, I felt calm and even made dinner plans for that evening. But I was wrong. It took four passes to clear the cancer, leaving a large, wide scar. When my husband was called in after the fourth pass, my heart sank. Every Mohs and radiation treatment has been different.
How has your relationship with the sun changed over the years, and what inspired you to start using sun protection?
I’ve always loved being outdoors. As a kid, summers meant swim team practice, long days in our backyard pool, and outdoor meets. That evolved into lifeguarding and coaching in the sun. Though my mom reminded me to wear sunscreen, I rarely did. I can still remember spring breaks slathered in baby oil, and a brutal burn at Bondi Beach during college. I wish I could tell my younger self how important sunscreen really is.
At 35, I was diagnosed with my first basal cell carcinoma. From then on, I became strict about sun protection. While living in Germany, my dermatologist warned me, too much sun in my 20s was catching up to me and now I was paying the price in my 40's.
Now, my daily routine is simple: SPF 30, a fun sun hat, and sun-smart clothing.
What does living a sun-safe life mean to you, beyond just using sun protective
products?
A sun-safe life is simple. It emphasises protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while enjoying the outdoors. It means prioritising UPF sun protective clothing and choosing sun-protective sunglasses. You can still enjoy the outdoors and soak up the vitamin D and warmth of the sun - but with conscious and wise decisions about sun exposure.
There is nothing better than sharing your skin cancer journey and story, and most importantly sharing and educating others about the importance of protecting yourself against the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation.
How has sun protection impacted your confidence or comfort when spending time outdoors?
Sun protection has become routine for me. It takes time to break habits, but once you realise sun protection is key, it gets easier and easier to make simple changes that make huge impacts on your life.
What is your favourite Solbari product, and in what ways has it helped you to live a sun smart life?
I love absolutely everything, but because I am a water aerobics instructor, I love the long sleeve swimsuits and any of the kettle brim cotton hats. Every product I've ever purchased is absolutely amazing and I am grateful.
What advice would you give to someone who hasn't yet embraced sun protection in their routine?
The good news is it’s never too late to start thinking about sun protection (every day counts!).
As a swimmer and lifeguard who remembers some truly awful sunburns, I now see this is the result of choices made 25 years ago. Be diligent about sun protection. Get annual skin checks with your dermatologist, and if you notice anything unusual, don’t wait, see your doctor.
If I could offer advice to my 20-year-old self, it would be this: wear sunscreen, always. And don’t forget the sun hat and protective clothing. If only I knew then what I know now.
You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF 50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+
