Hi Annie
Did you get your stitches out? I still have a ways to go before I’m done with a dressing. Just curious, besides sunscreen are you planning on using scar cream? I would like to have suggestions about that.
Take care
Barb

@mlenney167 Annie, I'm sure SPF 50 sunscreen will help, but there are so many other variables like how much sun exposure are you getting? or how liberally is it applied? or are you sweating or swimming where it can be washing away? A little round spot bandage can cover it, but sometimes those fall off and probably won't stay on if you use sunscreen. Kudos to you for asking these questions so we can all think about sun protection for cancer prevention.

Here is a Mayo Podcast about sunscreen protection.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/sunscreen/
I rely on wide brimmed hats like a garden hat that I tie on so the wind won't take it. I go horseback riding outside, and since wearing a riding helmet prevents me from wearing a hat, I cut a brim off a stiff garden hat and made a brim to attach to my riding helmet. (see photo)

I also use a gaiter sometimes and I found some made by Buff that are lightweight and easy to wear with many interesting designs. They even have some with vintage designs for the National Parks. Some have more sun protection than others. I also have some sun protecting gloves that leave the fingertips exposed, and sun protecting clothing (shirts and pants) with fabrics called PFG "professional fishing gear" from Columbia. I get the long sleeve shirts. They are lightweight and vented under the back yolk so they are loose and very comfortable in warm weather (also in the photo). Don't forget sunglasses to block UV rays because you can get melanoma in the eye.

Here is the website for BUFF neck wear. I wear these to protect my neck and chest (because shade from a hat usually doesn't cover that), and it's there any time I need to pull it up onto my face to cover what isn't in shade from a hat. You can wear it may different ways.
https://www.buffusa.com/
Now that wearing masks has become mainstream, that would be another way to help protect from sun exposure on your face if you need it.

In my experience, it takes about a year until a scar fades to white, so during that time of transition if you protect from sun exposure, the scar doesn't form as much pigment. Limiting time outside helps too, and remember that UV is reflected off surfaces like concrete or sand, and reflective surfaces like water so it can bounce up and expose your face that is in the shade of a hat.

My husband (who had melanoma removed from his hand) does all of this and puts on a hat, long sleeve shirt, and a face gaiter with long pants to go for a walk around the block. He has to be vigilant with skin checks, and I'm sure you are doing that too. I'm glad you did get checked and found the melanoma and got it treated because it is easy to miss it, then you remain vigilant forever with regular screening.

Personally, I don't like the goo of putting on sunscreen and it discolors clothing, and I prefer to just cover up outside. I don't spend my whole day outside either. I burn so easily, and I have stayed out of the sun most of my life, except for a few outside activities. Is there something here that appeals to you to try?