Tawny Willoughby said she used to be a huge fan of tanning but she is presently battling skin cancer. Now, in an effort to inspire women to protect themselves and their skin, she posted a graphic photo of her skin condition on Facebook.

The Kentucky native, who is now a mother to a two-year-old son, was diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 21.

The photo uploaded by Willoughby on April 25 candidly displayed the scabs and blisters that have taken over her face.

Tawny wrote on her Facebook page next to a picture, “If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun then here you go”. She further wrote about the picture that this is what skin cancer treatment can look like.

She explained, “I did the bulk of my tanning in high school. I probably laid an average of 4-5 times a week (I laid frequently because my tan faded very fast). I never laid in the tanning bed and in the sun in the same day”.

In addition to undergoing procedures to treat five incidents of basal cell carcinoma, Tawny also visits her dermatologist every 6-12 months.

At every checkup she usually has her skin cancer removed. She also counted her blessings in her moving message on social media, since she has not been diagnosed with melanoma.

She urged all the mothers that do not let tanning prevent them from seeing their children grow up, which is presently her biggest fear.

With the summer quickly approaching, it’s essential to learn from her mistakes by being vigilant about protecting your body’s largest organ, said Tawny. She advised to all to wear sunscreen and get a spray tan.

One can lather on Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50. This hydrating, anti-aging sunscreen is formulated with a breakthrough complex, featuring melatonin as well as three forms of vitamin C and vitamin, she said.