Posts Tagged chemical-free
Wordless Wednesday
“I think I love my UV Skinz…I know I love my UV Skinz!”
What a cutie! Thanks to Tay’s Mom at A Working Blogging Mommy for letting us feature her adorable daughter for Wordless Wednesday. There is also a giveaway going on so check it out and win a UV Skinz for yourself! See more Wordless Wednesday pics at 5minformom.
P.S. If you have any photos of yourself or children wearing UV Skinz and would like them to be featured for Wordless Wednesday then email them to me! kalisha@uvskinz.com
1 comment May 6, 2009
UV Skinz Wishes You a Happy Earth Day!
Rhonda Sparks, owner and Founder of UV Skinz, has built a foundation on creating products that allow consumers to both enjoy and preserve the outdoor venues in which they live without being concerned about skin damage from both UVA and UVB rays. In honor of Earth Day and every other day “protecting skin in addition to the environment has been an integral part of UPF 50+ protective outdoor wear producer, UV Skinz’ corporate conscience since the company’s inception in 2005.”
Practicing good sun protection (wearing UV Skinz) and learning “to be more discerning in your choices to buy organic, natural and eco-friendly sun protection that doesn’t contain ingredients that could harm you and, collaterally, add to the degradation of our ecosystem,” is what Rhonda Sparks wants consumers to be more conscious of.
“UV Skinz does not contain harsh sunscreen chemicals that could not only potentially irritate sensitive skin but also, over time, in environments with heavy tourist traffic in particular, cause damage to sensitive animal and plant life.”
Did you know?
The World Trade Organization reports, for instance, that about ten percent of vacations are taken in tropical areas with coral reefs that are, in turn, exposed to the effects of 78 million tourists annually. This magnitude of traffic yields around 4,000 to 6,000 tons of potentially destructive UV filter sunscreen ingredients seeping into reef environments in just one year. A twenty minute swim releases about twenty-five percent of sunscreen ingredients on skin into the water.
A May 2008 study, appointed by the European Commission and published in the Environmental Health Perspectives, a U.S. journal published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, confirmed that sunscreens worn by consumers who visit beaches all over the world are largely contributing to coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is a tell-tale indicator that a coral colony is in distress. Bleaching occurs when a stressor, such as increased water temperature or changes in water chemistry, causes coral to expel the symbiotic algae that lives in coral tissue and is responsible for the vibrant coral colors. The study indicates that up to 10% of reefs globally are susceptible to bleaching caused by lotion-based UV filters that are thought to trigger coral viruses.
“If protecting delicate skin from the damaging effects of the sun isn’t enough to convince consumers to cover up,” says Sparks, “we are happy to provide yet another compelling incentive. Wearing protective swimwear that covers up more skin means less sunscreen finding its way to delicate coral colonies. And less sunscreen consumption, in general, means fewer sunscreen containers ending up in our trash.” The lifespan of UV Skinz garments can be several years which can translate to that much less sunscreen and sunscreen containers entering the eco-system.
(You can read more about Green Sunscreen here)
I want to end this post with some ways my family and I enjoy celebrating the Earth every day!
Have a great Earth Day!
Appreciate and Smell the Roses!
Show Respect for even the tiniest and slimiest animals!
Kiss a Tree!
1 comment April 22, 2009
Keep Your Kids Hydrated with Fluid
Just how much water should your toddler drink everyday and how can you make them drink more water? (Here is an answer from Baby Center)
According to the Institute of Medicine, a child between the ages of one and three needs about 1.3 liters of water a day. Since their body weight is much less than those of adults, toddlers can become dehydrated easily; they also tend to ignore their thirst while caught up in play. By the time your child realizes he is thirsty he may already be mildly dehydrated and he will most probably ask for water once he feels tired or a bit dizzy.
If your toddler is not drinking enough water, dilute juice with equal parts of water before giving it to him. Or whisk two tablespoons of yoghurt with a glass of water and a pinch of salt to make refreshing chaach. A fresh lemon or orange squeezed into half a glass of water with a pinch of sugar/salt is another healthy alternative.
Journey and Faith are what my mother-in-law calls, “Juice Girls.” But mixing their juice (about 1/4 cup) with water (about 3/4 cup) in their sippy cups has just become a habit we have gotten into. Not as often as I would like they will sometimes drink water from my water bottle or ice-cold water from a cup. This is something that I think I have to actually wean them from, but I also feel that if they are at least drinking water (even if it is flavored with juice) then they are much better off than I was as a child; drinking soda’s and juice boxes.
Keeping your child hydrated is the first step, but the next is to give them something cool to drink from!
We had a chance to try Fluid Cups from Boon Inc., Innovations for Modern Parents. 
I never thought of myself as a modern parent, but I naturally don’t do things the way my Mom did them. Now I have more knowledge about what is best for my children, what is harmful and the parenting is more organic. That is why when I found Boon Inc. I knew I just had to see for myself what made them unique.
Boon Inc. was co-founded by a Mom and Designer, Rebecca Finell. Rebecca then partnered up with Ryan Fernandez in order to create Boon Inc. The main goal of Boon Inc. is to develop affordable and innovative products for parents and their children. At Boon Inc. there is also a a big commitment to creating products that are of high quality and safe!
The first thing I like about the Fluid Cups is that they can be used from 9 months and up, plus they are chemical free!
- BpA-free
- Phthalate-free
- PVC-free
Read more here to understand why you should Pass Up the Plastic when it comes to yourself and your children (and our children’s children for that matter!)
Only having a 9 oz capacity and sippy spout that doesn’t allow too much guzzling is another positive about the Fluid Cup. I loved the way that Journey and Faith’s little hands fit around the Fluid Cup and once filled with liquid, the cup didn’t seem heavy or hard to hold. I was also thinking that the hole in the middle could be used to attach one of those bungy stroller cords to keep the cup from being thrown down (a favorite pass-time of Faith’s). But Journey also enjoyed using it as a spying scope!
This streamlined toddler cup has an ergonomic, two-handed grip that is perfect for small hands. The angled spout requires less head tipping, making it more comfortable to use.
- Angled spout requires less head tipping
- Ergonomic two-handed grip
- Perfect for small hands
- Two-piece design
- Dishwasher-safe
- Holds 9 oz.
(You MUST complete the first entry to qualify for the additional entries)
Entry #1 : Visit the Boon Inc. Website, browse around and leave a comment telling me; What other Boon Inc. product interests you and why?
Extra Entries – #1 must be done first.
****(Leave a comment for each)****
*Follow UV Skinz on Twitter and post on Twitter about the contest (1 entry).
*Join my Twitter Mom group; Sun-Savvy Moms (2 entries). OR if you are not a Twitter Mom then you can follow UV Skinz through RSS for the same amount of entries.
*Sign-up for the UV Skinz newsletter (5 entries).
*Blog about how you keep your kids hydrated and/or tips that work for you. How do you get your kids to drink water? Include hyper links to this post and Boon Inc. (10 entries). Leave the link to your post in your comment.
One winner will be chosen!
*I will be using a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. The winner will be emailed and also announced on here on Monday April 27, 2009.
- Contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday April 26,2009. If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. (Good reason to subscribe in reader–so you don’t miss the chance to claim your prize!)
64 comments April 21, 2009
Tru Kid-Healthy Habits
I am really excited to tell you about this amazing all-natural children’s skincare. Tru Kid. All of Tru Kid’s products are made from essential oils and natural ingredients (all ingredients are non-toxic and gluten-free!) in bright, eye-catching packaging with REALLY fun names! Tru Kid is “built on a philosophy to encourage kids to form healthy habits that last a lifetime.” What I love is that they do it in such a fun, encouraging, and very positive way. It is such a great concept. We can all agree that healthy habits, good manners, and responsibility are learned at an early age. To help children learn how to care for themselves and have fun doing it, Tru Kid provides printable songs, rhymes, and Healthy Habits checklists.
It is no wonder that Tru Kid would have such a great product line; from their Bubbly Bubble Wash to the Happy Face and Body Lotion since the creator and CEO is a Mom. Here is her story…
“When she first explored the idea of creating a children’s skincare product line, Jennifer Adams Bunkers was a mother of five with another on the way, and serving as CEO of her international products manufacturing company, Velocity Source Group. As one can imagine, such a busy lifestyle left little time for a complicated regimen when it came to keeping her children’s skin protected and healthy. However, with her children participating in various sports teams under the sun and other outdoor activities, Jennifer realized that using skincare products on her children was absolutely necessary.”
Jennifer’s goal is that kids will grow up taking care of themselves, each other and their environment. Even my three-year-old can use her Healthy Habits Pack and she can’t read the words on the label yet, but Tru Kid has a unique learning system that places easy to recognize pictures and labels on all of their products. If Journey sees a smiley face then she knows it is for her face only, or she knows a head with crazy hair means the product is for her hair, etc.
Jennifer also paired seven Healthy Habits with seven incredible Tru Kid’s products to come up with the Healthy Habits Pack. In each Healthy Habits Pack you get; a Sunny Days Sunscreen, a Happy Face and Body Lotion, a Friendly Face Wash, a mini Hero Stick, a Spiffy Spearmint Lip Balm, and a Bubbly Bath Bar. Now combine these with every child’s seven daily Healthy Habits!
- Eating a good-for-you breakfast (For example: cereal, milk, fruit etc.).
- Washing your hands with warm water and soap, to prevent the spreading of germs!
- Washing your face at night to keep it looking and feeling clean and healthy.
- Putting Sunscreen on everyday, to prevent sunburns and other harmful effect from the sun.
- Brushing your teeth in the morning, after every meal and before bed (when possible).
- And who could forget bathing!! We all need bath time!
What a great resource for parents and an excellent learning tool for children! And guess what?! You could WIN one! Tru Kid is gracious enough to GIVEAWAY one Healthy Habits Pack to ONE lucky winner!
How to ENTER!
(You MUST complete this first entry to qualify for the additional entries)
Entry #1 : Visit the Tru Kid website, browse around their About Us link and leave a comment telling me one reason why you (your child) should use Tru Kid.
Extra Entries – #1 must be done first.
****(Leave a comment for each)****
*Follow UV Skinz on Twitter and post on Twitter about the contest (1 entry).
*Follow Tru Kid on Twitter and post on Twitter about the contest (1 entry)
*Sign-up for the UV Skinz newsletter (5 entries).
- Blog about this contest with a hyper links to this post and Tru Kid’s website (10 entries). Don’t forget to leave the link in your comment.
One winner will be chosen!
*I will be using a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. The winner will be emailed and also announced on here on Wednesday April 8, 2009.
- Contest ends at 11:59pm on Tuesday April 7,2009. If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. (Good reason to subscribe in reader–so you don’t miss the chance to claim your prize!)
98 comments April 2, 2009
Featured on Eco Baby World
Take a look at this! UV Skinz was featured at EcoBabyWorld!
“EcoBabyWorld is the place for the eco-conscious families. This is a one-stop information source that also includes a shopping portal for anything and everything natural and organic for your baby, and where new companies have a chance to launch their eco-friendly products.”
Business of the Week interview:
Business name: UVskinz (www.uvskinz.com)
Year launched: May 2005
Location: California
Owners: Rhonda Sparks
Hobbies: “My four boys. I enjoy knitting and reading business books and Inc. magazine.”
Products: UV protected swim shirts/outdoor shirts and accessories. “Our swim shirts are as great for the playground as they are for the ocean. The swim shirts come in a variety of colors and designs. Anything ranging from butterfly, t-dye to camouflage print. We also go up to 4XL for adults”.
How it all began: “I lost my 32 year old husband three days after September 11, 2001 after a 5 year battle with melanoma. Based on that experience I wanted to make a difference, and help people understand why sun protection is so important. We used to bring back rash guards from Hawaii (A rash guard also known as a rash vest is a type of athletic shirt made of spandex and nylon or polyester), and our friends kept asking us to bring some back for them. There were no swim shirts back then and all of a sudden I just realized “This is a no brainer, and the idea to UVskinz was born.”
New products in development: “We are launching a full zipper swim shirt for people with limited movement or disabilities.”
Inspiration: “My husband and his battle with melanoma. Prevention at an early age is so important, and I wanted to create an easy fix for parents and their children.
Proudest moment: “We have lots of them. Having Marcia Cross from Desperate Housewives endorse our swim shirts was a great one. I love when I receive letters from customers and read how thankful they are for our products. A lot of people have no idea how dangerous it is to be outside in the sun without protection, and it makes me happy when I read that we have touched somebody’s life”.
What do you want your customers to know about your business: “We are dedicated 110%. We are trying to change the way people think about sun protection, and that is what I feel that we do with every piece sold”.
Add comment March 22, 2009
Would you? Could you…with Hippo Sweat?!
I want to know…Would you? Could you?….get better sun protection with hippo sweat?! If hippo sweat could be used to find an actual biological cure to one of the deadliest cancers, melanoma, would you? Could you? Seems far fetched, but ‘researchers have found that hippo sweat (actually an oily secretion) provides hippos with multiple types of protection: from the sun, disease and bugs.’ A professor, Christopher Viney from University of California has been researching hippo sweat since 2004!
‘Viney and his team found that the red-colored secretion acts as both a sunscreen and sunblock, with microscopic structures that scatter light, preventing it from burning the hippo’s skin.’
Nature is amazing isn’t it? Hippo’s are the ultimate in the world of chemical-free sun protection. Unlike our sunscreens that rely on chemicals to block out the uv rays–hippos have sweat that blocks the uv rays naturally!
Viney also found that ‘the sweat also deters bugs, and helps hippos keep wounds or scratches clean no matter how much mud or filth they’re exposed to. The researchers left the sweat stored in sealed containers for months, and it didn’t show any signs of microbial contamination.’
He has dreams of using his findings to create a four-in-one product that included sunscreen, sunblock, antiseptic, insect repellent.
Well, I have a hard enough time trying to get my girl’s to slather on regular sunscreen. Could you just imagine asking your child to put on their hippo sweat? It probably would have to have a snazzier name…maybe “Sweat No More!” Or maybe just “H” because nobody really wants to remember that they are wearing hippo sweat. Plus it sounds kind of incognito and mysterious!
The ultimate mystery.(hee hee!)
On a more serious note–It is about time that we do more research on biology like this. Most animals have been around longer than humans have. They must hold the secret to life and we should be taking more advantage of that. Nature is simply amazing! It would be kind of cool to get a better sunscreen based on hippo sweat.
So tell me would you? Could you…with hippo sweat? I really love reading your thoughts so tell me what you think!
Source: Greener Design
Add comment March 20, 2009
It’s Party Time!–Giveaway Ended
Hi! Welcome to the UV Skinz blog! I’m Kalisha, your host and resident blogger here at UV Skinz. This is UV Skinz first time at a 5 Minutes For Mom Ultimate Blog Party and I am so excited to party it up with you today!! Take a look around…and read on for a Surprise Party Favor Giveaway!
With my new found sun savvy-ness I will be bringing you lots of great giveaways, sun protection information, my own personal adventures in the sun and new sun protection products that I come across.
UV Skinz was established after Rhonda Sparks, the founder and President, lost her husband to skin cancer when he was just 32 years old. This sparked Rhonda’s passion to raise awareness and educate others about sun protection, but never losing sight of how valuable it is to PLAY and HAVE FUN outdoors!
I feel so lucky to be a part of a such a family-oriented company. I am a SAHM mom to two feisty and loving little girls; Journey-3yrs and Faith-2yrs. Living in So. California has us all spoiled because 80% of the time we are outside at the park, taking walks, or just exploring. My daughter’s are bi-racial, but sun protection is crucial for everyone–no matter skin type or race. I became a fan of UV Skinz after I had an opportunity to review their swim shirts for my personal blog the Mommy Lounge last year. Journey and I both fell in love with the uv swim shirt (she wouldn’t take it off!) and the UV Skinz mission to prevent skin cancer and get all kids covered. That is how I came to blog for UV Skinz. I have enjoyed learning and sharing with you so far and I hope that you come back and visit again!
Here are a few ways you can stay connected to UV Skinz;
- Join our new monthly UV Skinz Newsletter! (Sign-up is on the UV Skinz main homepage)
You can expect to receive newsletters from us about once a month and our goal is to bring you all the latest and greatest sun-safety information possible; whether that be in the form of the best sun screen lotion we’ve found on the market or what the latest medical statistics are saying about skin cancer. And we will always be sure to share with you about UV Skinz special offers or when we get new styles and items in.
- Sign-up for our RSS Feed
- Follow UV Skinz on Twitter (I will follow you back!) for some twitterific tweets!
I love hearing your comments, suggestions, questions, or expertise you have on sun protection and skin cancer prevention–so you can always email me at kalisha(at)uvskinz(dot)com
Thanks again for stopping by, but you shouldn’t leave before you’ve had the chance to enter into my Surprise Giveaway!………I have a UV Skinz party favor that three lucky winners can win!
Surprise!
Prize: 3 winners will be chosen–each will win a UV Skinz Sun Hat of their choice!
Here is how to enter:
(Only one entry per household please)
Entry #1
- Visit UV Skinz About Us on the UV Skinz main website, then Leave a comment with one of the reasons why we come to this place every day and the philosophy that governs us—at UV Skinz
- For example…Laughter heals!
Extra Entries (Entry 1 must be done first):
- Sign-up for the UV Skinz newsletter (4 entries)
- Subscribe in RSS reader (3 entries)
- Follow UV Skinz on Twitter and post on Twitter about the contest (2 entries)
If you complete all 4 of the entries then only leave 4 separate comments–each stating the entry that you completed. That’s it! Good Luck!!
*I will be using a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. The winners will be emailed and also announced on here on Tuesday March 24, 2009.
* Contest ends at 11:59pm on Tuesday March 24,2009. If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. (Good reason to subscribe in reader–so you don’t miss the chance to claim your prize!)
77 comments March 20, 2009
SUNSCAM
I just found this article online, check it out.
“The Skin Cancer Foundation does acknowledge that sunscreen alone is not enough. You need to wear protective clothing (pricey new fabrics such as Solumbra apparently block both UV-A and UV-B, but a wide hat and long, lightweight summer clothing should suffice), and spend more time in the shade. If you’re a beach lover, invest in a sun umbrella. But think twice before you slap on sunscreen. Some cement mixers destroy the roads we’re told they build. And some products may contribute to the cancer we’re told they prevent.”
By Michael Castleman
Add comment March 31, 2008
Why can’t everyone just use sunscreen?
It is very fortunate that sunscreen products are available for use as a second line of defense. However, sunscreens sometimes fail, usually attributable to user error, which can result in unintentional sunburn. By contrast, UV Skinz are:
* Cost Effective — A garment costs about the same as one or two bottles of sunscreen, but lasts much longer
• More Effective — Less prone to “missed spots” or “under application”
• Dependable — Doesn’t wash off, rub off, dissipate, penetrate, or expire
• Cleanliness — Spill-proof, no oily chemicals to pollute your body or the environment
• Comfortable— Doesn’t cause eye irritation or acne
• Application Ease — Covers large areas in a hurry
Add comment March 31, 2008
SUNSCREEN THAT’S ALWAYS BEEN GREEN
SONORA, CA – March 13, 2008 – If protecting delicate skin from the damaging effects of the sun isn’t enough to convince consumers to cover up this summer, UV Skinz is happy to provide yet another compelling incentive. UV Skinz UPF 50+ protective outdoorwear line has been around since 2005 and the products have been environmentally-friendly from the start.
UV Skinz protect wearers from the devastating effects of the sun while also protecting the environment from the potentially devastating effects of human interaction. The human protection factor is in the tight nylon/spandex weave of the fabric that blocks out 98% of harmful UV rays. The environmental protection factor can be attributed to the lack of chemicals in UV Skinz products. “UV Skinz are free of harsh chemicals that can not only irritate sensitive skin…” says Skinz founder, Rhonda Sparks, “…but also, over time, and especially in marine locations with heavy tourist traffic, cause damage to sensitive animal and plant life.” Sparks goes on to say that “while our main goal is to keep babies, children and adults UV damage-free, we’ve always been proud that our products play a part in protecting the outdoor environs in which we love to play.”
UPF protective clothing can provide up to 50+ UPF protection which translates to a 98% block of harmful UV rays according to the Australian Radiation Lab which provides UPF fabric testing services. Australia has pioneered the sun protective clothing industry in response to the country’s highest skin cancer rates in the world. Garments are subjected to strict testing standards which factor in weave, color darkness, weight, elasticity and moisture content. Tighter weaves, darker colors, heavier weights, less elasticity and fabrics that wick moisture provide better protection.
While UV Skinz has a global outlook on minimizing environmental impact, the heart of its operations has small-town grassroots. UV Skinz was started in large part as an effort by committee comprised of Sparks’ family and close friends. Sparks is a successful entrepreneur in the telecommunications industry who started the UV protective wear company out of a desire to protect her young sons from suffering the same fate as their 32-year old father, Darren Lee Farwell, who succumbed to skin cancer after battling the disease for several years. Mr. Farwell lived an active outdoor lifestyle and was sure that the years of sun damage contributed to his melanoma diagnosis. Sparks has built the company’s foundation on producing products that allow consumers to both enjoy and preserve the outdoor venues in which they live without being concerned about skin damage from both UVA and UVB rays.
Many consumers do not know that sunscreen SPF ratings only measure UVB protection from sunburns but do not necessarily reflect protection from UVA rays which are more deeply penetrating causing damage to skin’s connective tissue. UVA rays contribute to the development of skin cancer and are the primary causes of premature aging. Wearing UV protective clothing in combination with UV protective hats, sunglasses and the correct use of sunscreen is the best defense against sun damage when living an active lifestyle or when prolonged sun exposure is unavoidable.
The new UV Skinz 2008 Spring line was just announced and in response to never-ending feedback from her customers, Sparks has expanded the line to include skirts, boardshorts and reversible bucket hats. The whimsical new designs range from cool butterflies to camo sharks to koi sleeves and other nature-inspired designs that are very much a reflection of the company’s celebration of the outdoors.
UV Skinz produces hip, high quality UPF 50+ outdoorwear for babies, kids and adults. After UV Skinz founder, Rhonda Sparks, lost her 32-year old husband to skin cancer, she made it her mission to get babies, kids and adults covered from the potentially harmful dangers of the sun. UV Skinz is also committed to taking every opportunity to promote awareness of and education about skin cancer. UVskinz.com offers information and links for the health conscious consumer interested in finding out more on how to fight skin cancer.
Add comment March 13, 2008
