Posts Tagged sunscreen
I Fell in Love at First “Spray”! *GIVEAWAY Extended!
As a Mom the keyword to surviving the days is simplicity. Keeping everything simple makes life so much more enjoyable and just plain easy.
Simple play…go to the park.
Simple meals…fruit and veggie sticks with yummy dip.
Simple sun protection…UV Skinz.
Simple sunscreen…Kinesys!
My family had the opportunity to try out Kinesys spray sunscreen. This is one amazing sunscreen! The safest and most effective spray sunscreen with out all of the extra harsh chemicals.
First, it’s a spray (way more simple than dealing with goopy creams). My daughter’s and even my husband never complained one time when I applied the sunscreen on them. Yes, I do have to put sunscreen on my husband! Mostly the back of his neck and ears. The spray goes on wet, but dries very quickly.
Second, it’s just simply offers antioxidant UVA/UVB sun protection without any harsh chemicals.
It’s totally FREE of: 
- Oil
- Preservatives
- Alcohol
- PABA
- Colorant
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Gluten
- Nanoparticles
- Soya
- Dairy
- and Sulphite
Kinesys sunscreens are “hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, water & sweat resistant, offer photo-stable broad- spectrum UVA/UVB protection and contain topical anti-oxidants to scavenge free radicals.”
Kinesys is availabe for the whole family; from active adults, to children and even a teen spray sunscreen which comes in a green tea and vanilla scent.
I really did fall in love at first “spray”!
All corniness aside, Kinesys is the first spray sunscreen I recommend to anyone with allergies, children, sensitive skin or just short on time. It is fast, safe and effective. The microspray doesn’t require any rubbing. Just spray and GO!
Kinesys is also leading in their environmental awareness. They use recyclable packaging, non pressurized aerosol pumps, green power and are carbon neutral. You really can feel confident as a parent and consumer that you are supporting an excellent company.
To all of the lucky UV Skinz readers Kinesys is hosting a GIVEAWAY!
How to Enter!
Visit Kinesys, browse the sunscreens and leave a comment telling me which Kinesys you would like to try and why.
Additional Entries: (Entry #1 must be completed first. Leave a comment for each entry…Each of your comments is your official entry!)
*Sign-up for the Kinesys News(1 entry)
*Add the UV Skinz button to your blog (1 entry)
*Follow UV Skinz and on Twitter and TWEET this contest! (1 entry + up to 3 additional accepted daily)
*Blogging about or posting on Facebook about the contest with hyperlinks to UV Skinz and Kinesys .(Worth 5 entries!)
Copy and Paste this email/blog entry…
Fall in love at first “spray” with Kinesys Spray Sunscreen! The simple solution to sun protection for the whole family. Read about the experience mom blogger Kalisha at UV Skinz had with this fast, simple and effective sunscreen. Enter for your chance to win a Kinesys prize package at UV Skinz. Giveaway ends August 23. Open to U.S. only.
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 August 31, 2009.
- Contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday August 30,2009. If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.
GOODLUCK!
62 comments August 17, 2009
How to Spot a Fake…
Lately, I have seen many “imitation” swim shirts for sale and since I own UV Skinz those other swim shirts do not impress me. Not one bit. Even Rhonda’s Mother-In-Law has spotted a poorly made imitator that is misleading consumers by marketing their swim shirt to have an SPF 50 instead of UPF (which is the correct labeling for uv protective clothing).
It is up to you to make your own decision on the type of uv swim shirt you choose to buy, but you should also be informed that not all uv swim shirts are made equally…
Here is how to spot a fake:
- Unlike UV Skinz, those “other” swim shirts are misleading. They promise to provide a uv protection of SPF 50. SPF only protects against UVB rays and doesn’t provide all day protection. UV Skinz carry an UPF 50, protect against UVA and UVB rays and is the best choice for all day protection.
- Imitation uv swim shirts are made of lesser quality material and have irritating tags which can cause chaffing, skin irritations, and rashes during any type of movement like running and playing. UV Skinz don’t have irritating seams or tags. They are made of a unique micro-fiber blend that is smooth and comfortable. Plus you will never have to worry about mildew stains because they are quick-drying.
- The last way to spot a fake is by the price. Now I am cheap when it comes to buying things, but I always believe that you get what you pay for. If an imitator’s price seems to good to be true then most likely it is. UV Skinz provides the highest quality that will last you hand-me-down after hand-me-down at an affordable price.
Buying UV Skinz has been the best investment I’ve made since saving for my daughter’s college education. Seriously! Just one kids uv swim shirt costs on average about $30, but will last and keep providing uv protection for years. A bottle of sunscreen that costs $10 (I’m cheap!) will last maybe a month when used daily. If you spend $10 a month on sunscreen (at the least), then in a year you will have spent $120 or more on sunscreen–compared to a one time buy of $30!
UV Skinz swim shirts are definitely the more cost efficient choice of sun protection.
When I think of UV Skinz swim shirts the first thing that comes to mind is the high-quality and amazing craftsmanship. My girl’s have never complained about wearing their UV Skinz because they are so silky-smooth and comfortable. It is an extremely easy solution to fast sun protection and with all the unique styles and sizes you are sure to find one for every member of your family.
Remember that Selected Adult Styles and Sizes are now 40% off through the month of July!
3 comments July 10, 2009
“Swim for Safety” Event
UV Skinz is so proud to be involved in the “Swim for Safety” Fundraising Event to Benefit the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation happening this Saturday, June 6th! If you live in Florida then you should check it out!
UV Skinz will have a booth and lots of product giveaways!!
The “Swim for Safety” team will be teaching FREE swimming lessons to babies and children from 6 months-12 years old. The swimming lessons are given to the children as a community service, but donations can be given to support the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation. The goal of this foundation is to raise money to advocate and fund raise for a full service, state-of-the-art children’s hospital in Gainesville, Florida.
Swimming for Safety Event Details:
Begin: Saturday 6th Jun, 2009 – 9am End: Saturday 6th Jun, 2009 – 5pm Description: Enjoy free swimming lessons from The Swim Squad (http://www.theswimsquad.com ) and learn about safety in the water. Address: Sun Country Sports Center
Newberry, FL 32669
USWebsite: http://www.sebastianferrero.org Telephone: (352) 333-2579
UV Skinz swim shirts are perfect for the whole family to wear while swimming. One big reason that I love to wear my swim shirt is because it allows me to play and feel less self-conscious about my post-baby body. Even though I’m thin I still have issues with my stomach. In my wild child days I got a belly-ring and after having two babies stretch my belly to the size of a basketball (or maybe bigger) I feel like my tummy just doesn’t look the same. Luckily, my swim shirt has a really cute design (I have the Sarah Long-Sleeve in Black/White Aloha) and it covers my stomach. So, it’s perfect!
Also, the silky-smooth feel and tight-weave of the fabric make it very quick-drying. You don’t have to worry about catching a chill once you get out of the water because the swim shirt dries so fast! Children usually don’t mind (I know mine don’t!), but I really don’t like to be cold after getting out of the water.
My girl’s and I have worn our UV Skinz while playing slip-n-slide and I found that even after getting soaked multiple times, during the intervals I was out of the water I didn’t feel cold. It actually felt really good to get wet and then be kept slightly warm and then be able to dry in the sunshine, having full confidence that we were uv-protected. The swim shirts are just so comfortable; I left Journey and Faith outside to play and splash around while I fixed lunch and I still had my swim shirt and bottoms on. Even in my air-conditioned house–I wasn’t cold! Ok–I guess you got the point already…
UV Skinz + Pool and water fun = Comfortable, dry, and UV-protected YOU!
1 comment June 2, 2009
Wordless/Wordfull Wednesday…Boys will be boys!
Mommy Files is hosting a UV Skinz giveaway that ends TODAY!
What a beautiful day to be outdoors!
They look like they had an amazing time at the lake and what is even more amazing is that they were free to explore and play without the worry of sunburn and reapplying more sunscreen than they needed because all UV Skinz carry a UPF 50+. Actually when I first saw this picture I had a sigh of relief and a burst of excitement! Here are teenage boys, wearing UV Skinz, and still enjoying their time outdoors. This picture shows that UV Skinz is reaching one of the most important demographics. Boys. It is true that most teenage boys go through their teen years with a reckless abandon and an it-can’t-happen-to-me kind of attitude. This attitude can even spill over until the boy grows into a 35-year-old-man. (I still have to remind my husband to wear sunscreen and in most cases I apply it to him).
A survey by the American Academy of Dermatology ” confirms that teenage boys are the worst violators when it comes to protecting themselves from the sun. This may explain why studies cite middle-age and older men with higher rates of skin cancer than any other gender or age group.” Teenage boys are the hardest demographic to reach with any health warning. “They don’t equate their bad behavior in the present with bad things happening to them later in life as a consequence. Skin cancer is no exception.”
Rhonda founded UV Skinz after losing her husband to Melanoma. He enjoyed many of his teenage years surfing and being outdoors without even the thought that one day he would lose his life to this disease.
“Invasive melanoma, which is the hardest type of skin cancer to treat, is currently the fifth most common cancer in men.”
One of her biggest fears is that her sons will develop skin cancer as well. That is why she is so committed to raising awareness about the importance of good sun protection for all children, adults and especially teens. Physical protection is much better than chemical protection. Wear your UV Skinz (*wink), stay in the shade as much as possible, avoid the sun at the peak hours of the day (10am-4pm), wear a wide-brimmed hat, and if you are in the sun apply and reapply a SPF 30+ sunscreen. Easy enough, right?
Remember that the UV Skinz “I Saved A Baby’s Skin Today” Campaign ends soon! You still have 5 days to place an order and receive your FREE pay-it-forward baby skinz!
Wouldn’t you want to save a baby’s skin like this cutie pie below? They are both so cute I just can’t get enough and neither can America! Thanks to this and many other pics of the handsome duo UV Skinz is featured on Insider Online and 4 magazines; People, US Weekly, In Touch and OK!!!
For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5minformom and for Wordfull Wednesday check out 7 Clown Circus!
2 comments May 27, 2009
Make Your Own UV Reactive Bracelet!
Sometimes it can be hard for a child or even a grown-adult to really understand the concept of why it is important to wear sunscreen daily, reapply often and protect ourselves from the UVA and UVB rays by wearing UV protective clothing. UV rays are always present (even when it is cloudy) and they are stronger in some parts of the world than others.
What is a UV Ray?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UV rays can burn the eyes, hair, and skin if these parts of the body are not properly protected, or if they undergo too much exposure to the sun. Nevertheless, UV rays are very useful in our ecosystem.
UV rays assist our bodies in making vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth and helps our bodies build immunities to such diseases as Rickets and colon cancer. UV rays are also used to treat psoriasis; the rays slow the growth of skin cells, preventing the outbreak of the itchy patches for which psoriasis is known. UV rays have various commercial uses as well, including sterilization and disinfection. Some animals can see UV rays, and UV vision helps bees to collect pollen from flowers.
In spite of all their positive uses, UV rays remain very harmful for anyone who spends a large amount of time in the sun without proper protection. The most common effect of exposure to UV rays is sunburn. Sunburn is the damage caused to skin cells when they have absorbed too much energy from UV rays. Sunburn causes blood to rush to the affected area as the body tries to cool the burn, and the damaged skin ultimately peels away. In addition to the burning pain on the skin, sunburn can ultimately cause skin cancer.
Skin cancer is often caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, but it can occur even when there is no evidence of sunburn. Dark skinned people are just as susceptible as those with fair skin to the damage caused by UV rays. At first, eye damage caused by UV rays is usually pain or temporary blindness and blurred vision, but over time, UV rays can ultimately lead to cataracts. The UV index measures the intensity of radiation caused by UV rays and gives people an idea of how long they may remain in the sun before damage is possible. An index of 1-3 means the possibility for UV damage is low, while and index of 8-10 means the possibility is high. (Source: Wise Geek)
I found a fun way to incorporate fun and the science of UV rays into one super cute bracelet!
5 Orange Potatoes posted about how to be a UV Detective using color changing uv reactive beads, pipe cleaners, and other multi-colored beads. After making your bracelet you can wear them for any of your outdoor activities and watch the colors change and intensify!
These UV reactive beads are similar to the ones found on the Cinching Reversible Bucket Hat. UV Skinz is giving away one of these hats so don’t forget to ENTER!
1 comment May 21, 2009
Clare’s Clique Interview and Story
I am so honored to have another touching skin cancer survivor story to share with you. I met Clare of Clare’s Clique, blog surfing and when I came across her story I knew that it deserved to be shared with all of the UV Skinz readers! I have to add that the feedback we received from last week’s Photo Story Friday was amazing–Thank You!
So, let’s get to know Clare and her Clique!…
1. How long have you been blogging? and why did you start?
Here is my cancer story:This May is the two year anniversary when I was diagnosed with malignant Melanoma. May also happens to be National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. So I thought it would be fitting to dedicate a post to this cause. Most of my close friends and family know my story. It is not something I necessarily want to re-live on the post, but considering the outcome has been positive thus far (with a few bumps along the way so to speak) I will keep it simple and as understated as it deserves to be.
When I was pregnant with Quinn I noticed a new mole on my leg. When you are as fair-skinned as I am it is easy to spot new moles. After I had Quinn I noticed the mole was extremely dark and asymmetrical. I was fortunate that I was well aware of the ABCD signs of moles: asymmetry, border, color, and diameter. But I had a newborn and honestly I didn’t have the time to worry about me. Then one morning I was watching the Today show, as I always do. They had a piece on skin cancer. It alarmed me enough to find a dermatologist and make an appointment. I was lucky enough to get in in a couple weeks as most appointments were booked several months out.
So, I trekked to the doctor with a three year old and nearly four-month old in tow along with diaper bags and all the necessities to keep the kids occupied while I had a biopsy on my questionable mole. I wasn’t nervous when the doctor mentioned taking a biopsy. Having had many moles checked over in my lifetime, I have had many moles biopsied and all the results came back normal.
We left the doctor and I was convinced I would receive a postcard in the mail indicating the results were normal and recommending a skin check in another year. You can imagine my complete shock and surprise when my doctor called me later that week. I remember checking my caller ID and seeing my doctor’s name and phone number, but again I wasn’t even remotely alarmed. Maybe he just wanted to call and let me know the results were fine. Then I checked my voice mail messages and listened to him tell me to call his cell phone when I got the message. I remember it being hard to breathe and my heart racing. What doctor gives you his personal cell phone number? I dialed carefully praying the kids would stay quiet and waited til he answered the phone. And in that moment my world came crashing down around me. I barely heard anything, but the words “malignant melanoma” and “surgery” and felt like I would dissolve on the floor right then and there. The doctor kept repeating that this was a malignancy and then he used the word “cancer”. Nothing seemed real for me at that moment.
All I knew was that I had cancer.
My body had betrayed me.
I had no idea if the cancer had metastasized and tried to think if I had any other symptoms. It was just a stupid mole. How could that little mole give me cancer? Well to make a long story even longer, I had surgery and had the tissue removed from my leg. I went back in for regular skin checks and to have the doctor assess any abnormalities in my lymph nodes every three months. Then after my year anniversary of the diagnosis I was able to go in for skin checks every six months and blood tests every year. I am healthy; I am happy. And I wanted to share my experience to make others aware of the dangers of sun exposure. I wore sunscreen quite regularly. I did not sunbathe or go to tanning salons. I was aware of the dangers of sunburns. Yet, I still became one of 62,000 people diagnosed every year with the most dangerous form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. But I am here, I am fine and I hope other people will heed my warning. Use sunscreen regularly, watch your sun exposure even when using sunscreen, and use the ABCD guide when looking at moles. And if you have any question at all, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Don’t wait until it is too late. I caught my melanoma in the earliest stages and though there is always a possibility the melanoma could return, I am diligent in knowing what to look for.
4 comments May 15, 2009
Life’s A Beach Interview and Story
Blogging for UV Skinz has really been such a great adventure and learning experience for me. I have been able to find some amazing people during my time here. As apart of Skin Cancer Awareness Month I wanted to bring you real stories of people who have been affected or diagnosed with skin cancer. The first is a Mom, Wife, Blogger and Survivor of Stage 3 Melanoma. You can join Kerri on her journey as a Mom and cancer survivor at her blog, Life’s A Beach.
I wanted to get to know Kerri a little more, so I asked her a few questions…
How long have you been blogging? and why did you start?
I began blogging in April of 2008, one year after my diagnosis. I had just shaved my head because I was losing so much of it from the Interferon. I really wanted to share my story with others in hopes to save someone else from going through this horrible disease.
I have always loved the beach. It gives me a certain sense of calm and peace. But, really in my point of view, life is a beach. There are periods of my life that have been calm and smooth and then parts where it seemed the waves were 10 feet high and showing no signs of stopping. I know that eventually those storms will pass and the ocean will be smooth again, just like events in my life.
I have two quotes that I love. “Know thyself” has been a favorite of mine since high school. I think it is so important to realize who you are as a person and never lose your sense of self. The second quote that has become very inspirational to me is “Love the life you live and live the life you love.” After my diagnosis, I had read this quote on a necklace and just had to have it. I wear it everyday. For me, I have to remind myself that I have to make the most of the life I have because in an instant it could change.
Read my blog and read stories of other people diagnosed with melanoma. It can happen to you – it can happen to anyone. Melanoma does not discriminate!
I just want to Thank Kerri so much for sharing her personal story with us. Please read on and as always, you are more than welcome to comment or ask questions.
Here is her story:
I always had two major fears in my life – dying in a car wreck and being diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, in 2007, one of those fears came true and I was diagnosed with Stage III Malignant Melanoma. I had went to the dermatologist to get a ”cyst” removed just under my skin on my upper right arm. It had been there for years, but during my pregnancy I got a blue tint on the top of my skin where the cyst was located. Three weeks later I got a call from the doctor wanting to see me immediately. He believed I had melanoma, but the pathology wasn’t completely able to diagnose that for sure. He referred me to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and 10 days later I was seeing one of the best melanoma surgeons in the country. My doctors at MD Anderson did their own biopsy and came up with the same conclusion. It could be melanoma or maybe not. To be on the safe side, since I did have a 9 month old and a 3 year old at the time, we decided to do a wide local excision and a sentinel node biopsy. Once the results came back, the diagnosis was definite for melanoma and it had spread to one lymph node in my neck and one in my axilla. Not only had it spread, but it was very thick – 11 mm. So, I had a second surgery to remove more tissue where the melanoma was and to remove all the lymph nodes in my neck and axilla on the right side. I had more than 50 nodes removed and luckily they were all clear for melanoma. I then began what was supposed to be a year long treatment of Interferon. I made it through nine months of horrible side effects before my body just started rejecting it. June 29, 2009 will mark my two-year anniversary of being NED (no evidence of disease). For now, I must have skin checks every three months and CT and MRI scans every 6 months. It has been such a long road, but I am by no means out of the woods.
Before my diagnosis, I was a healthy 29-year-old. I had gotten really bad sunburns as a child and teenager and also was a frequent user of tanning beds. I never really thought I would get skin cancer, much less melanoma. I have to say that being diagnosed at such an early age really gave me a new perspective on life. I don’t sweat the small the stuff. I appreciate my husband, my children and my life in a way I never had before. I am now a stay-at-home mom, because I want to be and also because I am unable to work right now. I have lingering effects from the Interferon and effects from the two surgeries that impair the use of my right arm if I do too much. Most melanomas can be prevented. Just stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen and never use tanning beds. It’s that easy. Those measures can save your life.
9 comments May 7, 2009
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
Join our May “I Saved a Baby’s Skin Today!” Campaign
“The intent is for customers to ‘pay it forward,’” says Rhonda Sparks. “We hope clients will donate the Baby Skinz to a charitable cause of their choice such as a women’s shelter, YMCA or even a neighbor in need. We want to get as many children covered as we can and with each donation, we hope to raise the level of awareness that much more.” Each May shipment will contain a free UV Baby Skinz along with a flyer encouraging customers to pass along the Baby Skinz to a chosen cause. UV Skinz was able to give away about 1,850 swim shirts for the May 2008 Skin Cancer Awareness promotion. The company’s goal this year is to nearly double that as supplies allow.
The National Cancer Institute reports that many common cancer rates are falling, but melanoma rates within the U.S. continue to grow at an alarming rate. Sparks implores parents to cover their children to prevent them from becoming the one in five Americans who will develop skin cancer. “I am doing all that I can to protect my children from suffering the same fate their Father suffered when we lost him to melanoma. I hope our Baby Skinz donation program will prevent more families from being impacted by this devastating disease.”
An important part of skin cancer prevention is creating awareness. Creating awareness is all about saving our children’s lives in the future. Over 90% of skin cancers are preventable with the right education and awareness. We need you to help us spread the word about Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the “I Saved a Baby’s Skin Today” UV Skinz blog campaign!
- Blog about the “I Saved a Baby’s Skin Today” campaign.You can see the full press release here. Feel free to include links to UV Skinz, the press release and/or UV Skinz blog! Remember the campaign starts May 1st.
- Add our button and/or banner to your blog! Let everyone know you support this campaign and encourage others to do the same!
- Follow UV Skinz on Twitter and join in on the discussion by following the progress of “I Saved a Baby’s Skin Today” campaign with twitter hashtag #UVSKINZ (Remember to use a “z” and not an “s”)
What can I do if I don’t have a blog?
- Forward this to your friends and family!
- Print out the official “I Saved A Baby’s Skin Today” Button and post it to your bulletin board at your home, home-office, or work.
- Follow UV Skinz on Twitter!
Besides the warm feeling you get by helping to save a baby from potential skin cancer, UV Skinz is giving all bloggers a special discount code to use at our online store! At checkout enter the code: MOMBLOGS15 and SAVE 15% through August 31, 2009 (as long as you are a participating blogger it doesn’t matter if you aren’t a Mom )
Be apart of our Sponsor Showcase Page! Once you have posted about the campaign, then email me the link and your blog button (as an attachment) and you will be added!
If you have any questions or suggestions then please feel free to email me at kalisha@uvskinz.com
4 comments April 29, 2009
