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Inside Coolibar SunAWARE Wear Sun Protection

“Second Generation” Sun Protection Products

Michael Hubsmith is executive vice president with Coolibar, and had been actively developing sun protection products for over a decade.  He recently sat down with SunAWARE for a feature in their new magazine Perfect Skin Protection to give his take on what he calls “the second generation” of sun protection products.  Here is a snippet of our favorite pieces from the article below.

So, Michael, what do you mean when you say “second generation” sun protection products?

New products are being created around the world. Some are wonderfully simple and highly effective.  A flap attached to a beach umbrella to provide full shade from the side or a glove with a sleeve to protect the left arm while driving, are two clear examples of innovative problem solving.

The most exciting new product I’ve seen recently was a low lawn chair with a kind of canopy over the top. This is exciting as it meets the need of so many parents and fans at their kids’ soccer games or swim meets. It’s also exciting as it shows just how far the thinking has come about sun protection products. I’ve heard friends complain about roasting in the sun during these kinds of events, and this chair helps solve the problem. Some of them even have flaps in front that help when facing west.

What are most important trends in sun protection clothes?

Most importantly, sun protection clothes have gone mainstream.

When made well, the protection offered is completely safe, consistent in its level of protection, not messy, and ultimately less expensive than relying on sunscreen for full body protection. Consumers are beginning to understand that.

It’s exciting that the general population understands that there is a specific clothing category for sun protective garments where ten years ago they did not. It is much more main stream now. This is a significant shift.

And you see the change everywhere. More people are wearing wide brimmed hats as opposed to baseball caps at sporting events, for example, I saw caddies at the  PGA Championship wearing wide-brimmed hats (3”brims all around).

Kids are wearing rash guards (swim shirts) as fashion statements – like a pop cultural garment – just being cool – not really caring about sun protection, although someone else may be doing the caring for them. This is a great step forward.

And, again, most of the manufacturers in the sun protective clothing category are conscientious. They test their materials and you can rely upon their labels.

With all the new sun protection products on the market and all the new product claims being made, are there any that you would suggest consumers avoid?

Well, I’d say a small bikini style bathing suit made with protective fabric is not really what consumers should look for when thinking about sun protection. I also hesitate to recommend the products that claim you can add chemicals to your wash to make your clothes protective.

The biggest issue or mistake that people make is that they believe UV protection comes only by blocking UV rays. So the test they recommend is to hold a fabric up to light to see if any light passes through. This is absolutely the wrong test because UVR is invisible and does not pass through fabric the same way.

Fabrics that claim to be sun protective have been tested using laboratory equipment. Most combine blockers and diffusers to protect you from UV rays. So the chemicals added into laundry may block some, but the individual will never know what the UPF rating is because they can’t test it.

Blocking UVR is not like adding a water repellent. Without testing, you have no idea if it will work. So if a person is really looking for UPF clothing, or sun protective clothing, they should get it from a company that has guaranteed testing of the material and rated it accordingly, and not try to do it themselves.

 

Click icon to download iPad app

For the full article, click icon to download SunAWARE‘s FREE Perfect Skin Protection Magazine on your iPad from the Apple Store.

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Parenting

Fun Fall Family Activities

Coolibar is all for spending days in the sun, protected of course, and fall is the perfect time to get outdoors with your family and spend quality time together. We’ve compiled a list of “10 must do activities” this fall that will create lasting family memories and get your kids some fresh air.

10 Must Do Family Activities This Fall

1. Collect colorful leaves.  Search your yard or neighborhood for the most colorful leaves and gather them in a bag. Here are a couple of crafty ideas from Disney Family Fun to use the leaves. 1) Make a sun catcher. Using a low setting, iron a leaf between two pieces of waxed paper with a sheet of plain paper on top. Hang in a sunny window. 2) Preserve a leaf. Bring a mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part glycerin (available in most pharmacies) to a boil in a saucepan (adults only). Pour the solution into a heat-proof container. Drop in a few brightly-colored leaves and gently submerge with a wooden spoon. Keep the container in a cool, dark place until there is a slight change in the leaves’ tints. Then remove them and blot dry with a paper towel. Instead of turning brown and crumbly, the leaves will retain their brilliant hues.

2. Pine cone walk.  Take a walk around your neighborhood and collect pine cones.  Tell the kids to find the biggest pine cones or the ones that aren’t broken.  Place the pine cones in a bowl or basket for a home fall decoration that will last through the holiday season. You can also buy non-toxic metallic paints from your local craft store to color the pine cones.

3. Play name that leaf. Have the kids collect unusual leaves. Grab a tree guidebook from your local library to bring along and identify the types of trees the leaves were taken from.

4. Have fun raking. Gather leaves into a huge pile and jump in! Remove twigs from the pile and make sure there are enough leaves before the kids dive in.

5. Stuff a scarecrow. Dig out an old shirt and overalls and stuff with hay or leaves until firm. Complete the scarecrow with a pumpkin head.

6. Venture to your local orchard or farm. Head off for a day of apple picking, pumpkin carving, hayrides, corn mazes and other fun activities. Many farms have a picnic area you can all gather for lunch as well. If you pick apples, come home and have the kids help you make some homemade apple crisp (adults cut apples, kids mix ingredients).

7. Search for state parks and plan for a hike or bike ride. Look out for wildlife and occasionally stop for family photos.

8. Picnic on the beach. The beach is breezy at this time, but isn’t crowded like in the summer.  The ocean or lake becomes the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon. Pack books and sand toys for the kids.

9. Tour the town. Grab a tourist brochure and take in the local sites. Snap pictures, buy treats and meander through the neighborhood shops.

10. Create a new fall tradition. Get outdoors, enjoy the fall weather and make new memories – you belong in the sun! 

Even though it’s fall, you still need to protect your family from nature’s elements such as the sun and insects. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and wear sun protective clothing! Have fun.

Little Coolibar customer Lucia in leaves with bear hat
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Expert Rx

In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to remember the many people affected by the disease. Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated when found early. While no one has full control over whether he or she gets breast cancer, there are simple steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

1. Know your risk

Talk to your family to learn about your family health history. Then speak with your health care provider about your personal risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened

Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk. Ask your health care provider which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.

3. Know what is normal for you

See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:  lump, hard knot or thickening; swelling, warmth, redness or darkening; change in the size or shape of the breast; dimpling or puckering of the skin; itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple; pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast; nipple discharge that starts suddenly; or new pain in one spot that doesn’t go away.

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Maintain a healthy weight and add exercise into your routine. Also, limit your alcohol intake. 

These recommendations are provided by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement. 

Coolibar also wishes to remind you that as part of a healthy and aware lifestyle, to protect yourself from the sun and check your skin regularly for irregular moles using the ABCDE’s of melanoma from the American Academy of Dermatology. Prevention and early detection are key factors in reducing your risk of developing skin cancers.

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Coolibar Athletes

Equipment Fit for the Coolibar Athlete

Looking to start a new sport, or possibly update your current fitness gear?

Run, hike, bike, ski, golf, swim and surf in the same equipment Coolibar athletes use to reach new heights! Coolibar athletes participate in a number of sports and fitness activities to stay in shape.

To see what our athletes recommend for your specific interests click the first image below and scroll through the following collages: #1 Running – Kristie Cranford; #2 Hiking / Adventure Racing – Jeremy Van Ek; #3 Golf – Elena King; #4 Windsurfing – Marion Lepert; #5 Skiing – Tania Prymak; #6  Biking and Running – John Barker; #7 Swimming – Molly Baross

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Coolibar is not affiliated with any other brand or product depicted in these collages other than the Coolibar branded clothing and sunscreens.

Shop Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Clothing

Shop Coolibar UPF 50+ Men’s Clothing

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Expert Rx Sunscreens and Lotions

Considering self tanning? What you need to know.

Tanning booths are considered unhealthy by dermatologists, but what about sunless tanning (A.K.A. self tans, UV-free tans, fake tans)? While rocking the natural skin look is most recommended, those who cannot ditch the glow should opt for self tanners over UV tanning. First learn how it works. Then how to properly apply it.

At the local drug-store and you’ll find self tanners in the form of lotions, creams, sprays and tanning wipes. All contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar molecule that darkens the top layer of skin and is the main ingredient used in self tanners. DHA does not instantly dye the skin. Rather, over the course of a few hours, skin will gradually brown. This color will fade in 5 – 10 days.

In the 1920’s DHA was first used as an active ingredient in the pharmaceutical field. Then, in 1957 a doctor discovered the tanning properties of DHA. DHA is the only approved agent for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for artificial tanning—external use only. According to the FDA tanning pills pose many risks, thus they are not FDA approved. Similarly, Melanotan, an illegal synthetic hormone injection that tans skin, can have serious side effects, possibly including death.

Melanie D. Palm, MD, MBA, recently wrote an article for the Skin Cancer Foundation where she states, “There is no clear evidence that DHA is harmful to humans if applied topically and used as directed. Concern about DHA arose recently when a study correlated use of highly concentrated amounts of DHA with production of free radicals, molecules that form naturally in the body due to oxygen use and can damage cells. However, concentrations used in sunless tanning preparations are considered non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.” Self tanners typically contain between 3 and 5 percent DHA.

If you’re going to use self-tanning spray or visit a spray tan booth, it’s recommended not to inhale or get into the mucus membranes as the long-term health effects for inhalation are not yet determined. When the FDA originally approved DHA for external use back in 1977, it was popular in tanning lotions. Now that is comes in spray form, toxicologists are concerned and urge consumers to use with caution.

Self tanners do not provide any protection from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Remember to apply and reapply as directed. If you’re spending the day outdoors, opt for sun protective clothing, sun hats and UV sunglasses as well.

If you decide to try self tanning, follow these tips from American Academy of Dermatology for proper application:

1. Exfoliate. Using an exfoliating product or wash cloth will help remove dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating where your skin is thickest — elbows, knees and ankles.

2. Dry your skin. Drying your skin before you apply a self-tanner helps it go on evenly.

3. Apply in sections. Apply the self-tanner in sections (such as the arms, then legs, followed by the torso). Massage the self-tanner into your skin in a circular motion.

4. Wash your hands after each section. You will avoid orange-colored palms by washing your hands with soap and water after you finish applying the self-tanner to each section of your body.

5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. For a natural look, you need to lightly extend the tanner from your wrists to your hands and from your ankles to your feet.

6. Dilute over your joints. Lightly rub with a damp towel or apply a thin layer of lotion on top of the self-tanner.

7. Give your skin time to dry. Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. For the next three hours, it is best to wear loose clothing and try to avoid sweating.

8. Apply sunscreen every day.

The safest color is still “natural” skin color. If tanning is a must, take all facts into consideration and remember the safer route – self tanners, not UV tanners (A.K.A. tanning beds).

Resources:

1. National Toxicology Program: DHA
2. SCF: Ask the Experts: Are Self Tanners Safe?
3. FDA: Tanning Pill
4. FDA: Tanning Injection Warning Letter
5. Huffington Post: Did Tanning Injections Lead to Bolton Woman’s Death?
6. ABC.com: Are ‘Spray-On’ Tans Safe? Experts Raise Questions as Industry Puts Out Warnings
7. AAD: How to apply self-tanner

Disclaimer: The information provided by Coolibar and its contributors is general skin care information and should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem.

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Sun Protection Clothing Wear Sun Protection What's Hot

UPF 50+ Outfit Makeover

Helen Vong, skin care guru at theskiny.com, came to us with a brilliant SunAWARE idea. “Let’s do a Coolibar UPF 50+ outfit makeover to show how easy it is to be protected from the sun.” Who are we to argue?

“After writing a magazine story about the aging effects of the sun, back in the early spring, I decided that this (now past) summer is going to be year I start changing my ways. Why? Well frankly, I’m getting older and my skin isn’t bouncing back like it did from weekend trips to the cottage.

Like most people I only really wore sunscreen on vacation, and in my twenties, I went on my fair share of sun escapes – and I have the sunspots to prove it. In fact, I’ve got a newly formed speckle on my lower lip that wasn’t there last year (thank you, Ibiza). After age 30 you can’t get away with calling these spots ‘cute freckles’ anymore.

Helen Vong Before and After Coolibar

Consider this photo taken last summer at the hotel lobby at the Thompson in Beverly Hills (before picture). At first glance, you’d think I was being sun smart with a wide brimmed hat and long sleeved button up shirt. Truth is, that flimsy hat was a cheapie from Walmart with absolutely no sun filter. The shirt was also a bargain that was useless against the scorching UVA rays (think of the “A” as for aging) I surely soaked in that weekend.

I guess I could’ve wore clothing with sun protection, but I’ve long equated anti-sun clothing as frumpy athletic gear. And who wants to look blah on Rodeo Drive? In retrospect, I wish I knew about Coolibar, back then. This company makes sun-protective apparel look sexy! I particularly fell in love with their sun hats. My dermatologist, Dr. Lisa Kellett, says that size matters when it comes to the brim of an effective sun hat: six inches is the way to go.”

Helen took her look and gave it a UPF 50+ makeover (after picture).

Visit theskiny to see Helen’s full review: http://theskiny.com/shun-the-sun-in-style/

See all Coolibar’s UPF 50+ women’s sun hats and women’s clothing for your sun protective makeover.

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Coolibar Athletes

Windsurfing with Coolibar Athlete Marion Lepert

US Nationals Competition: An update from Marion Lepert, Coolibar Athlete and Windsurfer:

I recently returned from competing in the US Windsurfing Nationals in Hood River, OR. This event took place on the Columbia River, a renowned location for windsurfing, where it is sunny and warm. I raced in both formula course racing and slalom racing classes and had a blast while doing it. Each day, we had three formula races followed by three slalom races, making for about 5-6 hours of total sailing every day.

Formula racing is done on big boards that can be sailed in 7-25 knots with fins up to 70 cm long and sails up to 12 meters big. The courses consist of a start, then upwind and downwind buoy roundings and then a race to the finish line. I have been racing in this discipline for five years. I was very pleased with my performance in this event; I finished 1st in the women’s category and 8th overall (men and women).

Slalom racing consists of much faster paced races than formula, and the gear is much smaller and done in more wind. The courses also have a start, but the rounding of buoys is different; they are all downwind and must zigzag through them to get to the finish line. I am still learning this discipline, but I had a great time racing in it at the Nationals. I had a difficult start to the event, still being uncomfortable with the format of the racing and falling on several of my transitions. However, I stayed focused and improved during the regatta to win the Women’s National Champion title.

Racing in the Nationals reminded me of why I love windsurf racing so much. Speeding around courses and trying to get ahead with tactics is a lot of fun, and the community of windsurf racers is very friendly and close-knit. I had a great time, but the event would not have been the same for me had I not had my Coolibar gear. I spent almost 10 hours every day in the sun racing, resting, or taking care of my gear, but wearing my Coolibar clothing helped me stay safe from the sun. I wore my Stash Pocket Swim Shirt, pink Long Sleeve Swim Shirt, Fingerless Gloves and red Sun Gaiter, all of which worked great and allowed me to focus on my racing, not the sun.

Thank you,
Marion

Marion Lepert, US Windsurfing Nationals in Hood River, OR
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Wellness Warriors

NFL Training Tips with Coach Karl Dunbar

Last month Defensive Line Coach for the New York Jets, Karl Dunbar, shared his thoughts with us on training camp. For Coach Dunbar, it’s a time to get away and focus solely on football. He needs to prepare his team to play at a high level and teach them proper techniques. We wanted to dive a little deeper with Coach Dunbar to discover tips and tricks of NFL training.

Karl Dunbar (right) at New York Jets Minicamp

1. What are the best exercises to get your team in shape?

The best exercises to do to get your team in shape is “contact”, all out scrimmaging without taking guys to the ground. There aren’t many drills I know of other than that! The weight of the pads and the pushing and pulling of other players are hard to simulate. That’s why I really think if a player comes to training camp in excellent shape it will take him 2 to 2-1/2 weeks to get into football shape.

2. How do you incorporate endurance training? 

We try to start off by giving the players 3 reps at a time before switching groups and as the practices go on we increase the reps to 4-5-6-7 and sometimes 10 plays before we give them a break. This way they will be able to handle a regular offensive drive during a game.

3. What portion of time do you spend on strength training? 

The guys lift weights 3 to 4 days a week and workouts last from 45 minutes to an hour. They do machine base lifts as well as free weights. Leg press, shoulder press, leg extension and curls on machines and then bench press, squats, dumb bell curls and power cleans would be the free weights.

4. What about drills?

Drills are more position specific. Everyone does the quickness and change of direction drills but receivers and defensive backs run farther than the other positions because that’s what they do on the field. The offensive line and defensive line do more short burst and rest while the running backs and linebackers do a little of both.

5. Is balance and agility a part of training? 

Balance is very important as well as core (abs) strength. That’s why the guys do free weights, to work on their balance, and the abdominal and back workout ties the upper and lower body together.

6. Over the course of your career, you have worked with many talented athletes.  Tell us about some unusual techniques your players (past and present) have used for conditioning, for example; sumo, stair running, flying trapeze, etc.

Some of my guys over the years have engaged in boxing, MMA, wrestling, yoga, karate, and some hired a former Marine Drill Sgt. to put them thru a mini boot camp! Guys try all sorts of things looking for an edge!

7. What are you most excited about for the 2012 football season?

The thing I’m most excited about for this season is getting to see our younger guys play and contribute to the team with our veterans! We have a nice mixture of defensive linemen and since it’s my first year with them, in the words of #57 Bart Scott, “Can’t Wait!”

8. Other thoughts on training?

Training Camp was awesome and the people of Cortland treated us like family. It was great to get away, but it was great to get back home and see my girls and sleep in my own bed.

More updates soon.

Karl Dunbar
NFL Defensive Line Coach for New York Jets

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Coolibar Athletes

Falling Off the Fitness Wagon

By Kristie Cranford, CPT, ITCA, Coolibar Athlete

New Year’s resolutions get us in the gym at the first of the year. Spring energizes us to get out there and get that bathing suit body ready. Summer has longer days and a variety of activities to keep us busy, active and fit.

Fall. Days get shorter.  Weather changes.  School starts back for some. The seasonal temptations begin starting with pumpkin spices.  Little by little fitness gets pushed back and pushed back until one day you realize you have fallen off the fitness wagon.

The best way to combat falling out of fitness is to not let it happen to begin with. But in the event you do fall out of fitness, here are some tips and ideas to help you get back on track.

Set a goal. Think New Year’s resolution now.  Want to lose weight? Run a 5k? Come up with a goal, it will give you something to work toward.

Find someone to hold you accountable. Friends, a coach, a personal trainer, find someone who will hold you accountable.  Find someone who supports you and lifts you up when you are down.  Find someone to work out with you; it’s hard to skip the gym when you are meeting someone there.

Get virtually inspired. You would be amazed what you can find online now. There are virtual coaches and personal trainers, online fitness challenges, even virtual races. 

DIY.  Can’t find a fitness challenge? Start one! Start a fitness challenge at work, school, among friends. Come up with prizes for meeting goals. Make it competitive and fun!

Try something new. Find a new workout. Run a different route. Try a new sport. Add some new songs to your iPod. Sometimes we do the same fitness routine over and over it just gets, boring. Change it up.

Watch Rocky. We’ve all done it at some point in time, watched a movie or an event and decided to get out there and get in shape.  Think about a time that happened to you, and do it again.

Make good food choices. Your body is an engine. Don’t give it bad fuel. Look for healthy alternatives to fall’s temptations. Make it a challenge. Think of something sinful you have a hard time resisting, and create a healthy version of your own.

HAVE FUN. Bottom line you won’t stick to anything unless you are having fun.

Embrace fall and enjoy finding fitness again! You’ll be glad you did.

Kristie Cranford racing by MGM in Las Vegas
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Inside Coolibar What our customers say

Sun Protection Travel Wear

Coolibar Customer Cory H.

We recently received some great feedback from a new Coolibar customer after his trip to Taiwan. Cory expressed what we try to convey, he just does it much better. Cory’s note is below.

 

 

 

 

“I wanted to let you know that I recently purchased an XXL Blue Sky Sun Shirt on the recommendation of Tim Ferriss.  I got it right before a trip to Taiwan.  It was perfect.

 I wore it during the hot, humid day to keep cool and protected from the sun. 

I wore it to a semi-formal meeting where it fit in just fine.

I wore it on a boat between scuba dives.

I wore it on a scooter around the island of Lanyu after I got a little too much sun one day. 

I wore it on the plane ride home because I was so comfy. 

I never write letters about products, but I was compelled after the experience I had with this shirt.  Thanks for making a great product.”

Cory H.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Washington DC

About Cory                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Originally from Kentucky, Cory is an entrepreneur, a former officer in the Air Force and a high school basketball coach.  He loves to travel! He once rode a bicycle from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa. He is always up for a good old fashioned road trip in his truck…he lived out of it for two years while exploring the U.S. He also writes about music on his blog yobigbro.com.

Cory at the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial – Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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