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Kaitlin Casper

Inside Coolibar

What the Heck is a Rash Guard?

what is a rash guard cover image

You’ve probably noticed the athletic-style shirts on people at the beach or pool and wondered what it’s for. So what is a rash guard? Its purpose is so much more than just a functional piece of clothing to wear around water and protect you from the sun.

You might be wondering why it is called a rash guard in the first place. Rash guards are shirts that were originally developed for surfers who experienced irritation to the skin from sand and residue on their surfboards. They continue to be a popular choice for surfers and lifeguards due to their comfort and high performance.  

Explore our wide selection of sun protection products to help keep you and your family safe while enjoying the outdoors.

What Are Rash Guards For?

Rash guards are no longer just for surfers. They are a versatile piece of clothing for all family members, whether boating, swimming, or just hanging out in the sand and sun. Below are three top benefits they provide.

  • Rash Protection: no need to worry about chafing and rashes, as the tight-fitting rash guard is an extra layer of protection for your skin
  • Sun Protection: they offer coverage from the sun, so your skin will be protected from harmful UV rays
  • Breathability: they are made with a combination of fabrics, providing comfort, breathability, and ease of movement

Best Rash Guard for Every Person In Your Life

Rash guards are versatile pieces of clothing for any outdoor occasion. Maybe you love to snorkel or just enjoy spending time on the beach reading a book. Whatever activities you prefer, extra protection and comfort will keep you and your family looking and feeling your best.

Best Rash Guard for Women

Rash guards provide fierce protection and functionality. They make a wonderful gift, and with a range of beautiful colors and prints, you really can’t go wrong! Read about free diver Ashleigh Baird’s review of our Coolibar Quick Zip Rash Guard, and see more of our women’s rash guard styles below.

Best Rash Guard for Men

Whether you are a water sports fanatic or just spend a lot of time outdoors, rash guards are the best outdoor clothing choice for men. They are perfect for long days outside spent working on the lawn or leisure activities like playing a round of golf.

The sporty designs feature high performance in cooling and sweating-wicking properties. We offer a variety of colors and styles for men. Here are some of our favorites:

Best Rash Guard for Kids

Rash guards are especially great for kids because of the sun coverage and protection. There is no need to worry about keeping their entire bodies lathered up with sunscreen when they’re in and out of the water.

A long sleeve guard reduces exposed skin to the elements. Your children will also love the range of bright colors and prints. Shop some of our top kids’ styles at the links below.

When Should Rash Guards Be Worn?

Since the purpose of rash guards is so varied, there is really no limit to when one should be worn. Their protection from sun, sand, and rashes makes them an excellent addition to any beach day. Some activities that are especially great for wearing this protective layer are:

  • Water Sports: they are perfect for wearing out on the water for activities like water skiing, tubing, surfing, and wakeboarding. Not only will you be protected from sun damage and skin irritation, but you will be protecting yourself from skin irritation while staying sun safe.
  • Beach Sports: long days on the sand playing beach volleyball or other beach sports can wreak havoc on your skin. Be prepared by wearing a beach rash guard to defend against damaging UV rays and irritation from the sand. Their sweat-wicking properties make them the ideal gear for all beach sports.
  • Other Sports: if you spend extended amounts of time doing other outdoor sports like running, golfing, or biking, rash guards may be a solution you might not have considered. Their sun protection and sweat-wicking properties will keep you safe and comfortable.
  • Yard Work: this is another excellent solution for anyone who does a lot of outdoor work. Even just regularly mowing the lawn can cause damage to your skin. Getting in the habit of wearing your rash guard for doing work outside can significantly impact your overall skin health.

Other Common Questions Around Rash Guards

Before we dive into the best rash guards for everyone in the family, let’s tackle some common questions that come up.

Does a rash guard protect you from the sun?

Getting a sunburn at the beach is never fun, but there are plenty of ways to prevent sunburn. Rash guard clothing from Coolibar provides a physical barrier from the sun and comes with the added benefit of having UPF protection built into the fabric. At Coolibar, our world-leading fabric offers the highest level of UPF protection and is guaranteed to block 98% of UVA and UVB rays.

Are rash guard shirts hot?

Unlike wetsuits, rash guards are not meant to keep your body warm. They are not as thick as wetsuits, so they do not trap body heat as well. They actually can have a cooling effect on the body because of their material and how tight they lay on your skin.

What are rash guard shirts made of?

Since the purpose of rash guard shirts is to prevent rashes and protect you from the sun, they are generally made of athletic fabrics like polyester, nylon, lycra, and spandex. These materials are soft, durable, and lightweight while allowing for breathability and stretch to maximize your comfort.

What do you wear with a rash guard?

What to wear with a rash guard is most often a matter of personal preference. However, since they’re generally worn during outdoor activities, we recommend pairing it with other UPF clothing items to ensure maximum sun protection, such as:

Explore Rash Guards And Sun Protection Clothing From Coolibar

Long gone are the days when rash guards were only worn by surfers, and for good reason! They keep your skin healthy and protected from the sun’s harmful rays so you can make the most of your time outdoors.

Check out our blog for more helpful sun protection tips, and read about some of our favorite styles for spring!

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Avoid UV & Seek Shade SunAWARE

Can You Get Sunburned Through a Window?

It’s no secret that exposure to the sun when outdoors for an extended period of time can cause damage to and sunburn your skin. But can you get sun damage through windows? The answer may surprise you. 

Practicing sun safety is essential for avoiding sunburn and minimizing your risk of developing wrinkles and, more seriously, skin cancer. There are many myths surrounding whether or not you can get sunburned through windows or if you can tan through a window. While it may feel like you are protected from the sun when behind windows indoors or in a car, this is not the whole story. 

Can You Get Sun Damage Through Windows?

The answer to this question comes down to whether or not UV light can go through glass. It depends on the type of glass the window is made of, and not all windows are the same when it comes to UV protection. Ultraviolet Rays are light waves from the sun and can reach us in sneaky ways. We need to worry about two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB rays, because they can reach the earth.

  • UVA Rays: longer wavelength rays that are less intense but penetrate deep into the skin and cause tanning. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and wrinkles due to the fact that they break down collagen fibers, which help with skin strength and elasticity. UVA rays can contribute to skin cancer.
  • UVB Rays: shorter wavelength rays that penetrate only the superficial layers of the skin. UVB rays are more intense and harmful to the skin’s DNA and are responsible for sunburn. This type of light ray also stimulates the body to produce vitamin D and is believed to cause a higher percentage of skin cancer.
Visual representation of the question can UV go through glass

Can You Get a Tan Through a Window?

Since ultraviolet rays do pass through glass, most commonly the UVA rays, there is a chance that you can get a suntan through a window. It will, of course, depend on the length of exposure, but since UVA rays are not blocked by most glass, you may get sun damage and a slight tan. However, it is not likely that you can get sunburned through a window due to the UVB protection present in most windows.

sun shining through a car window

Can You Get Sunburned Through a Car Window?

Do car windows block UV? Not all car windows are equally protective, and this is due to legal reasons. Your car’s windshield is required to offer more protection to prevent the glass from shattering in case of an accident. 

This extra protection also means better UV filtering. Your car’s windshield is treated against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, while the rest of your car’s windows only filter against UVB rays. 

As we know, UVA rays cause damage to your skin at a deeper level. Since your windshield only filters out UVA rays, you will still get UVA exposure from the other windows in your car. You might not get a sunburn in your car, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t getting skin damage. 

  • UV rays can go through car windows, but not all UV rays can
  • Your car’s windshield offers the best protection against UV rays (UVA and UVB)
  • UVA rays can still penetrate the other windows in your car, causing skin damage and aging
  • Since UVB rays are filtered by all car windows, it is unlikely that you can get burned through a car window

Sun Protective Solutions

While sun protection may not be at the top of your list when preparing for long road trips in the car, there are a few simple steps you can take to mitigate skin damage from the sun

  • UPF Clothing: arguably the easiest way to reduce skin damage is to wear UPF clothing daily 
  • UVA protective film: extra tints or films can be added to your car windows to block out those UVA ray
  • Sunscreen: incorporating a daily sunscreen into your routine can go a long way in preventing sun damage, especially those parts of your body that are most often exposed like your face, hands, and arms
sun through window shining on a woman reading

Can You Get Sunburned Through Other Windows? 

What about other windows – can you tan through a house window? Can you get sunburned through a window at home? Are you inadvertently getting sun exposure at work? 

We know that UV rays can go through glass, but it depends on the type of glass.

Standard construction windows in your home or office will offer good protection against UVB rays, so it’s unlikely that you will get sunburn through a window. Most windows do not offer protection against UVA rays, although if your windows are newer there’s a chance that the UVA protection is better. Solar window screens and treatments are a good option for cutting down harmful UV rays from the sun.

  • Windows at your home or office may block some, but not all of the sun’s UV rays. 
  • While it’s not likely that you’ll develop a sunburn through a window, you may still be getting sun damage from UVA rays.
  • Window screens or blinds can help reduce the UV rays getting through.

Sun Protective Solutions

It can seem nearly impossible to avoid sunburn and other types of skin damage from the sun, but a few quick adjustments you can make in your everyday life will significantly impact your overall skin health. 

  • UPF Clothing: the best barrier option for your skin to prevent damage and easy to incorporate into your day-to-day
  • Sunscreen: reduce UV exposure to your skin by wearing sunscreen daily
  • Sunglasses: wear polarized sunglasses year-round to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays

Learn More About Coolibar’s UPF 50+ Clothing

Even though there’s only a small chance that you can get a sunburn inside, that doesn’t mean you aren’t still getting sun damage. UVA rays that are most likely to get through your car windows or windows at home are linked to skin damage, aging, and even skin cancers. You may feel a sense of protection from that layer of glass in your car window, but the only way to ensure you are protected is to incorporate sunscreen and UPF clothing into your daily routine. 

Sun protection is serious business. At Coolibar, we stop at nothing to develop the most technical and elegant sun protection you wear. The world leader in UPF 50+ fabric technology. Discover more sun tips on our blog, and shop our latest UPF 50+ clothing.

Women’s UPF Clothing

Men’s UPF Clothing

Kids & Baby UPF Clothing

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Live Wisely

The Secret Advantage of Long Sleeves

On a hot, sunny day, long sleeves get a bad wrap. In fact, when it’s hot out, a wearer in long sleeves will endure laughter and ridicule on the golf course and the endless question, “Aren’t you hot in that?” Here’s the good news, if you wear UPF 50+ long sleeves when the rays are pummeling you, you no longer have to contend with those who simply don’t know the secret advantage of long sleeves.

The fact is that when the sun is shining and temperatures rise, UV protected long sleeves keep you safe from sunburn and keep you cooler. Doctors have long recommended wearing UV sun protective clothing as a way to prevent sun damage and protect against skin cancer; however what science is now proving that blocking UVA/UVB rays in combination with long sleeves actually keeps us cooler too.

A number of years ago, an inquisitive research team led by C Richard Taylor and Virginia Finch of Harvard University and Amiram Shkolnik and Arieh Borut of Tel Aviv University were puzzled by the ability of the Bedouins of the Sinai to minimize solar heat loads in a hot desert. The study, aptly called Why Do Bedouins Wear Black Robes in Hot Deserts?, measured the people’s overall heat gain and loss in the robes, considering their amount of coverage, long sleeves and the color of their robes.

A volunteer wearing different levels of coverage and different colored clothing was faced into the midday sun in the desert for 30 minutes. Withstanding 95F, the volunteer placed in the Negev desert at the bottom of the rift valley between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Eilat wore either: 1) a black Bedouin robe; 2) a similar robe that was white; 3) a tan army uniform; or 4) shorts (that is, he was semi‑nude).

The results were surprising, but not surprising. Long sleeves and more clothing kept the wearer cooler. As the report puts it: “The amount of heat gained by a Bedouin exposed to the hot desert is the same whether he wears a black or a white robe. The additional heat absorbed by the black robe was lost before it reached the skin.”

As far as desert temperatures in our everyday world, when it’s hot, our bodies sweat as a natural cooling mechanism. Let’s face it, sweat sitting on skin feels sticky and damp. Then often, the temptation is to “release” heat by removing clothes or wearing short sleeves, leading to damaging sunburn. Comfortable loose fitting UPF 50+ long sleeves in a wicking fabric transfers sweat away from skin so it can dry, and it creates a small air flow between skin and fabric to keep it cool while protecting against sunburn and UV damage.

While long sleeves can actually keep skin dry and cool, when it’s exceedingly hot, long sleeves are not a replacement for drinking liquids. Medical professionals will always recommend wearing a sun hat, UV clothing, taking frequent shade breaks, using a UV umbrella for portable shade and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids.

So, the next time friends question if you’re too hot in your long sleeves, you have your answer. Recommendations are for sleeves that are loose enough for some air flow. Long sleeve styles like UPF 50+ wraps layered over a tank top or accessories like UPF 50+ scarves channel air in, around and flow heat out, like a bellows. As for the color debate, it appears dark is not an issue as far as staying cool in the deserts. Nor, would we suppose, it be an issue around the pool or on the boat either.

Sources:

Strange, but true: science’s most improbable research, The Guardian.

The heat and the hazard: 9 facts about summer health, The Washington Post.

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Expert Rx

The Sun and Your Skin – 365

We’re excited to introduce to you our October contributor, Dr. Anita Arora Gill. After attending Texas Medical Center at the University of Texas in Houston, she founded Gill Dermatology. She has spent many hours writing manuscripts and book chapters on the diagnosis and treatment of skin disease, but now spends the majority of her time focused on patients and the treatment of their conditions. The main focus of her practice is to deliver up to date dermatology care in a highly personalized setting. Dr. Gill is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatological Society and the Texas Dermatological Society. 

The summer is not the only time you are at risk for damage from the sun. In fact, the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays are affecting your skin 365 days a year, even on cloudy (80 percent of ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds), overcast, foggy, and rainy days. With fall and winter around the corner, these seasons bring cold, biting winds, snow and ice, and dehydrating indoor heating. Also, snow and ice have surfaces that can reflect the sun’s rays onto your skin. This means that you have twice the UV exposure, both direct and indirect (reflective). All of these conditions can take a serious toll on your skin. So, don’t put away your sunscreen and sun protective clothing. It is vital part of your daily skin care regimen for all four seasons in the sun. In addition, gentle moisturizers and cleansers daily, such as Cerave and Cetaphil and avoiding long, hot baths also help promote healthy skin during the dry winter months.

The Skin Cancer Foundation advises people to enjoy the outdoors year round while still maintaining sun protection.  One way to protect yourself is with clothing, which is the single most effective form of sun protection for the body. It is an easy, effective way to block your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which account for 86 percent of melanomas and about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers. It’s the new trend in fashion, even in the fall and winter months.

However, not all clothing offers the same level of protection. A fabric’s weave, color, weight, stretch and fiber type all influence the amount of ultraviolet protection that the garment offers. Polyester, nylon, wool, silk and denim are very effective at stopping UV light, while loosely woven, bleached cotton offers the least amount.

With the cooler weather approaching, merino wool is the latest addition to be added to Coolibar’s UPF 50+ fabric roster. It is composed of merino wool and viscose from bamboo, which is soft and breathable, yet durable for year round outdoor activities.  It is UV resistant by its very nature and moisture wicking. Best of all, it is machine washable. Check out the link below to read more about the merino wool garments currently available at Coolibar, and order your very own today!

http://www.coolibar.com/category/Featured/Merino-Wool/pc/2408/2412.uts#Merino-101

-Dr. Gill

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Wellness Warriors

The Top 12 Foods to Buy Organic – Meet the Dirty Dozen

The Top 12 Foods to Buy Organic – Meet the Dirty Dozen

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of the 3,015 produce samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2013 contained pesticide residues? This is a surprising fact considering the rapid increase in consumer demand for food without agricultural chemicals.

In efforts to help educate shoppers, each year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its report on pesticides in produce along with a list of foods that we should aim to buy organic – enter the Dirty Dozen. The EWG looks into the Department of Agriculture data surrounding pesticide residue and ranks foods based on how much or little they have. The EWG estimates that people can reduce their exposure by about 80% if they switch to organic when buying these foods. Now that makes spending a few extra dollars at the grocery store a bit more compelling, doesn’t it?

This year, apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, grapes, celery, spinach, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, imported snap peas and potatoes ranked the highest for pesticide residue. The average potato had more pesticides by weight than any other produce. Between 97-98% of apples, peaches and nectarines tested positive for at least one pesticide residue, while a single grape or sweet bell pepper sample contained up 15 pesticides.

In general, it’s good to get smart on what we put in our bodies so we can be the best, most healthy version of ourselves. Organic section, here we come!

Read the EWG’s 2015 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce here.

Skip right to the Dirty Dozen list here.

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SunAWARE

5 Ways Redheads Should Protect their Skin at the Beach

This month, Coolibar guest blogger Jillian Murphy from How to be a Redhead shares her top tips on how redheads should protect themselves at the beach. For people with red hair, sun protection is even more important because their skin and hair are more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. Here’s to Coolibar’s redheaded fans! Wishing you fun in the sun this summer.

Sunblock
This is something that you have probably been reminded to do since you could walk, but it bears repeating. In my 21 years as a fair skinned redhead, I have learned just how important this is. I’ve found that putting some quality ‘redhead friendly’ UV protective sunblock on right when you get to the beach and after any swimming/physical activity is the best way to go. Although I found it annoying as a kid to keep lathering myself with lotion when I just wanted to play, I am always grateful when I wake up the next day and I’m not in a lot of pain and red as a lobster.

A Cover-Up
I usually bring two different cover-ups to the beach with me. I pack a loose, lightweight, light colored t-shirt for when I plan on playing Frisbee with friends or going for a run. I also pack a cute sundress, one that covers my back (the forgotten and hard to reach place). It’s nice to have something to throw on when you’re lying on the blanket reading a magazine and something for when you plan on being active. And, you have the option of choosing UV Protective Clothing to keep you extra protected. Check out Coolibar’s line of sun-preventative beach wear.

A Big Umbrella
Last summer, a few of my girlfriends and I went to Newport, RI for a weekend getaway. One of them brought a large umbrella and let me tell you, it was the best idea! If you’ve covered up and reapplied sunblock and you just want to lie down without being bothered, hanging out under the cool shade of an umbrella is a great, protective way to go. Coolibar offers some great UPF 50+ umbrellas!

A Hat
I like to run around on the beach and play different sports all day, so I usually bring a baseball hat with me. An alternative to that (and one that covers the back of the neck) is a floppy brimmed sun hat. The nice thing about bringing a hat is that it protects both the sensitive skin on your face and scalp, and gives your eyes a break from squinting. I also like to use a scarf or bandana as they provide protection for my hair, neck and scalp and are versatile pieces!

Sunglasses
Squinting brings me to my next tip: sunglasses! I recently invested in prescription sunglasses because I like to protect my baby blues as often as possible in the summer, but I also like to be able to see. I usually go for a pair with a fairly large lens, so that the sensitive skin around my eyes is protected from the sun, too.

Join me on How to be a Redhead’s 2015 fashion and beauty tour, Rock it like a Redhead! The national tour premiered in Austin on April 30th, but you still have time to sign up for one of the four remaining tours in Nashville (June 18th), Seattle (August 13th), Chicago (September 10th), or New York City (November 5th). The events are live, red carpet events focused on the beauty and fashion of redheaded women. The mission is to empower every redhead to feel confident, look amazing, and rock their beauty!

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Wellness Warriors

Travel Savvy Tips for Summer!

With summer around the corner, here are some tips from Coolibar and Hotels.com on how to travel smart.

Take advantage of free travel. Free loyalty programs like Hotels.com® Rewards offer complimentary travel simply for signing up. The Hotels.com program rewards members with a free* night after they stay 10.

If you’re planning a road trip, pack the car the night before. This will help to ensure you don’t forget anything the following morning. You will also be able to leave first thing in the morning to help beat traffic going out of town.

Pack appropriately for your destination. Check the weather in advance so you’re prepared, but don’t pack too heavily. If you’re unsure if you will need an item or not, leave it at home. If all else fails, you can purchase most forgotten items once you arrive. Even if the forecast is clear, it’s always a good idea to pack an umbrella or a multipurpose scarf to protect you from the rain and sun.

Ask locals for their recommendations. They are usually happy to steer you in the right direction of a great restaurant, store, or monument to visit.

Prepare for the sun. Whether you’re traveling to the beach or somewhere that may be overcast, you and your family will be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Pack plenty of sunscreen as many travel destinations increase the prices or don’t sell it at all. To reduce the hassle of applying sunscreen every two hours, cover up with sun protective clothing for any outdoor activity! Don’t forget to protect your eyes too by wearing polarized sunglasses.

Separate your sources of money and bring extra cash. It’s never wise to keep your money all in one place. You also don’t want to find yourself in an unfamiliar place with a credit or debit card that does not work, so it’s always wise to have some cash handy.

ev (2)Prepare your kids. If your kids are not accustomed to traveling, let them know how long it will take to arrive at your destination. Pack snacks and activities to keep them occupied. Be sure you have all the necessary documents for you and your family to travel, such as your passport. Don’t forget to make copies as a backup.

Have fun and make unforgettable memories! Through the month of June, Hotels.com is offering Coolibar fans 10% off using code MOBNEW10. Don’t hesitate and book your vacation today! Coolibar is also donating $1 to the ACS for every order placed at Coolibar.com, up to $25,000. You can help spread the #SkinSmart message with your friends and family, and raise money for a great cause! Please visit www.coolibar.com/skinsmart for shareable tips and information.

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SunAWARE

Summer Is Coming: Be #SkinSmart

May is the gateway to summer, and it’s also Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As you spend more time outdoors, it’s important to know how to be SkinSmart. Why you ask? Well, just like drinking lots of water, walking everyday, and eating healthy, it’s smart for you to care about and protect your skin.

You may have seen the U.S. Surgeon General issued a call to action about skin cancer as a major public health threat. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. More people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined, and 3.5 million people are diagnosed each year. That’s shocking, right? Luckily, skin cancer is also preventable. Leading medical organizations and dermatologists urge sun protective clothing as a first line of defense, and Coolibar is proud to be the first brand to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

For the month of May, we are excited to be partnering with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to spread #SkinSmart tips to prevent skin cancer, reduce premature aging, and heighten awareness of sun protective clothing as an easy option. It’s hard to believe many people still don’t know that sun protective clothing exists. Throughout the month of May, Coolibar is also donating $1 to the ACS for every order placed at Coolibar.com, up to $25,000.

You can help spread the #SkinSmart message with your friends and family, and raise money for a great cause! Please visit www.coolibar.com/skinsmart for shareable tips and information.

Here are our top tips to protect your skin and have fun in the sun:

 

  • Teach kids that being safe in the sun is as important as wearing a bike helmet! Limiting sun exposure now helps prevent skin cancer in the future.
  • Make sure to wear lightweight clothing that is tightly woven (t-shirts do NOT block UV rays!), and contains a UV protection factor of 50.
  • Keep sunscreen and a hat in your gym bag, stroller or diaper bag so it’s always accessible when needed.
  • Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes BEFORE going out in the sun, and remember to reapply to exposed areas every two hours, and more often after swimming or sweating.
  • Take regular breaks from the sun especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest, and make sure to drink lots of water. Set your phone’s alarm for reminders.
  • Wearing a wide-brim hat provides extra coverage to the neck and shoulders. Every inch of hat brim can lower your lifetime risk of skin cancer by 10%.
  • Wear a swim shirt specifically designed for water activities while at the pool or beach. These provide maximum sun protection, cover a large amount of exposed skin, and dry quickly so they are great for trips.
  • Wear sunglasses. In addition to protecting eyes from UV exposure, another cancer risk, the right sunglasses offer impact protection, and reduce reflection if you are participating in any rigorous activities.
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Wellness Warriors

How to Protect Your Skin From Premature Aging

Protecting your skin from the sun has more benefits than you may think. Not only does it help prevent skin cancer. It’s an important step to prevent premature aging and keep you looking your best.

evJulianne Moore recently announced her secret to flawless skin is sunscreen. She uses it on a daily basis, and you should too. Studies show that regular use of sunscreen protects your skin from photoaging, which results in wrinkles, brown spots, and loss of elasticity. These signs of aging can be prevented, or minimized with the use of sunscreen and sun protective clothing. Some of our favorite sunscreens include AquaSport, CoTZ Plus, Vanicream, Total Block and SolBar − all available on our website!

Sun-protective clothing is a relatively new development in the U.S., while it has been a staple in Australia for several decades. With the U.S. Surgeon General declaring skin cancer an epidemic, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sun-protective clothing as a first line of defense. It can also minimize aging in sensitive areas such as the décolletage, neck, knees and elbows. With the latest styles for beach, water and outdoor lifestyles, you can look terrific and be protected in fabrics that provide UPF 50+ protection for the life of the garment.

ev (1)Your face, neck and ears may all come to mind when you think of the importance of sun protection, but what about your hands? Unless you wear gloves everyday, your hands receive a considerable amount of sun exposure over time. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90 percent of visible skin changes are due to exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or more to protect your hands from sun damage. And don’t forget your nails! They are also susceptible to melanoma. Gloves made with sun-protective fabric are also a good choice for gardening, outdoor chores, and even driving.

ev (2)Another overlooked area is hair. The sun can damage hair, and signs that your hair may be sun damaged include dryness, split ends, loss of strength, and brittle or breakable hair. A great way to protect your hair is to wear a broad-brimmed hat or scarf made from sun-protective fabric, which will also protect your face, ears, and neck. Coolibar has many options for women, men, and children.

No matter your age, it’s always a good time to begin protecting your skin from the sun! You don’t need to invest in multiple anti-aging creams anymore. Using quality sunscreen every day, with sun protective hats and clothing will help you achieve the best possible looking skin.

Welcome back to health, happiness, and fun in the sun!

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Wellness Warriors

Seven Tips for Your Family’s Spring Break

Spring break is not just for college students. It’s a terrific time to get away with your family. Here are some key tips you should know before taking your family on a spring break trip. 

Make your trip educational. Learn about the area you and your family plan to visit. Take time to explore nearby cities, museums, parks, and libraries, which can all offer great opportunities to create a more well rounded trip for little to no cost.

UntitledPrepare to travel. If your kids are not accustomed to traveling on an airplane, or in the car for a long period of time, explain your travel plans to them in advance. Pack plenty of snacks and prepare activities to keep them occupied. You may even need distractions for both your kids and yourself! If you’re traveling by car, be sure to have a full-body inspection prior to your trip. If you’re traveling by plane, consider purchasing travel insurance.178607548

Pack appropriately. Check the weather at your destination, and pack accordingly. Even if the forecast is clear, it’s always a good idea to bring along an umbrella. You can also consult HuffPost Travel for a handy list of things that are most commonly forgotten.

Prepare for the sun. No matter where you’re going, you will need sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30. Neutrogena’s sunscreen line is one of our favorites. To reduce the hassle of reapplying and tears from your little ones, our sun protective clothing is a great option for the whole family. Also, don’t forget sun hats and UV protective eyewear!

3Stick to your healthy routine. You work hard to eat right and get in shape before you travel, don’t blow it when you go. You may allow yourself to have a cheat meal, but don’t let it snowball through the rest of the trip. You can also pack protein-filled snacks, search restaurants in advance, and eat every two to three hours. Find additional healthy-eating tips for travel here.

Protect your home. Let your neighbor know when you will be traveling, and ask them to keep an eye on your home. You can also create the illusion that someone is home by placing lights on a timer. Be sure to lock all windows and doors before your departure, and set your alarm system. Depending on how long you plan to be away, it is also a good idea to either stop your mail delivery, or have a trusted neighbor pick it up.

Don’t break the bank. Before you leave, make a grocery list for your destination. This can help you enjoy your trip, spend less money, and create memorable experiences with your family. However, remember you are on vacation! Consider splurging on at least one fancy meal one day, and some family-fun activities.

Be mindful of your social media activity. Do not post anything about your trip until you return, and establish rules for posting with the whole family. If you can’t resist sharing, turn off location tracking, and don’t use check-ins to let others know where you and your family are.

Have fun and take plenty of family photos! 

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