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Monica Lee

Experts Say

Are You Still at Risk of Skin Cancer During the Winter?

With the warmer weather behind us, it must be time to put away the SPF and your favorite UPF 50+ clothing, right? Not so fast. Your skin needs protection during the entire year (yes, even during the very cold winter months) in order to prevent damage to your skin from UVA and UVB rays that can lead to skin cancer.

You might think that skin cancer will never happen to you because it only happens to people who use tanning beds or get sunburns frequently and badly. Skin cancer happens more often than you would think. All sun exposure poses a risk to your skin even during the winter months. In fact, about 86 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. In addition, the sun’s UV rays are also responsible for 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging including wrinkles, leathery skin and brown spots.

People can forget that snow plays a part in how effective UVA and UVB rays are when they hit your skin. Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s a lot! As a result, the same rays can reach the skin twice. Additionally, up to 80 percent of UV rays burn right through the clouds. Be aware that the sun can still be strong on those cloudy days when the sun reflects off the snow.

Skiers and snowboarders are at an even greater risk, as these sports take place at a higher altitude, where the thinner atmosphere absorbs less UV radiation. Sun exposure increases four to five percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. Both snow and strong wind can wear away sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness, so you have to take extra precautions.

Treat your skin like you would if you were going to the beach on a bright sunny day. Wear your UPF 50+ clothing, wear sunscreen, re-apply often and protect your eyes.

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Wear to Where

Have Coolibar, Will Trek Through Patagonia

Nearly nowhere on the planet is the earth so pristine and awe-inspiring than Patagonia. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park are the region’s top highlights, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. And most trekkers pack wisely and make a logistical plan to get the most of this remote piece of heaven. We recently caught up with a group of backpackers that brought us along on their journey and we can’t be more excited to share it with you.

This is what our backpacking friends had to tell us about their trip:

Our group of five wearing Coolibar, including little trekker 2-year-old baby Sóle, traversed the popular “W” trail of Torres Del Paine National Park over the course of 8 days. While we methodically planned and packed, what we didn’t plan for was the high winds, temperature swings – and we were there in the summer months! This was Coolibar put to the test in extremes, and we can universally say, bravo, we LOVE our Coolibar.

Juanpablo, dad to Sóle, was the master planner. Here’s what Juanpablo recommended for a pack list: 1) Light pieces to layer for cold evenings. You’ll likely wear your clothes, sleep in them and wear them again – if you’re really trekking. So bring things that breathe and insulate at the same time. We had some of Coolibar’s Merino Wool pieces. They insulate in cold, then wick and breathe in heat – made from New Zealand sheep and all the good sun protection Coolibar offers; 2) Breathable, wicking UPF 50+ sun protective clothing for high and hot points on the trip, and even just for sunny days despite temperatures. This is where Coolibar is your best friend; 3) A waterproof jacket and trekking boots; 4) The highest rated sunscreen for you and the environment. We recommend anything with Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient; it’s easy on sensitive skin, often these brands are non-toxic to people and environments and new formulas go on very smoothly; 5) Invest in the best sunglasses you can afford; eyes are needed for a lifetime. You’ll want lenses that don’t distort the color of the scenery but offer the best UV protection for your eyes from reflective surfaces like water and snow-capped mountain peaks. This is not the time to dabble in drugstore sunscreen or sunglasses; 6) A hat for blocking the sun is also a must-have. Your head will thank you; 7) Insect repellent and long sleeves to protect against these little biters called midges.

As with any mountain hiking (or skiing), be mindful the higher the altitude, the closer you are to the sun, the more UV sun exposure you receive. What’s more, snow surfaces can reflect up to 80 percent of UV radiation back at you – that’s roughly double the dose of what you’d receive in the course of an average day. By comparison, water is about 10 percent and dry beach sand is about 15 percent. All these surfaces bounce UV rays back at your face. Sunscreen and eye coverage is vital.

On the trail, temperatures vary between 5 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the course of a single day. Regardless of temp, we layered up our Coolibar. UVA rays are omnipresent, and UVB at these altitudes is much stronger. In hindsight, a gaiter would have been a great addition – both for sun protection and for shifting temperatures. We had some turtlenecks, but they are cotton and not nearly as UV protective as a Coolibar gaiter.

In addition to our camp gear and dehydrated meals in backpacks that we left at camp, we recommend a lightweight, packable daypack. These proved invaluable for water and snacks, particularly with Sóle. With all the exertion of climbing and hiking, having energy sources on hand is essential. Also, sunscreen was packed in daypacks, pockets and lip balm was on virtually 24/7.

For all our preparation, we were compensated in one-of-a-kind vistas of sweeping freshwater lakes, teal lagoons, ice floes, glimmering glaciers, lush valleys, and finally, the soaring mountain “towers” for which the park is named.

Our adventure proved how well Coolibar performs in extreme sun and heat, is a great layer in cold winds and evenings. Thank you for outfitting our trekking team. We are fans for life.

 

 

 

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Wear to Where

Try Sun Protective Clothing During Your Next Snorkeling Trip

You might not know one of the important benefits to wearing sun protective clothing while you are on your next beach vacation. Certain ingredients in sunscreens can have a harmful impact on the beautiful coral reefs that you traveled to visit. Coral reefs are beautiful to visit and are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems but it is up to us to help protect them.

Coral is a living creature related to the sea anemone and isn’t just pretty to look at when you’re snorkeling. According to the Smithsonian Institution, corals are crucial, irreplaceable homes for up to a quarter of all ocean species. The Smithsonian says they’re also valuable to people, providing food, shoreline protection, tourism jobs and even medicines, which make them worth $30 billion to more than $170 billion a year.

According to the Environmental Working Group, An estimated 25 to 60 million bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals wash off into coral reef areas each year. About 25 percent of sunscreen applied to the skin is released into the water within 20 minutes of submersion. We know how important it is to keep the sun protection on our bodies for those of us who need to keep our skin protected while in the water.

When we shower, the chemicals found in certain sunscreens wash off our skin and can pollute wastewater that ends up in the ocean as well. This is problematic because Researchers at Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Virginia and Marche Polytechnic University in Italy found that exposure to oxybenzone – a hormone disruptor and allergen in 70 percent of the non-mineral products listed in EWG’s latest Sunscreen Guide – can cause juvenile coral to be fatally trapped in their own skeletons. The Italian study also identified butylparaben, octinoxate and a chemical called 4MBC, all commonly found in sunscreen, as toxic to coral health.

A great way to minimize your impact is by wearing UPF 50+ sun protective clothing and using sunscreen on exposed areas of skin like your face, hands, and feet. Divers Alert Network, the largest scuba diving safety association, says applying lotion to only the neck, face, feet and back of hands can reduce sunscreen loads into the water by 90 percent.

If sunscreen must be used, EWG agrees with the recommendations of the Professional Association of Underwater Instructors and the National Park Service that you should use sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.Though some sunscreens say they’re “reef safe,” those claims are unregulated and can be deceptive  We have many sunscreens on our website that fit into these recommendations: http://bit.ly/2i7xA7Q

Next time you head out to go scuba diving remember to grab your Coolibar Rash Guard and Swim Tights for full coverage protection and save the sunscreen for the exposed areas of your body. Shop sun protective swimwear here: http://bit.ly/2i7MM4O

Sources:

Read more about this topic from the EWG and The Smithsonian 

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Behind The Design

Resort 2016: Inspired by Morocco

Wonder often. Wander Always.

This season, we’ve wandered to hot places where sun protection is essential and arrived at our inspiration in Morocco, a coastal country rich in intricate hand-painted tiles, vibrant markets, and brilliant coastal waters. The country’s Mediterranean climate is similar to that of southern California, with lush forests in the northern and central mountain ranges of the country, giving way to drier conditions and inland deserts further south-east. We took inspiration from all parts of the country from the palms of Casablanca to the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Sun protection is key when going on an adventure to a far away place. When you wear Coolibar, you know you are protected with UPF 50+ protection that blocks 98% of both UVA and UVB rays. This will keep the sunburn at bay wherever your skin stays covered from our soft and luscious fabric that contains tiny little sun-blocking particles.

When you are out taking in the sites, smells, and feel of the country grab a customer favorite. The famous Oceanside Tunic Dress now comes in an amazing pattern perfect for everyday elegant protection inspired by the title around the markets while wandering around Morocco. Our sun protective styles in patterns modeled after ornate hand-painted tiles in corals and pinks make you feel like you are always on vacation even if you are just exploring your hometown.

After taking in the markets, jump right into the beautiful blue waters. Our best-selling Ruche Swim Shirt with adjustable length on the side and a stand-up mandarin collar is perfect for those searching out the blue. Blue is abundant in this North African country. Local artisans look to the sea and sky for their color palette. We were particularly inspired by the diversity of each local from the spice markets to the dessert. It always came back to taking in the water that we can never get enough of in a very sunny and warm climate.

You won’t ever want to leave once you’ve explored in your new sun protective wardrobe. Take it with you wherever you wander this year!

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Behind The Design

What is Waxed Cotton?

Waxed cotton is cotton with a wax woven into or applied to the cloth. It originated in the sailing industry in England and Scotland and became widely used by many for waterproofing. Early mariners noticed that wet sails were more efficient than dry sails, but due to their weight slowed the ships down. In the 15th century, mariners applied fish oils and grease to their sails. The result was efficient sails in dry weather, lighter sails in wet weather. It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention and in this case, wax cotton has been used ever since.

We chose waxed cotton for the Merino Collection because it is great for cooler weather and is a rugged, natural fabric that will look better with some wear and tear. All our new wax cotton hats feature a 100% cotton canvas with a wax type finish. This non-greasy finish will show marks and wear as part of its authentic heritage, getting better with age.

Each hat is custom crafted with unique performance details like a packable roll-up feature, chin cord, plaid cotton lining, ear flaps, these hats exceed all rigorous testing measures for sun protection and offer a 3 inch or larger brim for coverage. Finished with a wax and oil process, our UPF 50+ wax cotton hat are impervious to rain and snow- and actually look better with wear.

Our women’s Waxed Cotton Kettle Hat is water resistant with a 4-inch brim. This sun hat is loaded with character and ready to deliver UPF 50+ sun protective style. This Wax Cotton Sun Hat is packable, weather resistant and ready accentuates your look. Stylish features like the plaid cotton lined crown and the adjustable fit will ensure this little beauty becomes one of your favorites! The best part is this sun hat will take on the most extreme abuse and look even better with wear.

Touches like a leather crown band and interior sweatband make our Men’s Waxed Cotton Fedora a must have for the season. Not just your ordinary Waxed Cotton Fedora this hat offers the best in travel-friendly features: a roll up design for easy packing, a chin cord with toggle for security, a plaid cotton lined crown and leather crown band trim for on-trend style. The best part is this wax cotton hat is made of 100% cotton and finished with a wax and oil process that makes it impervious to rain and snow.

This men’s hat features a plaid fold down ear flaps for superior coverage. The Wax Cotton Cap made in a traditional baseball style with a 4” bill and side grommets for breathability. Stylishly lined with a plaid cotton crown, this wax cotton baseball cap requires easy care spot cleaning and features comfort ready fold down ear flaps for unexpected weather and versatile style. This hat is made of 100% cotton finished with a wax and oil process that makes them impervious to rain and snow.

This wide brim, Waxed Cotton Boonie Hat delivers ultimate sun protection with a 3-inch brim that provides sun coverage, but not so cumbersome that you cannot move your head about freely. Go ahead and wad it up and jam it in your fishing vest or travel bag, we promise with a little unraveling, this wax cotton Boonie hat will march right back into wearable shape. Stylishly lined with a plaid cotton crown, and comfort features like adjustable drawcord fit, chin cord for security and comfort ready fold down ear flaps make this Boonie cap your new favorite. The best part is this hat is made of 100% cotton and finished with a wax and oil process that makes it impervious to rain and snow.

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Live Wisely

Essential Food For Healthier Skin

While sunscreen and UPF clothing top the list for protection for sun sensitivity and prevention against sun damage, adding some powerful foods to your diet can help promote healthy skin from the inside out. The avocado fruit (yes, it is a fruit!), the spice turmeric and coconut oil.

Avocados contain poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids that protect your skin. Polyunsaturated fatty acids guard against sun damage and protect against symptoms of skin sensitivity and inflammation. Monounsaturated fats keep the top layer of your skin supple and moist, so it feels soft and looks great. Avocados are somewhat magical. They contain antioxidants that promote the water content and elasticity of skin, plus decrees destruction of beneficial skin lipids. So skin is naturally more plump and elastic, a very real benefit to help promote anti-aging. They also contain a dose of Vitamin E, a natural protectant from UV rays. Whip up a batch of guacamole by adding fresh lime, cilantro, minced garlic and a dash of Himalayan salt!

A powerful antioxidant, Turmeric has natural healing properties and efficiently treats a number of skin conditions. It’s been scientifically proven to effectively treat acne, eczema, rashes, inflammation, cancer and bruising. Throw fresh turmeric into recipes, add it in the food processor with ginger, garlic, mint and fresh coconut milk for a smoothie, purée or soup base.

Thanks to Paleo lovers, many supermarkets finally stock coconut oil, appearing as a solid oil in a jar. Coconut oil is not only mild yet flavorful, it’s highly effective as a topical treatment as well as using it for cooking and eating. This medium-chain fatty acid helps repair and heal damaged skin, is easily absorbed to strengthen connective tissue, stimulates thyroid function and helps cholesterol convert into anti-aging steroids that lower risks of cancer and heart disease. It also wonderfully boosts metabolism and immunity. Use it for cooking veggies, mix it into your morning coffee instead of diary or just eat a spoonful between meals as a way to tide you over rather than unhealthy snacks. Be sure you buy organic and unrefined (no bleaching or deodorizing).

Wearing the right UPF 50+ clothing outdoors and using sunscreens are essential foundational steps to skin health, but a few dietary additions can help nourish our skin and promote health and healing from the inside out!

Sources:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/407893-are-avocados-good-for-your-skin/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/27/coconut-oil-benefits_n_1625631.html
http://www.turmericforhealth.com/

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Wear to Where

5 Resorts You Should Visit This Winter

If you’re a sun lover like us you want to go somewhere warm and inviting this winter. Don’t forget to take your UPF 50+ clothing along for the ride. Living an active, outdoor lifestyle is possible when you wear sun protective clothing from Coolibar. Take a trip to one of our favorite resorts this winter and explore somewhere new.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

A destination in itself, this impressive property is nestled within 62 oceanfront acres, offering breathtaking tropical gardens and abundant wildlife. Explore our waterfront resort by air-conditioned trams. Or take a leisurely stroll along flagstone walkways flanked by the Polynesian and Asian artwork. Located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilton Waikoloa Village features 1,240 guest rooms and suites – perfectly suited to any taste. While you’re there take in the beautiful beaches, take a helicopter tour, and take a volcano excursion. Don’t miss the sunset dining at KPC or book a visit to the Legends of Hawaii Luau. Under a magical Hawaiian night sky and swaying palms, our Big Island Luau features exotic dance, music, and entertainment for the whole family with hula & fire dancers and a lavish Hawaiian buffet.

JW Marriot Tuscon

Nestled against the saguaro-covered foothills of the Sonoran Desert, the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa sets the stage for an unforgettable family getaway. No matter what brings you to our resort in Tucson, our luxury amenities will provide you with everything you need for rejuvenation. Relax in style in our resort rooms, many of which offer sensational views of our immaculately maintained grounds, hone your skills at our golf club, or discover the essence of relaxation at our resort’s state-of-the-art spa. In addition, our family-friendly resort features sparkling pools, a waterslide and lazy river, some of Tucson’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, and 80,000 square feet of sophisticated venue space; we can add a distinctive flair to any wedding or business meeting. And thanks to our resort’s exceptional location, you’ll have no problem exploring Tucson’s top attractions, including the University of Arizona. Escape to a majestic oasis at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.

Shutters on the Beach – Santa Monica

Shutters on the Beach sits perfectly on the sand of Santa Monica Bay near the historic Santa Monica Pier and in the midst of one of Southern California’s most eclectic and desirable seaside communities. It sits only eight miles from Los Angeles International Airport. Shutters on the Beach recalls both the traditional architecture of America’s quintessential beach resorts and inviting cottages of Southern California coast.

When you are there make sure you check out their amazing restaurants on site and get a seat in The Living Room, one of the most sought-after spots in Los Angeles for a cocktail at sunset.

ONE Spa at Shutters on the Beach combines unparalleled organic and indulgent body treatments by red flower and facials by Omoroicza, at the first-ever spa by L.A. designer Michael S. Smith. The result is a tranquil and refined serenity stop for the skin and the soul.

Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman

Discover an unmatched collection of luxurious amenities at one of the Cayman Islands’ top luxury resorts. From the soft sands of Seven Mile Beach to the luxury oasis of la prairie spa, and outdoor activity offerings through Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau, our Caribbean resort’s two beautiful towers, and tropical surroundings are a delightful revelation of wonder. Enjoy resort restaurants, island water sports, golf, tennis and beautiful hotel rooms and suites located in the Ocean Tower or Resort Tower.

From the moment guests arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, they are encompassed by a sense of wonder, making every experience a treasured memory at this Grand Cayman luxury hotel. By day, it might be captured in the cool blue sea – in a gently floating water hammock or a memorable swim at Stingray City. Unforgettable evenings leave memorable imprints, too, whether from the excitement of a night snorkel experience, the delectable seafood dining experience at Blue by Eric Ripert, or a moonlit stroll on Seven Mile Beach.

Four Seasons Nevis

A tropical oasis located lifetimes away from the hustle and bustle of the Caribbean– flush with sugar-soft beaches and sweeping vistas of rainforest discover equal parts, serenity and tropical adventure around every bend.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Nevis has its very own herb garden, which pays homage to the organic bounty of Nevis that stems from the island’s fertile, volcanic soil. For centuries, Nevisians have honed the art of natural therapies by practicing plant remedies.

The garden’s plants are used in certain spa treatments and rituals, and in tea services for guests before or after their treatments. Guests can relax in the outdoor Spa gardens surrounded by aromatic plants and two hydrotherapy pools, including a volcanic stone Jacuzzi and a Japanese-inspired cold pool. A burbling fountain – fashioned out of an antique sugar copper – and native, gingerbread-trimmed massage cottages honor the island’s rich cultural history.

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Live Wisely

5 Yoga Poses That Make Us Feel Relaxed

Relaxation is important for your body and will help you feel better. Stress makes daily living hard and adding these simple yoga poses to your daily routine will help reduce those stressful feelings and replace them with relaxation. Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you feel threatened, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. Living on these emergency action hormones every day can make for some uncomfortable side effects. Breathing deeply and practicing the following five yoga poses will get you on the way to a more relaxing life.

The art of relaxation is not an easy one. Many of the poses we chose help you gradually enter a place of deep relaxation and enter a truly relaxed state.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)
The final pose of any yoga class is one of deep restoration. We chose this pose because when we do this pose it gets us ready to sleep and even if we aren’t relaxed when we start it, it helps us get closer to that feeling.

How to get started:

  •  Lie on your back with your legs and arms at your side. Rest your hand about six inches away from your body with the palms up.
  • Let your feet drop open. Close your eyes.
  • Let your breath occur naturally.
  • Allow your body to feel heavy on the ground
  • Working from the bottom of your feet to the tip top of your head, consciously release every part of your body.
  • Relax your face and let your eyes fall into the back of your head.
  •  Invite peace and silence into your mind, body, and soul.

Benefits

– Calms the brain and helps relieve stress

– Relaxes the body

– Reduces  headaches, fatigue, and insomnia

– Helps to lower blood pressure

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
This pose helps stretch the back of the legs and relieves fatigue and cramping in the legs and feet. We chose this pose because it really can help you if you have back problems from sitting or being on your feet all day.

How to get started:

  • Begin the pose by sitting with your left side against the wall
  • Gently turn your body to the left and bring your legs up onto the wall. Use your hands for balance as you shift your weight.
  • Lower you back to the floor and lie down. Rest your shoulders and head on the floor.
  • Shift your weight from side to side and scoot closer to the wall.
  • Let your arms rest open at your side, palms facing up.
  • Release and relax letting your thigh bones drop towards the back of your pelvis.

Benefits:

– Relieves tired or cramped legs and feet

– Gently stretches the back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck

– Relieves a mild backache

– Calms the mind

Supine Spinal Twist ( Jathara Parivartanasana)
This pose helps to stimulate your kidneys, abdominal organs, urinary bladder, and intestines.  We chose this pose because the twist makes us feel great after a stressful day.

How to get started:

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
  • Draw both knees to your chest and clasp your hands around them.
  • Extend your left leg along the floor, keeping your right knee drawn to your chest.
  • Extend your right arm out along the floor at shoulder height with your palm facing down.
  • Place your left hand on the outside of your knee. While exhaling drop your right knee over the left side of your body.
  • Turn your head to the right.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Benefits:

– Stretches the back muscles and spine.

– Stimulates the kidneys, abdominal organs, urinary bladders, and intestines.

– Releases stress.

– If the knee is straightened, it stretches the hamstrings and strengthens the legs.

 

Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This resting pose centers calms, and soothes the brain, making it a therapeutic posture for relieving stress. We chose this one because it gives us a feeling of being a child again.

How to get started:

  • Begin on your hands and knees
  • Spread your knees apart keeping your big toes touching.
  • Rest your buttock on your heels.
  • Sit up straight and lengthen your spine.
  • Bow forward, putting your torso between your thighs.
  • Allow your forehead to come to the floor.
  • Keep your arms long and extended, palms facing down.

Benefits:

– Gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles

– Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue

– Relieves back and neck pain, when done with head and torso, supported

Standing Forward Bend ( Uttanasana)
Dropping your head below your heart calms your brain. We chose this pose because it helps us stay calm and really gets in a good stretch.

How to get started:

  • Begin in mountain pose.
  • Exhale as you bend forward at the hips, lengthening the front of your torso.
  • Bend your elbows and hold onto each elbow with the opposite hand. Let your head hang down.
  • Press your heels into the floor as you lift your sit bones toward the ceiling.

Benefits:

– Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression

– Stimulates the liver and kidneys

– Stretches the hamstrings, calves, and hips

– Strengthens the thighs and knees

– Improves digestion

– Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause

– Reduces fatigue and anxiety

– Relieves a headache and insomnia

– Therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, infertility, osteoporosis, and sinusitis

 

At Coolibar, we love practicing yoga outdoors in our fitness items! All our clothing is rated UPF 50+ and will keep you protected from the sun while you breathe deeply and relax in any of your favorite poses. Our fitness items also contain Cooltech which keeps you cool as you sweat.

 

We love these two websites for new yoga pose ideas:

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses

https://yoga.com/poses

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Experts Say

What sort of sun protection do you need for a road trip?

Are you headed out on the wide open road? Don’t forget to protect your skin while you travel across the country. Clothing is the single most effective form of sun protection. It is our first line of defense against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53 percent of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers’ side of the body. If you’re one of the approximately 208 million licensed drivers in the US, take heed: “The increase in left-sided skin cancers may be from the UV (ultraviolet) exposure we get when driving a car,” said Susan T. Butler, MD, coauthor of the study.

Although car windshields are partially treated to filter out UVA, the side windows let in about 63 percent of the sun’s UVA radiation; rear windows are also unprotected, leaving back seat passengers exposed.

Here are our tips for having a great road trip while staying safe in the sun:

1. Protect your arms and hands

Bring the protective clothing with you on your next trip. The more skin you cover, the better. A long-sleeved shirt covers more skin than a t-shirt, especially if it has a high neckline or collar that shields the back of the neck. Likewise, long pants protect more skin than shorts. Many people forget about their arms and hands while driving in the car because they assume that the glass will keep them protected. That is not always the case. If you want to keep your arms and hands protected think about investing in sun sleeves and gloves.  Coolibar UPF 50+ gloves and sleeves will keep your arms and hands safe from the sun so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

2. Block UV rays to your eyes

Bring along the sunglasses to keep your eyes protected. You might be surprised to find out that you can get sunburns on your eyes. Plus, the eyelid region is one of the most common sites for nonmelanoma skin cancers. In fact, skin cancers of the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, account for five to 10 percent of all skin cancers. Sunglasses should block 99-100 percent of the sun’s UV rays. Check the tag on the packaging to ensure this. Sunglasses should fit comfortably over your ears and not slip down the bridge of your nose. Different types of lenses are appropriate for different activities. Polarized lenses are good for driving and water sports since they reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, increasing visibility. Experts at Coolibar has put together a selection of sunglasses that want to go with you!

3. Lots of snacks

Stock up on healthy snacks before you head out for your trip. Find a great little cooler that can carry your perishable snacks for the long haul. Pack the protein with peanut butter or turkey pita sandwiches and add in the fruit and veggies that you enjoy like grapes, berries, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. For an added surprise, wrap all the snacks and number them for each hour of the trip. That way there is something to look forward to while you are on the road.

4. Keep the kids from window sunburns

Babies and children are extra sensitive to the sun, and protecting their skin is extremely important. Luckily, with good sun habits, including proper clothing and sunscreen, children can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities and going on road trips without risking their health. All Coolibar clothing is rated UPF 50+ and the sun protection will never wash out. There are also sun blankets available that are great for draping over legs.

5. ISpy photo game

It’s not a road trip until you play games in the car. One of our favorites is the ISpy game!

Road Trip Games: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/destinations/road-trip-games-kids

It doesn’t matter if you’re headed to Grandma’s house or just to work keeping yourself protected while you are in your car is important.

You’ve arrived at yum!

Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/shade/sun-safety-cars

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/for-your-eyes/the-eyelids-highly-susceptible-to-skin-cancer

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Behind The Design

What is Merino Wool?

There are many reasons why choosing a few key pieces for your wardrobe with a merino wool blend is important. You can thank us later when they become some of your most used items for any season. Merino wool comes from the Merino breed of sheep that originated from Spain and now is domesticated in Australia. This amazing breed of sheep produces the wool that has an excellent warmth to weight ratio and has a softness that you won’t find with other wool and wool blends.

Merino sheep provide the finest fiber for the softest wool. Our Merino wool blend is sourced from sheep that grow their wool under extreme conditions, making their wool the best suited for year-round comfort. Coolibar’s technical fabric blends wool and viscose from Bamboo with a hint of Spandex for fit and washability.

Unlike other merino fabrics, the Coolibar merino wool blend is unique and perfect for those trying to stay protected from the sun. Our blend is as soft and lightweight as your favorite t-shirt, beautifully machine washable and naturally anti-bacterial to manage odor. It is also UPF 50+ rated meaning that it blocks 98% of both UVA and UVB rays. We created this blend especially for those who want to enjoy the outside comfortably.

We want to go where ever you want to go! When creating this blend because we wanted to keep it lightweight and make sure that it breathed and insulated at the same time, making our Merino Wool Collection perfect for year-round temperature changes. It also is not uncommon for a user to wear garments for multiple days in a row, this makes any of our items perfect for those who travel lightly. If you are taking a trip to Europe this winter, the natural anti-bacterial nature of merino wool will make your packing goals much easier.

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