I’m gearing up for summer. Bright sunshine is a welcome relief after the cold and snowy winter. My boots are packed away and now it’s time for swimsuits and shorts.
I love being outdoors, especially at the beach. I have fond memories of going to Long Beach, N.Y. My family rented a flat there each July and August. Who knew from SPF during the 60s? My mom used to slather greasy orange Ban d’Soleil over her body and my dad’s too. Sometimes my sister N would sit with a metallic reflector near her face to catch more rays.
I have great memories of my summers at Long Beach, N.Y.
Sadly, later in life my mom ended up with melanoma and had to have surgery on her leg. That’s why I try to cover up when in the sun and wear sunscreen with SPF 50+, especially on my face. I also get regular checkups at the dermatologist.
Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing
Since I have to be extra careful when out in the sun, I was interested to learn about Coolibar sun protective clothing. Coolibar offers a wide variety of stylish activewear made with UPF 50+ fabrics that block 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB radiation.
I wear my Coolibar tops with my Zella leggings.
Being a 50+ fashionista, Coolibar sent along some complimentary samples.* I packed two of the items when I traveled to St. Thomas, V.I. last week for my niece’s wedding. I wore the cute Antigua Tunic over my bathing suit at the pool and the Basic Tank with my capris while walking around town. I plan to take the zip-up jacket with me this weekend when I go biking near my “condo on the corner” at the Jersey shore.
I wore my Coolibar tunic over my swimsuit in St. Thomas, V.I.
Skin Smart Tips For Summer
In honor of May’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Coolibar has partnered with The American Cancer Society to create a #SkinSmart campaign aimed at sharing tips on how to keep skin protected from UV exposure:
♥ Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming and lots of sweating. (Have to remind my boyfriend L and my son D about the importance of sunscreen. They aren’t as faithful about applying as I am.)
♥ T-shirts do not block UV rays! Wear clothing with a UV protection factor of 50. (You mean all those years my mom told me to “put on a t-shirt” when I was getting red at the beach — it really didn’t make a difference? Wish I could turn back the clock 50 years and reapply!)
♥ Wear a hat! For every inch of brim, you reduce your risk of skin cancer 10%. (My son D and daughter A were making fun of my white floppy hat at the pool this weekend. They said I looked like I was wearing a baby’s hat. I’ll show them, I’m going to go get a bigger brimmed hat now that I know these risk-factors.)
♥ Take regular breaks from the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Set your phone alarm to remind you. (Ooh, ooh, ooh, this is a challenge. I usually go to the beach around 2:00 p.m. so I better take lots of sun protective gear. Hope my boyfriend L – aka cabana boy L – can carry everything.)
♥ Bring your own. Sunscreen prices peak at resorts and parks, and some don’t sell sunscreen. (Here are the best sunscreens according to Consumer Reports.)
Enjoy your summer and stay #skinsmart in the sun.
Judi
*Disclosure of Material Connection: Coolibar provided me with complimentary clothing. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. My opinions on the clothing are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive sentiments toward Coolibar or their clothing.
Oh man, I can remember some wicked sunburns growing up and even into my 20’s. I even remember the last one which I got on a cool, cloudy day on a Delaware beach. I’m much more careful now.
Suzanne, I know what you mean about former sunburns. I’ve had some pretty bad ones and regret not reapplying sunscreen.
A dear college friend of mine succumbed to melanoma many years ago, leaving behind a young wife and 4 young children. My father has had countless – and I really mean countless – melanoma (not malignant, thank G-d) on his scalp. He has marks on his head from so many biopsies. I wish you were giving this line away – I love it and you look adorable in it. Hope to see you down the shore! Great post for awareness about the dangers of the sun and skin cancer.
Cathy, sorry to hear about your dad but glad nothing serious. So sad about your friend. We all have to watch out in the sun as we get older and even when we’re younger.
As much as I love the sun I do need to be more careful and your post is a good reminder. I love the look of this clothing!
Haralee, Coolibar does have nice styles and designs. They just introduced a new selection of fabrics which are black and white and also with vibrant colors.