Fashionable Sun Protection with Sea Lily

Candyce Ross
Sun protection with Sea Lily via @agirlsgottaspa Leaving the north for a holiday in the sunny Southern Hemisphere is a tricky one. Not tricky in the sense that it's difficult to do - trust me, I could spend my days on the beach all day every day without a problem! But tricky in the sense that all you want to do is take in as many beautiful ocean views as possible while soaking up the sunshine yet, you know all the dangers of UV rays and the long term damage that each hour in the sun causes. I recently visited Mauritius and was reminded of not only the beauty of the island, but also the importance of looking after our skin in the baking hot sun. Whilst a sun-kissed look will last only a few weeks, the damage we do to our skin through sun exposure lasts years. Often sunscreen is not enough – we need a cover-up to aid in sun protection as well. The problem I find in warm climates is that the last thing you feel like doing is covering up completely - I mean, you're trying to cool down and it seems almost counterintuitive to add more layers. Am I right? Sea Lily beach sarong via @agirlsgottaspa Thankfully, the cool, light fabrics of my Sea Lily Hanna cover-up and sarong helped solve this dilemma. Made from 100% cotton, these garments are a lifesaver if you want to make the most of the sun whilst still protecting your skin. Now, if the thought of covering up in the sun leaves you with terrifying flash backs of your mom smearing sunscreen all over your face and squeezing you into some dreadful nylon ‘rashy’, then fear not. Fashion has finally caught up with sun-smart wear and the Sea Lily range is full of fantastic beach and poolside resort style garments. Wear Sea Lily Hanna cover-up in Mauritius via @agirlsgottaspa The Hanna cover-up has beautiful embroidered detail on the front and long sleeves to keep arms protected. It is the perfect ‘day to night’ piece as it can easily be teamed with some sandals and jewellery for summer evenings or thrown over a bikini during the daytime. Not only does Sea Lily have us rejoicing for allowing us to tick both the 'stay cool?' and 'stay cool?' criteria, but the brand is also dedicated to coral reef conservation. Coral reef conservation + Sea Lily via @agirlsgottaspa This is something that is very close to my heart. In 2013 I was involved in a coral reef conservation program in the beautiful, tropical Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. We built coral farms with the aim of rebuilding the coral population on the coast of Mauritius and in doing so rebuilding the homes of many a sea creature. Sea Lily donates a portion of each sale to coral reef conservation and so it seemed only natural to return to the island with garments that support the cause I was involved with years ago. Sun safety with Sea Lily via @agirlsgottaspa As we go about our busy lives we may be unaware that coral reef destruction is a serious issue. The WWF believes that two-thirds of coral reefs are under threat worldwide, with 25% of coral reefs already considered damaged or beyond repair. With coral reefs forming the home of a quarter of all marine life, coral reef destruction poses a massive threat to our oceans. Whether you are heading to the beach or preparing for a coastal getaway, why not make a special effort to look after the world whilst looking after your skin as well? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Does the Sun Really Age You? #Ad

Shannon Smyth9 comments

Disclosure: Thanks to RoC® skin care with SPF I'm getting my skin ready for the Summer as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #WomenWhoRoC skincare-with-sunscreen

Does the sun really age you? A question those without a single wrinkle or dark spot ask with skepticism. I'm pretty confident I never asked this question when I was younger simply because I wasn't invested in the long term health of my skin. I was just about the here and now, and I only really wanted sun-kissed skin. All without any sun protection at all. Even now, I still want a glowing tan. It makes me look younger, it masks my uneven skin tone, and it makes me look thinner (you just gotta love an optical illusion.) The difference between now and then? I understand that sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 (as recommended by the AAD) is an absolute must. My skin will still darken a bit, but protected. Some of the RoC® skin care products I've been using, RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer and RoC® MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Chest, Neck and Face Cream both have broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30.  This is sufficient for every day application, but if you plan to head to the beach, make sure to use it in conjunction with a sunscreen you will re-apply every two hours. sun-aging sun-safety There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. They each do something a little differently to the skin and a good reason to use a broadspectrum sunscreen, which covers both. Think UVA = aging and UVB = burning. UVA is what causes those pesky dark spots and skin cancer and UVB causes photoaging and skin cancer, as well. If you go to a tanning salon (and truth be told, I used to in my late teens/early 20's), it's UVA rays that are emitted the most (which is why you tan so fast in the booth.) Here's more info about the two: UVA: Can pass through window glass. Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather. Is present all day, at the same intensity and every day of the year. Penetrates deep into skin layers. Is 95% of the sun’s rays. Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays. Affects long-term skin damage. UVB: Cannot pass through window glass. Causes sunburn. Causes tanning. Helps the body with normal vitamin D production. Varies with the season. It is more intense in the summer than in the winter. Varies with weather conditions. Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon. Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator. Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens. Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer. skincare-sun-safety Back in the "olden days" skin care products didn't come with built-in sunscreen. I'm glad they do today to protect our skin from damage. In terms of my skin, there's not too much I can do about sun damage caused from the past, but using skin care products like RoC® with SPF 30 will help protect against future sun damage when used with other sun protection measures. How are you protecting your skin from sun damage? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen Review

AmandaOnAir2 comments
Sun Bum Continuous Spray #sunscreen #review

As you may have read, I was diagnosed with Melanoma just a couple of years ago. Life after Melanoma requires a lot more preparation when spending time out in the sun and while I was once a sporadic sunscreen user, I am now a faithful daily user.

Something I’ve learned over the past few years of trying almost every sunscreen available … they are NOT all made the same! They come in a variety of forms, apply and protect differently, and most of all feel different.

I may be jumping the gun here, but I already started online shopping for our honeymoon in October and sunscreen was top of the list.  Being prepared for nice weather and vacation means my sunscreen and sun safety product arsenal gets restocked.

As I was doing some shopping for the honeymoon, I added Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 70+ ($15) to my shopping cart. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Sun Bum and a friend of mine swears that it’s the only sunscreen she’s ever used that doesn’t feel like a thick film coating her body. I’ve been dying to try it! 

When it comes to SPF, I always reach for the higher numbers. No matter what level SPF you choose, it's important to keep in mind that you still need to reapply regularly.

The one thing that bothers me about reapplying sunscreen is that by the end of the day, I typically feel like I am coated in guck. I'm thrilled to report that using Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunsreen SPF 70+ left behind no guck, no coating, and no sticky film. AMEN!

This can is a winner and at $15, you're getting a superior product that won't break the bank. I’ve been using it daily and my first impression was a lasting one … I literally said aloud “Ahhhh, it’s light!” I absolutely LOVE how light this formula is. It’s not sticky or filmy, and it applies clear. That is one of my favorite things about it.

It applies clear and it absorbs into your skin with one stroke of your hand. Unlike many other sunscreens, it doesn’t spray on as white streaks that need to be rubbed in. Not only is that a time saver, but it looks and feels better too.

Have you ever used a sunscreen that applied white and left your skin looking milky and painted on? Those just aren't the kind of sunscreens you can wear day to day. Sun Bum is the kind of sunscreen you can (and I have been) literally wear daily, anywhere, and you don’t even realize you have it on.

With other sunscreens, I've been hesitant to wear nice clothing while wearing it because I didn’t want to ruin my clothes, this ultra waterproof and sweat proof light formula is a dream for everyday use.

It’s also a great pick if you’re active outdoors in the summer or vacationing. This is an everyday sunscreen you an apply over your regular moisturizer and not develop a thick film. It applies perfectly clear, feels light, and the scent is gentle and pleasant…kind of vacation-y.

SUN BUM sunscreen

And if my friendly nod of approval and adoration isn’t enough …  here’s a super important seal of approval. Sun Bum Sunscreen is tested, approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, you can be assured you’re getting the best in skincare.

So far, I only got my hands on Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen, (which is available in SPF 15+, 30+, 50+, and 70+) but Sun Bum products are available in a variety of forms.

Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen review. #sunprotection #sunbum

I already have my eyes on the Sun Bum Face Stick. Considering how effortless and light the spray sunscreen is, I can only imagine how perfect the face stick is going to be!

Sun Bum products are:

  • Paraben Free
  • Oil Free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Won’t Clog Pores
  • Anti Aging
  • Photostable

If you’re looking for a day to day sunscreen that easy and light, I highly recommend giving Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen a try. If you’re new to spray sunscreen – hold the can 4-6 inches away and spray! Sun Bum’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen mists on and rubs in with one swipe. It is THAT light.

Continuous spray means it’ll keep coming until you’re done spraying! This can sprays with ease and allows you to use all the sunscreen you want with one long spray!  

Speaking of using all of the sunscreen you want, did you know the average person only uses 1/4th of the amount of sunscreen they need/should? Apply liberally friends! Practice safe sun!

Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

*Disclosure


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Mott 50 Sun Protective Fashion Review

AmandaOnAir1 comment

Mott 50 Scarf

I wish I could express the intense fear I felt the day I found out I had Melanoma. That feeling along with the waiting and uncertainty alone has changed my life forever and made me wish 1,000 times that I’d done a few things differently just a couple years ago. (Starting with covering up at the beach!)

That fear is also something that I am certain would change you too. Instead od dedicating one month of the year to Skin Cancer Awareness, it's something we should be vigilant about throughout the year. 

Sun safety goes beyond just SPF, but should include UPF, too. I discovered a really cute and wearable line of sun protective clothing that I am so excited about! Had I known then what I know now, I would have taken sun safety a lot more seriously.

palo santo perfume

Life after Melanoma has been about educating myself and others, finding every way possible to protect myself from the dangers of the sun, and the hardest part … getting over my fear of spending time outdoors. (Yeah, there was actually a period of time where I was afraid to commit to attending outdoor events.)

When I first attempted to shop for sun protective clothing a few years ago, my search came up short. I couldn’t find anything a 20-something year old would want to be seen in and just because I want to protect my skin doesn’t mean I want to look drab!

The thought of spending extended periods of time outdoors first felt terrifying. I was afraid to be in the sun and felt like there was nothing I could do to cover up enough to enjoy daylight.

Thankfully, with time and information, I’ve adjusted to taking proper precautions to protect my skin from the sun and I am now beyond THRILLED to have stumbled upon Mott 50, a line of super cute sun protective clothing and accessories.

These pieces are life savers … literally. If you’ve ever tried to shop for sun protective clothing in the past you know that the selection is usually sad and frumpy. What about the fashionista that wants to cover up?  That’s what the gals who started Mott 50 were thinking when they started the line!

Sun safety isn’t just about preventing skin cancer (which by the way is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.) … it’s also about preventing premature aging like wrinkles and sun spots. Nice skin is what’s in.

Mott 50 is a new line of fashion that offers sun protective clothing, with UPF  in every garment. UPF  = ultraviolet protection factor. UPF indicates how much of the sun’s UV rays are absorbed by the fabric before it reaches your skin.

A UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th (or 1 %) of the UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) can penetrate fabric, thus indicating how effective the clothing is from blocking UV rays. Pretty cool, huh?

Dermatologists rank sun protective clothing as the #1 way to successfully block the sun’s harmful rays, proving to be even more effective than sunscreen.  Mott 50 is finally a place where fashion meets function!

The pieces are stylish, easy-to-wear, super cute and are 50 UPF. If you’re wondering what makes Mott 50’s clothing different from regular clothes and gives it a higher UPF, I did some research! 

It’s the tightness of the weave and low porosity of the fabrics Mott 50 uses in their line create a higher UPF in these garments than in typical clothing. In comparison to regular clothing … the average white t-shirt has a UPF of just 5.

Mott 50 Swim Dress

There are an array of cute and fashionable pieces available from Mott 50 with 50 UVF! I’m not a model, but I wanted you to see how fabulous these pieces are. I’m a huge fan of the Girandella Infinity Scarf ($68) because you can wear it a few different ways.

I’m wearing it in toast/white stripes. It’s made in the USA … you can throw this lightweight shawl in your tote and wear it as a scarf or a shawl as a cover up. It is so soft! (Contents: 92% Rayon Soft Spin Bamboo/8%Spandex)

If you’re a beach-goer or spend a lot of time outside in the summer, this piece is one of Mott 50’s best sellers. The Santa Cruz swim dress ($115) can be worn like a dress cover up or cinched up on the sides as a top. I’m wearing shark grey, (I like neutrals that go with a lot because I get to wear them more often) but it comes in a bunch of gorgeous colors.

Certified with 50 UPF, every lady who spends time outdoors in a bathing suit should have this piece in her closet. The fabric is breathable and dries REALLY quickly. It also has a nice amount of stretch to it.

Wearing Mott 50 allows me the ability to spend time outdoors without worrying like crazy. That is such a relief. While the harmful UV rays penetrate regular clothing, Mott 50 apparel blocks the suns rays in a fashionable way. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime?

Some cases can we dealt with at the dermatologists office, others take lives and when they do, it happens very fast. In the past 40 years, Melanoma (the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer) has risen 800% among young women age 25-29.

Mott 50 got my stamp of approval, but they got a huge nod from the Skin Cancer Foundation, earning their seal of approval! To achieve the seal, all of the fabrics had to be tested, certified and reviewed by them before gaining the seal of recommendation.

*press sample

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Suncare: UVA and UVB protection

Shannon Smyth3 comments
Protecting your skin from UV rays is a daily task. I know several people who have had a Melanoma and Melanoma Cancer. When caught early, it can be taken care of; however, I did have a favorite family member pass away when I was 6 years old from Melanoma Cancer. My aunt was only in her early 20's when she died. So this is not something that can happen at an older age--but at any time in life. What's the difference between UVA and UVB and how do they affect our skin? #suncare #skincare #skincancer #melanoma So let's talk about what we can do to protect our skin from the sun's damaging rays. First, what are UVA and UVB rays and where and how do they affect us?

How UVA Affects Us:

Can pass through window glass. Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather. Is present all day and every day of the year. Penetrates deep into skin layers. Is 5% of the sun's rays. Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays. Affects long-term skin damage.

How UVB Affects Us:

Cannot pass through window glass. Causes sunburn. Causes tanning. Helps the body with normal vitamin D production. Varies with the season. It is more intense in the summer than in the winter. Varies with weather conditions. Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon. Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator. Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens. Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer. SPF (sunscreen protection factor) is your key to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The SPF # is what predicts how long your skin can be in the sun with a low risk of burning or damaging your skin. SPF 30 is best, while the higher SPF only provide minimally more protection. While water resistant sunscreens help maintain sunscreen on your skin through perspiring and water activity, it is only for a few hours and it is best to reapply sunscreen every two hours regardless. Should you get a sunburn, you will feel the effects within 2-6 hours of the burn. In more severe cases, sun poisoning can occur. I have had sun poisioning in the past, and it is not fun! While we're discussing using sunscreen in the spring and summer months, it is incredibly important to wear it year round. UVA and UVB rays are ever-present regardless of season. The intensity may vary, but you are still at risk for sun damage to your skin. As you age, dark spots will begin to emerge showing sun damage from years ago. I can certainly see the age spots on my face, but it is even more disturbing when I have my skin looked at under UV light when getting a facial and see just how extensive the damage is. Check out our post on sunscreens that won't detroy the coral reefs which includes our favorite sun protection products. If you're not convinced you need to always wear sunscreen, check out our Q&A with a Melanoma survivor. How do you protect your skin from the sun year round? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

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