May is Skin-Cancer Awareness Month!

While I haven't actually had skin cancer, I have several scars to show that I've had irregular moles removed. Perhaps you all remember the Code Blue in Dermatology drama?

Several years ago I had two moles on my leg removed. I haven't worn shorts since, because they left huge bruise-like gashes. But having those is better than being dead.

Of course I don't want my kids to get skin cancer, nor do I want them to get nasty looking scars. With that in mind, I bought them a bunch of UV Skinz (who I found out about through Cool Mom Picks.) I also bought several for myself: a black jacket that I can simply zip over any tank top, plus two long-sleeved swim-shirts (that I am going to use as wear-while-at-the-boardwalk rather than for swimming.)

When the UV Skinz arrived, an additional product was put in my bag: a Baby Skinz to donate to someone else. All UV Skinz customers completing an order in the month of May will receive a free Baby Skinz. They request that these Baby Skinz be donated to a needy cause of their customers' choosing. Customers can then share their donation location - good karma points!

They write, "Protecting our children from becoming the one in five Americans who will be diagnosed with skin cancer within their lifetimes starts from day one! Teaching safe sun habits to every child is imperative to help eradicate a disease that is almost entirely preventable. Every child deserves to live safe under the sun!" UV Skinz have a UPF rating of 50+, which blocks out over 98% of the sun's harmful rays. In addition to the free Baby Skinz, they offer free shipping on orders over $50.

Sounds great - but do the products deliver?

Well, my youngest son adores his new Skinz. He's worn them around "just because" (even to his preschool art show!) and also in the swimming pool. I've worn mine too - I wore the black jacket as I hiked around the reservoir. I wondered if I would overheat, but the material was thin and breathable, so I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I felt glad that my arms, neck, and chest were all protected. (Now I have to get a cute-looking hat...)

I'm also eyeing some UPF 50+ clothes from Athleta, but haven't yet taken the plunge (they are expensive.) The Athleta clothes are more "regular clothes" whereas the UV Skinz definitely have the "water" vibe. If I give Athleta a try, I'll report back here. But for now, I'm pretty excited about my UV Skinz - and plan to wear those shirts on what I imagine will be our many trips to Splig's Favorite Destination Ever - the beach boardwalk.
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My posts about the whole forehead mole situation:
- I am not Smurfette
- Code Blue in Dermatology
- Decisions and Delays
- Not Again
- Where Everybody Knows Your Name
- Blocking Pesky Betas
- En Route to a Harry Potter Scar
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Disclaimer: UV Skinz did not contact me in any way to promote their product. I did not receive any special treatment in exchange for mentioning them. I learned of the company on Cool Mom Picks and decided it would be a good match for our family. I then learned of their May promotion and wished to spread the word as it is generous and important!