Summertime = Sunscreen Time

Summer is FINALLY in full swing here in Pittsburgh and it is as good a time as ever to talk about safe sun practices. Sunscreen is one of my best product friends. I’m a redhead and have the fairest of fair skin. I wear sunscreen on my face every day, year round. In the summer, I have to pay careful attention to the rest of my body since I tend to wear as little clothing as acceptable [read: I spend every spare minute soaking up the sun].

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers? Well, it is. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,000 cases of skin cancer in 2014. Unprotected/excessive exposure to UV rays (aka sunlight) is putting you at risk for skin cancer. There are a few ways you can protect yourself from UV rays and one of them is SUNSCREEN!

When the folks at BzzAgent offered me free samples of Coppertone ClearlySheer sunscreen, there was no way I was turning them down. I’m not a brand loyal sunscreen user (hello sale prices!), and I love trying new products. There are two types of ClearlySheer products: For Sunny Days and For Beach & Pool. I’ve been testing them out over the last couple of weeks and really like the products. I didn’t apply the product on my face (although you definitely can) because I am really picky about the products I use on my face.

CLEARLYSHEER FOR SUNNY DAYS (SPF 30)

• This product is a lotion and it applies really thin and doesn't leave any residue.
• It’s fast absorbing and you don’t feel sticky at all (unlike when you use certain sunscreens…I’m talking to you Banana Boat!).
• On the website, they say there is a citrusy smell to the product. I wouldn’t go that far, but it definitely has less of a sunscreen smell than other products I’ve tried.
• I wore this product on a really hot, sunny day. We spent pretty much the entire afternoon walking in the sun and I didn’t get burnt (minus my nose…I guess I should have used this on my face too!)

CLEARLYSHEER FOR BEACH & POOL (SPF 50)

• Unfortunately, I have not been to a beach or a pool yet this summer (sad face), but I did spray this sunscreen on myself and Justin when we toured Bernheim Forest over Memorial Day weekend. It was very sunny and we hadn’t planned on walking as much as we did.
• I personally prefer the lotion application, but the spray sunscreen is my best friend for sneak attacking The Boy. He NEVER remembers to put on sunscreen and his neck gets burnt ALL THE TIME. With the spray, I can coat his neck, arms, and legs in seconds. It’s perfect practice for when I have to chase my kids around…
• This product goes on quick and it works! It also applies thin and doesn’t feel sticky.
• It also has a scent that is not sunscreen like (although I wouldn’t go as far as the tropical fruit and flower scent the website describes!)

Both of these products are formulated not to clog pores or cause breakouts. They are both water resistant (up to 80 minutes) and they will both protect you from those pesky UV rays.  All very important attributes when selecting a sunscreen. I don’t know if I would have picked this product up off the shelf before, but I would definitely purchase it now. When you’re stocking up on sunscreen for the summer, you should check this product out!

Oh, and to learn more about Safe Sun Practices, check out the American Cancer Society Website.

What is your go-to brand of sunscreen?

Anybody traveling to/live near a beach this summer?

I was not compensated for this post but did receive the products (and coupons for my friends) for free. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

National Running Safety Month

Running safely is always important, but it’s especially important this time of year. Daylight savings was yesterday and for runners that means running before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down on most days.

Running in the dark is dangerous for many reasons. Drivers aren't looking for runners. Also, in the dark, it’s harder to see other dangers in the road such as potholes, branches, and slippery leaves. If you’re like me though, you have no choice but to run in the dark mornings/evenings. As your head out for your runs this fall, keep these tips in mind.

Run Safe in the Dark:

Be Visible

Wear bright colors and reflective gear. I have my eye on the entire Brooks Nightlife line, but for now, my Target Gear works just fine. I have 2 blinking lights that I clip to my tights for extra visibility.

Obey all traffic laws & run against traffic

We’re all guilty of assuming the car will stop as we cross an intersection as we dart across. Crosswalks, especially the ones regulated by stop signs, are very dangerous for runners. Try to make eye contact with the driver so that you know they see you before crossing

Carry Identification

When I lived close to my parents, I used to write their phone number on the back of my hand before I went on a long run by myself. I’m still trying to get into the habit of carrying my license with me when I run by myself. You could write your name and phone number on the tongue of your running show too.

Pay Attention

If you’re like me, it’s easy to zone out while running. Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings.  Also, leave the iPod at home when running in the dark. You need to be able to hear traffic and other people who might be out on the road.

Power in Numbers

Schedule your run with a friend. Not only is it safer to run in a group, the conversation will make the run go by faster. If you don’t have a running buddy, ask a friend to bike next to you while you run. If you do have to run solo, make sure to let someone know what time and where you are running.

You can find more nighttime running tips and information about National Running Safety Month here. 

What are your tips for running in the dark?

What is your favorite reflective gear?