FitSugar

Watch Out For: Sun Poisoning

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:00:00 PDT

So you've been out in the sun and you wore sunscreen, but unfortunately you forgot to reapply. You ended up with a nasty burn on your face and as you take a closer look, parts of your cheek appear kind of blistery and yellowish in color. What you've got is a case of sun poisoning (also called Photodermatitis, for those who want to impress their friends). Not only does it cause this painful rash, but symptoms also include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, chills, and headaches. The area may swell and will probably feel like it's on fire.

Sun poisoning is your skin's reaction to UV rays. It's possible to become more sensitive than normal if you use certain meds such as antibiotics, beauty products that are used for acne, or sunscreens that contain PABA. Just like an irritating sunburn, the rash usually results in itchy, peeling skin, but eventually goes away on its own within 10 days. That's good to hear, but there's bad news too. To hear it

The more extreme exposure your skin gets to UV rays, the bigger your risk for skin cancer. So you want to prevent sunburns and sun poisoning at all costs. Make sure to avoid long hours of sunlight, especially during 10 am and 3 pm. Of course, slather yourself with broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher. It must be applied 30 minutes before you head out in the sun, and must be reapplied every two hours.

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Avoid the 5 Worst Spring Break Beauty Blunders

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:00:06 PDT

The season for weeklong beach vacations, overseas plane rides, and cross-country treks is here. Celebrating Spring break can take a toll on your skin and hair, whether you are laying out in your backyard or partying in Bora Bora. So, beware of these basic beauty mistakes that can ruin your vacation. To get tips to sidestep these classic beach slipups read more.

Skin Saving Protection From Summer's Harsh Rays

LilSugar — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 04:45:40 PDT

Take cover! A significant percentage of our exposure to sun occurs by age 18, and with Summer in full swing, beaches, pools, and other outdoor activities rule the day. While avoiding the sun completely just isn't an option for most families, Mr. Golden Sun's dangerous UV rays can be avoided with the right accessories. Infants' thin skin and underdeveloped melanin can cause their skin to burn faster than older kids. To celebrate UV Safety Awareness Month, we're looking beyond sunscreen and the rash guard for the best products to protect even the littlest tots' precious skin now, and throughout the year.

Clockwise from top left: Speedo Hydrospex Kids Goggle ($10), Coolibar UPF 50+ Infant Chlorine Resistant Bucket Sun Hat ($19), i play Long Sleeve Rashguards ($12), Julbo Infant Looping Sunglasses, 0-18 months ($30),
Breakers UV Sun Protective Two Piece Swimsuit for Infant/Toddler Boys (UPF 50+) ($40), Coolibar UPF 50+ Child Swim Sun Sleeve ($40).

Spring Danger: First Exposure to Sun

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:30:01 PDT

I'm definitely feeling Spring fever now that the snow around me is melting and the temperatures are reaching in the 50s. It's inspiring me to exercise outdoors and take walks on my lunch break. If Spring is calling you outside as well, I need to act like a mom here for a sec and tell you to be careful of the sun's rays. In the Winter months, most of us have our skin covered by coats and mittens, and our face is probably the only thing exposed. Hopefully, you've already been wearing a daily moisturizer that contains SPF protection, but when you step out into the Spring sunshine for the first time in less clothing, your skin isn't used to the sun's strong rays. That can spell danger for anyone, especially those with pale or sensitive skin. Sunburn isn't the only thing you need to worry about, so keep reading

Save Our Skin: Adorable Rash Guards For Sunseeking Tots

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:32:32 PDT

Summer seems like the perfect season for stripping down to the bare minimum, but for lil ones headed out in the sun, it's time to cover up. Rash guards do a whole lot more than simply keeping sand from rubbing against wet skin. Today's garments provide UPF protection as well, helping lil ones keep the sun's harmful rays at bay. Check out my picks for beach and pool wear that won't have tots ripping the shirts off.

Clockwise from top left: Patagonia Baby Long-Sleeve Sun-Lite Top ($29), Lands End, Short Sleeve Graphic Orange Rash Guard Shirt ($20), Cabana Life Hamptons Swim Set ($45), UVSkinz Casey Swim Shirt ($25), REI Long-Sleeve Rashguard ($25), Janie and Jack Watercolor Dot Rash Guard Set ($22), Cabana Life Rash Guard 3-Piece Set ($50).

10 Beach Bag Essentials For Baby

Rebecca M Gruber — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 04:10:30 PDT

A day at the beach sounds like the perfect way to spend a Summer day – that is until mama thinks about everything her lil one needs to make it through the day. Just the thought of pulling it all together is enough to make some moms abandon the sun and surf until their tots become teens. Before jumping ship, take respite in knowing that we've thought it through for you. You remember the umbrella and towels, and we've put the rest of your list together!

Sunscreen

This year's list of the safest sunscreens is packed with brands that can be purchased at your local drugstore. Given the FDA's new regulations of sunscreens that go into effect next year, beware of lotions containing the word "waterproof" and don't be swayed into buying a tube that boasts an SPF over 50. According to the FDA, neither is actually true. Most importantly apply the sunscreen to your tot before you leave the house, and reapply often throughout the day.

Shoes

Sand gets hot after baking in the sun all day. Protect lil toes from scorching sand with a pair of waterproof beach or sand shoes that keep feet safe and covered throughout the day.

Toys

A bucket and shovels are a great start to a day at the beach, but there's so much more that can be played with in the sand. From plastic cars and trucks to make-believe cupcake kits, sand toys have come a long way. While you're at it, don't forget to add a beach ball to your bag – they collapse easily and can provide hours of fun while playing in the sun.

Keep reading to see the rest of your beach bag essentials.

Matt Damon Hits the Hawaii Beach For Snorkeling and Bikini Time With His Girls!

PopSugar — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:00:00 PDT

Matt Damon and Luciana hit the beach for another afternoon in the Hawaii sun yesterday. He's been working on his surfing skills during the family vacation and kept his upper body covered in his rash guard for snorkeling with Isabella. He held onto his daughter's hand as they navigated any slippery rocks on the way back to join mom. A very pregnant Luciana stuck on the sand in her maternity bikini, which she also sported for a waterfall swimming adventure last week. So far the Damons haven't been joined by their friends the Afflecks, though now that Matt's movie The Adjustment Bureau has been pushed back, perhaps they'll extend their getaway even longer.

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Sun Poisoning: Even Worse Than Sunburn

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:03:11 PDT

Whether you skipped the sunscreen because you wanted a tan, or you actually wore it but forgot to reapply, now you're left with an awful sunburn. As you take a closer look, you notice parts of your skin appear blistery, and slightly yellowish in color. That's not just a sunburn, it's sun poisoning, and it's even more damaging to your skin. Not only does it cause a painful rash, but symptoms also include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, chills, and headaches. The area may swell and the blisters can open and lead to infection.

Sun poisoning is your skin's reaction to UV rays, and just like an irritating sunburn, the rash usually results in itchy, peeling skin, but eventually goes away on its own within 10 days. That's good to hear, but there's bad news too. To hear it,

The more extreme UV exposure your skin gets, the more your skin is damaged, and the bigger your risk is for developing skin cancer. So you want to prevent sunburns and sun poisoning at all costs. Make sure to avoid long hours in sunlight, especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Always slather yourself with broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher whenever outside. It must be applied 30 minutes before you head out, and reapplied every two hours. If you're especially sensitive to sun, wear a hat and lightweight clothes to cover your skin, or just enjoy the shade under an umbrella.

Tell me, have you ever suffered from sun poisoning?

Photo by Kelly Sue