Protect Your Child’s Skin with UV Skinz

We were first introduced to UV Skinz sun protective clothing a few years ago (by a blog review, actually!) when Tee was just a toddler. I won a swim shirt and shorts set in a giveaway, and I loved the set so much that ever since I’ve been buying the next size up each year. My youngest is currently wearing that first set handed down from her big sister.

So why are we such big fans of UV Skinz? Because it’s an easy, safe, and convenient way to protect my kids’ skin! The microfiber material blocks out 98% of all UV rays making it the equivalent of UPF 50. (UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and measures both UVA and UVB radiation blocked.) Of course I want to protect my kids from painful sunburns, but I also know how serious early sun damage can be for my children’s future health. Did you know that experiencing five or more sunburns doubles your child’s lifetime melanoma risk? That’s unacceptable to me.

UV Skinz was founded as a tribute to owner Rhonda’s first husband, Daren, and his courageous but ultimately unsuccessful battle with melanoma. I highly recommend you read this story. I’m inspired by how Rhonda has taken her family’s tragedy and transformed it into something so much bigger to help protect other families from melanoma.

UV Skinz takes this mission seriously. Not only do they specialize in UPF clothing, but every May they run the Save a Baby’s Skin Campaign where they donate thousands of baby sized My First Skinz sun shirts  to maternity wards and pediatrician offices across the US. Every order placed in May also receives one of those same sun shirts to donate, and I myself have received one in a past order. I paid it forward to a friend’s baby.

UV Skinz was kind enough to send us two outfits to protect Tee’s skin and introduce their UV protective clothing to you. First was this cute strawberry set in Tee’s favourite colour, pink. I got the Short Sleeve Sun & Swim Shirt ($25) and Boy Cut Swim & Play Shorts ($19) one size up (size 6) so the set will fit this year and probably the next too. The shorts have a lining in the front and a cinching drawstring to get a good fit.

The set also came with this Reversible Bucket Hat ($17). It’s very generously sized, and the 3″ brim provides a lot of protection for Tee’s head and face, though it has a tendency to slide off if she runs around. UV Skinz also carries sunhats that tie on for extra security.

One of my favourite things about UV Skinz’ SPF shirts and shorts is that they can be worn in and out of the water. My girls wear them to the beach and the pool, but they often wear the shirts to the park and the playground too, whenever they’re out in the sun. Since they offer full protection, I only have to apply sunblock on their exposed skin which saves me time, aggravation (“Stand still, please!”), and money.

We also received this Twirly Girl Sun Dress in pink stripe ($50). The tiny stripes print is new this year – very chic! Tee loves going out (and spinning!) in this. The light, airy material keeps her cool and protects her skin, and the stretchy material and flatlock stitching make it comfortable to wear all day.

My kids are squirmy, and I would rather invest in some UV protective clothing and minimize the amount of wiggly child I have to slather sunscreen on. Remember that sunscreen must be reapplied regularly to maintain protection, so UV Skinz just makes my life easier.

All UV Skinz sun protective clothing comes with flatlock stitching and no tags so they’re comfortable to wear all day. They’re chlorine and salt water resistant too. I love how fast the fabric dries, a must for active kids like mine who jump in and out of the pool or ocean all day. I also appreciate the quick dry aspect when I wash them at the end of the day. I hang to dry and after just a few hours they’re ready to use again the next morning.

Speaking of washing, remember that first UV Skinz outfit I won four years ago? Well, it has worn really well for an item that gets subjected to multiple washings, sand, salt water, and chlorine. The colours haven’t faded, and it hasn’t lost its shape. The only part that shows wear is on the bottom where my kids have scooted on cement at the water park. It will snag if your kids do this, similar to any swimming suit.

UV Skinz isn’t just for kids though. Anyone is vulnerable to skin damage, so UV Skinz makes SPF clothing for the whole family! Visit UV Skinz to check out their full lineup of sun protective swimwear, neoprene, coverups, dresses, resort wear, hoodies, hats, and accessories. Get free shipping on orders over $50.

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Protect Your Skin!

Remember these tips for keeping you and your family safe:

• Stay out of the sun between 10-4. Remember that shade is only partial protection, and it’s still possible to get a sunburn in the shade (e.g., under a tree).
• Wear sun protective clothing.
• Use sunscreen whenever you’re exposed to the sun. Use the recommended amount, and reapply as directed.
• Sunscreen is not recommended for children under 6 months. For babies’ delicate new skin, protective clothing and shade is the best option.

Win a $25 UV Skinz Gift Card!

UV Skinz is generously providing one of my readers a $25 gift card to use on anything, including shipping, from their website. Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents, 18+. All entries will be verified.

While you’re here, check out my other open giveaways on my Giveaway Page!

Disclosure: I received sample items for review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.