Research. Educate. Advocate.

To support medical RESEARCH for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. To EDUCATE patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. To act as an ADVOCATE for the melanoma community to raise the awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.

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Bottled Up

If it goes on your skin and protects you from the sun, you'll find it here!

Back to School SPF

Leisurely summer mornings have quickly faded from memory as the realities of school set-in.  Most often my mornings are a whirlwind of clothes drama, hurried breakfasts and last-minute homework assignments - life with young girls!  And while I try to make our routine as simple as possible, sunscreen and sun protection are always a priority.  My girls brush their teeth and then apply sunscreen on any and all skin that is exposed.  If they want to wear tank tops and super short shorts (and they always do!), then it means more time slathering on the SPF.  Because time is so precious - particularly in the morning - here are a few tips to get the sunscreen on and get you and your kids out the door, quickly!  

Let your kids choose their own sunscreen:  Obviously this isn't relevant for little, little ones, but once your children are in elementary school they are ready to pick their protection.  Give them a few great sunscreen options and then let them make the final call.  Just like adults, kids have a preference when it comes to texture and fragrance.  You'll have a much easier time getting them to wear a product if they've picked it themselves.

Consider using sunscreen sticks or powders:  The goal is to get your kids applying their own sunscreen as young as possible, and doing a good job at it!  You need to help them until you're confident they're thorough.  Sticks and powders are nice because they're less messy and easier for little hands to apply.  Go with a large body stick like Solar Sense Clear Zinc Body Stick or the new mineral powder, Tickle Time.  The powders are great for the scalp as well!

Find lotions that rub-in easily:  There's nothing worse that spending an extra five minutes rubbing and praying that the super thick zinc will "soak in".  I typically stick to zinc based products, but try to stay away from the ones with a toothpaste like consistency.  Try Elemental Herbs Sunscreen SPORT SPF 30 or TruKids Sunny Days.