go natural

If you thought trying to get your two-year-old daughter to get dressed was a challenge, try lotioning up the kids every day for camp! Talk about a stressful morning! JASON Naturals Sunbrellas Collection makes it easier with six all natural, non-greasy sunblocks that really feel like they're offering the maximum protection. Try Mineral Based Natural Sunblock SPF 30, Kids Natural Sunblock SPF 45, Family Natural Sunblock SPF 45, Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20, Sport Natural Sunblock SPF 45 or Lip Balm SPF 25. They go on smoothly and absorb quickly, which means you can get them dressed and off to camp in...well, let's just say quicker than with other brands that take a while to rub in. I throw the tubes in their bags so they can reapply during the day. The best part: You'll have relief knowing they're protected when you're not around. Check out www.jason-natural.com for more info.

let the sun shine

When it comes to kids and sunscreen, what's easiest and fastest triumphs. Slather it on and get them on their way--before they get too antsy and wriggle away from you. So in these challenging days when you're trying to get them off to camp on time, SuperGoop comes to the rescue with some great news delivery systems. My favorite: SPF 30 Sunscreen Swipes ($34 for a pack of 40, or $12 for eight travel packs). They contain zinc, a powerful UV protector, so they're great for sensitive skin and you can use them on their face or body. I also love the SPF 30 Everyday UV Protection Spray ($24) in a convenient pump spray that lets you get to hard to reach places like behind ears and necks. It's water-resistant and moisturizing and has Parsol 1789 which offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Go to www.supergoop.com to stock up for summer and the rest of the year.

national sun protection day: keep your kiddies undercover, with Jason Naturals

It's only May 27th...there's a whole summer of slathering up the kids right around the corner. In honor of National Sun Protection Day, Jason Naturals Sunbrellas offers plenty of options to keep your family safe in the sun. At our hosue, we already use the Jason Kids Only Shampoo and Conditioner which we love, so we're excited to spend the summer with the brand's sun-smart sunscreens. Try Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20 ($11.95), Family Natural Sunblock SPF 45 ($11.95), Kids Natural Sunblock SPF 45 ($11.95), Mineral Based Natural Sunblock SPF 30 ($14.95), Sport Natural Block SPF 45 ($11.95) and Lip Balm SPF 25 ($4.95). My kids love lotioning up themselves--hopefully I can tolerate the mess! JASON Natural Products are available at Whole Foods and other health and natural food stores in the United States and Canada, or by visiting http://www.jason-natural.com.

guy time

I bought my husband a box of goodies from the Art of Shaving. I have to give him credit here--he actually tried them! But he ended up digging out his favorite Edge shave gel afterward. Many guys, my husband included, are pretty low maintenance. Give 'em a bar of soap and a razor and they're happy. That's why products that offer necessary benefits and seem easy to use are the only ones they might give a second thought to trying. Jack Black skin care products are designed specifically for guys, fuss-free, lightweight on the skin, and dependable. Founded by Curran Dandurand and Emily Dalton who wanted to fulfill a man's skincare needs, they're high-performance products in easy to handle packages. One of the most popular products Industrial Strength Hand Healer ($15) with Vitamins A & E is rich but not greasy and helps soothe dry, chapped hands but also works well on elbows and feet. It absorbs easily and smells a bit woodsy which I think is always nice on a man. The Sun Guard Ultra-Light Spray Sunscreen SPF 25 is so lightweight you can't believe it will actually get the job done. While it also rubs right in, its scent reminds me of Lemon Pledge--which I like but my husband doesn't exactly want to wear. He actually didn't mind the Beard Lube Conditioning Shave with Jojoba and Eucalyptus ($10.50/3 oz.; $16/6 oz.; $79/6-pack of 6 oz. tubes). It's a pre-shave oil, shave cream and facial skin treatment in one and comes in a unique see-through texture so you can see where you're shaving. After a week though, he went back to his usual Edge routine. You can take the guy out of the drugstore but you can't take the drugstore out of the guy. Go to www.getjackblack.com and treat your guy to a dose of these favorites.

sunscreen: don't leave home without it

With July 4th behind us, we find ourselves in the heat of summer. The only accessory we need? A great sunscreen. Cetaphil--a name we've trusted on our kids for years--recently debuted its new UVA/UVB Defense sunscreen with SPF 50 ($13.99)--the highest SPF available for a moisturizer designed specifically for the face. Awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV facial sunscreen (thanks to micronized Titanium Dioxide) and as an effective aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin including sunburn and possibly, premature aging, it's great for you and your kids. Plus, it nourishes and hydrates skin for up to eight hours. The best part: The palm-sized tube fits neatly into your diaper bag or beach bag. Stock up at CVS.com, Drugstore.com and Walgreens.com.

expert advice: tips for a safe summer from dr. max lebow

Summer safety is a priority with a handful of kids running around. To avoid unecessary mishaps, follow these tips from Dr. Max Lebow, Medical Director of Reliant Immediate Care Medical Group, Inc., a 24-hour urgent care medical facility in the heart of Los Angeles, adjacent to LAX. 1. Bee stings and bug bites usually cause little more than discomfort and can be treated with an alcohol swab. If there is excessive swelling, abnormal breathing, tightness in the throat or chest, loss of consciousness or nausea and vomiting, seek immediate medical assistance. 2. Food poisoning is a potentially very serious problem. Remember to wash your hands before preparing food. Mayonnaise, dairy, meat and fish either cooked or uncooked should be kept out of the sun, covered against dust or bugs and kept cool. 3. Most of us are not used to being in the hot sun all day, so wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Board certified in Emergency and preventative medicine. Dr. Lebow is committed to Reliant's patients receiving prompt and affordable quality care in a family orientated environment. For more expert advice, go to www.reliantimmediatecare.com.

sunscreen: apply now

"Hold still!" "Turn around!" "Stop moving!" "Lift up your arm!" Just a few simple orders you may find yourself barking while enduring the stressful task of applying sunscreen on your child from head to toe. And, obviously, no sunscreen is going to get the job done if you can't get it on them! This summer, KINeSYS is determined to make life a bit easier. It's unique microSPRAY® mist ensures a silky, even coverage for users of all ages. This non-aerosol ultrafine mist dries quickly, and allows skin to breathe. Add to that the newly launched GIRL sunscreen spray and you've got a great sunscreen that not only protects but is easy to apply. How it works: KINeSYS products contain topical antioxidant Tocopheryl Acetate(Vitamin E) to scavenge free radicals, offer protection with photo-stable broad spectrum UVA/UVBParsol® 1789, are oil-, alcohol-, PABA and preservative-free, and are water- and sweat-resistant. Try the SPF 30 Girl Sunscreen Spray (1oz $6.99 / 4oz $18.99). Rich in Vitamin E for maximum complexion protection, it sprays on lightly and has an unbeatable vanilla and green tea scent. More sunscreen options for you and your family: FUNSCREEN Sunscreen Spray ($6.99), KIDS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray (1 oz. $6.99 / 4 oz. $18.99), KINeSYS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray (1oz $6.99 / 4oz $18.99 and comes in a light-mango scent or fragrance-free), Performance Moisturizer with SPF 15 (1 oz. $6.99 / 4oz $18.99), Sun Protection Stick ($12 for heavy duty protection in hard to reach areas), Footspray ($14 for soothing foot relief) and the Analgesic Sport Stick ($14 for penetrating warm/cool pain relief). For more info about these products, go to www.KINeSYS.com.

expert advice: from Dr. Neal Schultz of DermTV.com

You can never be too careful with your kids in the sun. Face it: Those rays are strong and kids could care less--they just want to play! New York City-based cosmetic/medical dermatologist, Dr. Neal Schultz, the Internet's first daily skincare video show host, shares his "skinsight" when it comes to keeping your kids well protected.
1. "Regardless of whether the sunscreen says 'waterproof' or 'water-resistant,' it's going to come off after 20 to 30 minutes of kids playing in the water and needs to be reapplied at least every hour (see How to Properly Apply Sunscreen, Episode #11)."
2. "Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 to 30 with 'broad spectrum protection' or with 'UVA' protection (see How to Choose the Right Sunscreen, Episode #13)."
3. "The first time to apply sunscreen is when washing your kids' faces and brushing their teeth after they wake up in the morning, instead of waiting till you go outside or get to the beach. This is to make sunscreen application part of a child's daily hygiene at an early age so it's put on every day of the year. It's best to start that habit early."
In addition, check out the booklet "Play It Safe In the Sun" by Perry Robins, MD, available from The Skin Cancer Foundation.
Go to www.DermTV.com for more great skincare advice from Dr. Schultz and answers to your most prominent skincare questions.

safe water

The next time you're chugging a bottle of Evian, think about this: 884 million people, roughly one-eighth of the world’s population, don't have access to safe water? World Water Day takes place on March 22 to raise awareness of the global water crisis, one of the largest public health issues of our time. Nature’s Gate, a company dedicated to developing personal care products based on botanical remedies, produces pure, natural organic products designed to help you and the world around you. The company's products are free of animal derived ingredients and never tested on animals. This Sunday, March 22nd, Nature's Gate partners with WaterAid America, an international non-profit that helps poor communities in Asia and Africa gain access to sustainable supplies of safe, clean water. To learn how you can help, visit www.wateraidamerica.org. In the meantime, use the coupon posted below to try some of Nature's Gate's organic products. Kids love the Kid's Block 30 Giggleberry Scent Sunscreen Lotion--so stock up while you can. Nature’s Gate products are available at Whole Foods and other health and natural food stores across the U.S. and Canada or by visiting www.natures-gate.com.

let the sun shine

Whether you're battling a cold, dry winter or a scorching hot summer, one thing you shouldn't leave the house without is sunscreen--especially for your lips. Thanks to Dr. T and the makers of SuperGoop, a natural, organic sunscreen company, it's easy to keep your skin and your lips protected from the environment. SuperGoop has no artificial colors, no unecessary chemical additives, and requires no animal testing. The formula is eco-friendly, packed with vitamins and minerals, and safe for the whole family. For those on the go (what family isn't?), stock up on the 4 Lips Pocket-Stick Set, SPF 30 Sun & Wind Protection 4 Lips ($19), a compact box packed with four individual lip protectant sticks. So everyone can grab their own and go! Kids love the wintermint and original flavors. Other SuperGoop essentials: the SPF 30 Bug-Away Spray, a deet-free two-in-one sun and bug protectant in a lightweight, lemongrass and cedar formula that offers broad spectrum sun protection, and the SuperGoop! Cabana Kit ($42),a beach tote for toddlers featuring a 5 oz. super-spray SPF 30 SuperGoop!, an SPF 30 Quick and Easy Touch-Up Stick with titanium dioxide and a lightweight 100% cotton sun hat for UV 50 sun protection in one of four breezy color combinations. You'll never be unprepared for the beach--or street--again! See www.SuperGoop.com for more info.