PKSafety.com Blog

PK is excited to offer a ten percent discount on the Coretex Outdoor Skin Protection Kit between now and January 29, 2012. This is one of those things I wish I would have had on any number of my outdoor (mis)adventures when I was a kid. For instance, one summer I went on a canoeing trip on the Sugar River in Wisconsin. I managed to acquire what was known as the  “triple threat,” that is, poison ivy, oak, and sumac! I got poison oak from touching the bow of a canoe, which did not seem fair. Add to that a healthy helping of mosquito bites and I was one unhappy camper!

After looking through what this little pack has to offer, it really struck me how much better that canoe trip would have been if I had packed one of these kits. Not only are there packets of repellant for the triple threat, but also cleansing wipes for things like canoes, fishing poles, boots, or whatever else that may have touched the itch weed. And what outdoors pack would be complete without bug repellant? This packet comes with it, of course, but it also comes with anti-itch cream.  If you forget to put on the repellant, then at least you have a backup in case fate catches up with you.

Other packets include sunscreen, relief for burns and stings, and hand sanitizer. This would be a perfect gift for anyone who does anything outdoors, whether that is hardcore wilderness camping, beach cookouts, summerhouse entertaining, sailing, hiking, etc. The list could go on endlessly, because this little pack has so many possible applications. Repellants and relief creams spoil just like anything else, so if you have some of this stuff and it is more than a few months old, then it is time to clean house! It can easily be stowed in the glove box, golf bag, or tackle box. When it’s needed, this packet of protection is a sight for sore eyes. To get this offer simply enter the coupon code CORETEX10 at checkout between now and January 29, 2012 to receive your discount.

Mike Sunscreen Burn Relief, Cleansing Wipes, Coretex, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Skin Care, Skin Care Kit, Sting Relief, Sumac, Sunscreen

If you have been following the news recently, you might have noticed an increase in the number of articles about sunscreen. This increase in coverage follows the announcement by the FDA of new rules and regulations placed on sunscreen manufacturer’s labeling requirements.

For additional historical information on this topic, I have provided links to our blog and YouTube channel below in case you are interested in learning more.

Meanwhile, let’s start with some of the basics. Sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from UV rays from the sun. UV rays are a kind of radiation. There are two types: UVB and UVA. UVB rays cause sunburns and can cause cancer. UVA rays cause wrinkles and the more deadly types of skin cancer, like melanoma. Currently, the SPF rating you see on your sunscreen bottle refers ONLY to the amount of protection that you are getting from UVB rays.

A bottle marked “Broad Spectrum” implies that it protects your skin from both UVB and UVA rays. However, until the new regulations were passed only recently, the sunscreen companies could claim their product was Broad Spectrum even if it provided little or no UVA protection. This means that, currently, you might not be getting the kind of UV protection you think you are.

Once the regulations take effect in 2012, sunscreen companies will only be allowed to say “Broad Spectrum” if it provides an equal amount of protection from UVA rays and UVB rays. This means that as long as you are being protected from UVB rays, you should also have protection from UVA rays.

Another change you will be seeing with the new regulations is sunscreen manufacturers are only allowed to state that their sunscreen protects you from skin cancer and sunburns if they have an SPF of 15 or higher.

This is a great triumph for consumers who want protection from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Until the new regulation takes effect, the only option consumers had was to research each sunscreen blend/manufacturer, and try to decipher on their own  if a sunscreen would really protect them from both types of UV rays.

Thankfully, at least until the new laws take effect, we have taken the worry and stress out of choosing a sunscreen! We carefully consider all of our products before we choose to sell them, so you can rest assured that SunX sunscreen by Cortex protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

The best part is SunX rubs in completely, without leaving that sticky feeling many other brands can leave behind. It also smells great! It doesn’t have that sunscreen smell, or the heavy perfume most brands use to try to cover up the sunscreen smell. Needless to say, we think it’s the best brand out there.

SunX also comes in many easy to use and carry sizes. We sell sunscreen towelettes that you can carry in your purse, pocket, work vest or on the go. These handy packets are easy to use and keep you protected anywhere. While on the job site, consider the gallon size. You can keep it on your tailgate or next to water cooler to ensure that you and your workers are protected from the sun all year long!

Remember to use sunscreen, and cover up whenever possible. On the job site, consider adding a hard hat shade to your outfit!

Blog: Protecting Yourself from Sun Damage on the Job

Video: Sunscreen: Deos It Really Work?

Video: Sunscreen: What Are UV Rays?

Video: Sunscreen: UVA and UVB Rays

Video: Sunscreen: A Look and Feel Comparison

Administrator Sunscreen Cancer, FDA, Gallon, Skin Protection, Sun Damage, Sun Protection, Sunscreen, Towelettes, UV Rays, UVA, UVB

Since we have started to get orders for sunscreen, I thought it would be good to review some thoughts about protecting yourself from solar radiation. This has been a popular topic year after year. And since I have fair skin, it is one I take personally.

Here in sunny California it may only be February, but with our drought conditions, the risk of sunburn starts early. In the weeks ahead, days will be growing longer and work on outdoor job sites is sure to increase. So thinking about sun safety can’t begin too soon.  If you or your employees will be exposed on the job, it is essential to be educated about the impact the sun can have on you. Different methods of protection, such as sunscreen products or clothing options, can make a difference.

Beyond the heat of the sun and keeping cool in an outdoor work situation, there are harmful rays having an influence on your body. Frequent exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays causes sun damage. UV is a form of radiation emitted by the sun. UV rays fall into 2 types that you should be aware of; UVA and UVB. The role each play specifically in long term sun damage is not fully understood, but it is believed that UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are the major source of early aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays primarily affect the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburns.  We are exposed to these rays everyday, regardless of whether it is cloudy or not.  Standard window glass won’t stop them either. That is why we recommend sun protection for use on a daily basis year-round and this is doubly important for those who work outside.

As an outdoor worker, particularly in the construction or utility fields, it is easy to neglect any type of sun protection. Often their lives are at risk from falls, electrical hazards and other hazards that require their more immediate attention.  Who wants to be bothered by having to apply sunscreen; it takes time. For many of our customers, the new fast absorbing sunscreen sprays and sunscreen towelettes make application complete in just moments – just wipe it on. Very little mess and the skin feel is almost unnoticeable. Be sure to apply to areas like behind the ears, the backs of hands, the neck and other spots not being protected by clothing or sun safety accessories such as sun flaps attached to hardhats.

Please beware of the idea that a deep tan is offering you some sort of protection from the sun. If this sounds familiar, please note that the UVA rays are still penetrating your skin and causing harmful reactions. The least problem is leathery skin as you get older, caused by a breakdown in the collagen of your skin cells. More serious are the cancers that may be caused. Basic rules of sunscreen use to follow are to be sure to use a sunscreen product that protects from both UVA and UVB rays.  We recommend SPF 30.  Apply about 30 minutes before sun exposure, make sure all exposed areas are covered, and reapply approximately every 2 hours.  Where at all possible, work in the shade or during the non-peak hours of exposure from 10am – 4pm.

Although even sunscreen products will not completely block all of the sun’s harmful rays, by using it regularly in combination with sun protective clothing, outdoor workers should be able to minimize their risk of sun damage.  An assortment of sunscreen products are available; single application packets, sunscreen towelettes, pump sprays or bulk sunscreen in gallon dispensers encourage workers to protect themselves in all ways possible.  Education and awareness of the potential long term danger, beyond just the threat of uncomfortable sunburn today is also often all that is needed to encourage these protective measures.

Rick Sunscreen Coretex, Sun Burn, Sun X, Sunscreen, Sunx, Ultraviolet, UVA, UVB