California Mom Turns Tragedy into Sun-Safe Clothing Line


After Rhonda Sparks lost her 32-year-old husband Darren to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, she decided to create an apparel line for men, women and children to protect delicate skin from excessive sun exposure.

UV Skinz' Men's V-NeckTop (Royal Blue)

So in 2006, Rhonda founded UV Skinz, which specializes in UPF 50+ certified sunwear that is chemical-free, breathable and stylish for the entire family.

"We want to raise awareness about the need for effective sun protection," said Sparks, the founder and CEO of the Sonora, Calif.-based company.

"While our products only require one application for all-day protection and carry a UPF rating of 50+, which blocks over 98 percent of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, most sunscreens require multiple applications for the same period of protection and do not block UVB rays."

More than 2 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. UV Skinz hopes to change those alarming statistics, stating as much as 98 percent of these cancers are preventable.

"Like many of us, (Darren) never imagined that playing in the sun as a child, without proper sun protection, would be his demise in his early years. At just 32 years of age, with our three little boys and me at his side, Darren died from melanoma, a disease that prior to his diagnosis he never knew to fear," Rhonda writes.

"After my husband's passing, it became my passion to help educate people across the world on the dangers of skin cancer and the need for effective sun protection, instead of the traditional topical sunscreens. I wanted to offer alternative, chemical-free, easy solutions.

UV Skinz' Gray Top

"I wanted to make sure that people understood how important sun protection really is. It became my life's mission to help families live sun-safe by providing high-quality, fun and affordable products. If I help just one family escape the fate that ours had, I have done my job."

The company offers a variety of products: from water shoes, shirts, hoodies, shorts, sun suits, hats and dresses for children, to shorts, short- and long-sleeved shirts, hats, dresses and other apparel for adults. Golfers will find a variety of items.

For UV Skinz' product and ordering information, visit http://www.uvskinz.com.