Previously we learned plants make their own sunblock but what about animals? Why don't they get sunburn? Sure some have fur covering their bodies, some live underground and others are nocturnal but what about the rest? What about the alligator or turtle bathing in the sun? Is it their leathery skin? Maybe the dark complexion? Maybe they go online and buy our sunscreen? Well scientists now know. [More]

We often say that summertime equals beach, travel, sun and sunscreen. I'd like to add another word or rather words to our list of summertime fun - "amusement park"! I remember as a kid loving the summer because it also meant going on wonderful rides full thrills and screams. Recently I got to experience Disney Land with my nieces and it was awesome seeing their excitement, energy and love for the park. I kind of felt like a kid again. So as part of our outdoor life series and to celebrate amusement parks - I put together a list of the top amusement parks in the United States. [More]

Yes sunscreen shaming is actually a thing that happens today and it's unfortunate. The whole idea of shaming - be it for shape, size, color or something else - is sad. With the growth of social media it's only made shaming more prevalent. Now we can add sunscreen to the list. I didn't think it was real until I saw an entire Reddit forum around it. Additionally, Allure did a recent article on this very subject. [More]

Hope you are all enjoying the summer and getting in some fun at the beach and in the sun. Of course I also hope you are wearing sunscreen. I'm sure you are because you all are frequent readers of our suncare smarts education series! Lately a number of people have asked me how sunscreens work and specifically the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens. I'm here to answer this question for you all and add to our suncare smarts series... [More]

4th of July means summer is in full swing. What better time to head out doors and play in the sun. Just remember to put on sunscreen and with our 4th of July Sale it's easier than every. Save 15% from today through Monday (July 6th) storewide. Natural Sunscreen, Organic Revitalizing Night Cream and Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser. No promo code is needed, the 15% is already taken off. So if you need some sunblock, moisturizer or cleanser - nows the time to grab'em. [More]

This week is the 50th Anniversary of Block Island Race Week and the latest in our Discovering Block Island series. Race Week goes all the way back to 1965 and this year brings 2000 sailors and 169 boats to the weeklong race. A big boon for the little island we love, it's held biennially in odd numbered years (the next one will be 2017) making it all that much more special. The Storm Trysail Club puts on the event and raises money for charity too (over $100,000 to date for local charities). There's a ton of info over at BlockIslandRaceWeek.com. Just a great event overall. Of course, if you plan on attending make sure to bring sunscreen! [More]

There is a whole online DIY movement these days. I think in part due to the advent and popularity of great sites like Pinterest and Etsy. I'm a fan of this movement as it can create some really authentic products in our over-marketed environment. However I believe there are limits especially when it comes to sunscreen. I know you might be thinking, well that's convenient, you own a suncare company - but it's not about convenience - it's about safety and effectiveness. All sunscreens are actually a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated over the counter drug with multiple testing requirements. Additionally there are real dangers with creating your own sunblock. [More]

We all want a miracle drug that can completely reverse the signs of aging and make our skin look 10 years younger. And there are a lot of beauty and cosmetic products out there that market to that desire. But we've all heard the line that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. This week in our Ingredient Truths series I'm going to give some real talk about how these companies maybe making you over-pay for many false promises and how the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is getting involved. [More]

There are a ton of things to do on Block Island (check out our Discovering Block Island series) but the fist step is getting there. Given it's an island, at some point a plane or a ferry will be involved and there are a surprising amount of options for such a small place. I actually find getting there part of the fun. It's a quintessential New England experience without all the hubbub of Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. [More]

Yes it pained me to write that title especially as it's Skin Cancer Awareness month, skin cancer is on the rise and even more so because it has been proven that there is a direct connection between sunscreen and the prevention of skin damage and premature skin aging. But it's sadly the truth that most Americans don't wear sunscreen. There's even a discussion lately on the internet about sunscreen shaming. I was so surprised that people were actually being criticized for wearing sunscreen. [More]