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]

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]

With Memorial Day around the corner and our great sale (ok I had to plug it) the official start of summer is here. Summer means warm weather, vacation, beaches and lots of sunshine. Of course at Block Island Organics summer also means sunblock (really it's year-round for us) and playing safe and smart in the sun. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention seems to agree. They've designated Friday, May 22nd as "Don't Fry Day" to encourage sun safety awareness as we head into summer. [More]

Hugh Jackman has had a number of surgeries to remove skin cancer. Four surgeries to be exact so he's no stranger to sun damage. In fact, we've covered Hugh's outspoken thoughts on the subject previously. Well, it turns out he's not done campaigning for our favorite little protector - sunscreen! [More]

Wow, we think this is pretty cool. Miami Beach is putting in free sunblock dispensers throughout the city. 50 of the sunscreen stations will go in at public schools, parks and beach access points and the effort is sponsored by Mount Sinai Medical Center. Now, while we wish it was our sunscreen going into these dispensers, that would be huge for us, were just happy to see sun protection taken so seriously. [More]

We love the sun at Block Island Organics but we are all about playing smart and safe in the sun. The sun is powerful, protection from it is important and there are numerous studies proving that sunscreen prevents skin cancer and skin aging. In our latest suncare smarts series we discuss a new study that reveals plants make their own "sunscreen". Yes even plants need protection from the sun just like you and me. [More]

Here at Block Island Organics we are passionate about smart, fun and safe suncare. As part of that we want to spread the word on sun safety to as many people as possible. It's an important topic and recently even the acting U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Boris D. Lushniak, got behind the cause and released "The Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent Skin Cancer". The document is a comprehensive 112 pages (don't worry, at the bottom of this article we have links to a few summaries) and as the title says a call to action for increased awareness, policies and research for preventing skin cancer. [More]

Lululemon is not a company to shy away from provocative statements. Nevertheless, I was surprised when they made a pretty bold statement about sunscreen. On their shopping bags, one of their new manifestos reads "sunscreen absorbed into the skin might be worse for you than sunshine. get the right amount of sunshine". In addition to their bags, this statement is on their website manifesto page. [More]

Summer is here and the Polar Vortex is gone! It’s been so nice to have sunshine and to be able to spend some weekends out and about, enjoying the weather. Of course I make sure to wear sunscreen every day and I might even put on a higher SPF in the summertime, as I tend to spend more time out in the sun than in the winters. I’m well covered on my face and body but one part I tend to neglect at times are my eyes. Yes your eyes need protection from the sun as well. [More]

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness month we are giving away a Block Island Organics Prize Pack. Enter to win sunscreen, sunburn relief gel, a t-shirt and a towel. Good luck! [More]