By Rozhan Mazani
Summary
Chemicals commonly found in the oceans are one of the greatest reasons for the suffering of coral reefs. Each year, 14,000 tons of sunscreen pollute the waters, creating a disturbance for the reefs and animals that reside there. In fact, due to pollution, coastal development and warming waters, 80% of the corals in the Caribbean Sea have been lost in the last 50 years! Fortunately, some destinations, like Hawaii have taken action in response to this concern by banning harmful sunscreens. In 2021, the state officially banned sunscreens containing chemicals with the active ingredient oxybenzone and octinoxate. According to studies, these pollutants, in fact, do have a harmful impact on marine environments and ecosystems, including coral reefs.
Sunscreen… What is it?
Incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine is crucial for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
However, sunscreen alone is not proven to keep you safe. When used as directed, sunscreen is proven to decrease the risk of skin cancer and skin precancers. Furthermore, daily application of SPF 15 sunscreen lowers melanoma risk by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk by 40%. Additionally, it has also been proven to prevent premature skin aging such as wrinkles, sagging and age spots that are caused by the sun.
What is SPF?
Before you purchase sunscreen, it is crucial to understand what “sun protection factor" or SPF means. The number on the right side of SPF tells you how long the sun’s UV rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed, compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. Consequently, if you use an SPF 30 product correctly, it will take you 30 times longer to burn than if you use no sunscreen.
Sunscreen problems
When you are on the beach, with sunscreen applied ready to swim in the water, you have to be mindful of chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate that your sunscreen may contain. These nanoparticles can be absorbed by corals, leading to the disturbance of the coral’s reproduction and growth cells, conclusively leading to the coral's bleaching.
Supporting Reef Health
Despite the government's ban on chemicals, some sunscreens that do not contain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate are permitted to provide protection against burns and skin cancer.
Here are several methods you can protect yourself from the sun while simultaneously preserving the coral reefs:
Check the ingredients in your sunscreen: Usually, all sunscreens have their ingredients written on the back of the product. Avoid a product containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Opt for a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Do not use spray/powder sunscreens: A spray/powder sunscreen is not recommended due to the disadvantage of uneven coverage. These products often miss their intended target causing much of the product to end up on the sand, leading to it washing into the oceans.
SPF your outfit: Instead of just wearing sunscreen, you could easily cover your arms and legs with pants and a long-sleeved shirt that has UV protection. By modifying your clothing choices you can reduce the amount of sunscreen you need by up to 90 percent! In addition, these items will last longer than a bottle of sunscreen.
Take cover: A great way to protect yourself from the sun is to find a shady spot or buy a beach tent when you are relaxing on the beach.
References
Clark, T. (2023, March 24). Packing For Hawaii? Know The Latest On Banned Sunscreen Ingredients. Brush On Block. Retrieved August 21, 2023, from https://brushonblock.com/blogs/news/packing-for-hawaii-make-sure-you-know-the-latest-sunscreen-bans
Richard, E. G., & Kleiman, J. (n.d.). All About Sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Retrieved August 21, 2023, from https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
Zachos, E., Rosen, E., & Fleetham, D. (2019, May 22). What sunscreens are best for you—and the planet? National Geographic. Retrieved August 21, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/environment/2019/05/what-sunscreens-are-best-for-you-and-the-planet
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