Is Your Sunscreen Reef-Safe? Guide to Natural Ocean-Friendly Sun Care

Is Your Sunscreen Reef-Safe? A Guide to Natural Ocean-Friendly Sun Care

Jan 11, 2019 | Seasons

Sunscreen dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians! Although they did not understand the science behind UV rays and sun damage, people knew about tanning and sunburns. Egyptians used a concoction of rice bran, jasmine and lupine. The Greeks used olive oil for sun protection, and Native Americans used a type of pine needle to soothe sunburns. Sunscreen looks very different these days, and unfortunatly the sunscreen we are accustom to comes with unsettling dangers.

You might already know that Hawaii has signed a bill that prohibits the sale of over-the-counter sunscreens containing chemicals that are contributing to the destruction of the state’s coral reefs and other ocean life. This will go into effect on Jan 1, 2021. This is big because researchers estimate about 14,000 tons of sunscreen lotions end up in coral reefs around the world each year. Reef-damaging substances such as oxybenzone, butylparaben, octinoxate and 4-methylbenzylidine camphor have been shown to cause coral bleaching (a process that causes coral to turn white and kill it) even at low levels.

INGREDIENTS TO WATCH FOR

• Oxybenzone also known as methanone, 2-hydroxy 4 methodoxydenzophenone and benzophenone-3, could disrupt the human endocrine system and pose cardiovascular challenges.

• Octinoxate can be absorbed rapidly through skin. It is a known endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can disrupt thyroid function.

• Retinyl Palmitate research indicates when incorporated into sunscreen and exposed to sun the ingredient elevates one’s risk to skin cancer.

• Benzophenone-3 (B-3) a preservative and UV ray deactivator can potentially trigger DNA damage. Just two days after application on the skin it is detectable in urine.

• Amino Benzoic Acid also called para-aminobenzoic acid, PABA, Vitamin Bx, or padimate O has been found to amplify cellular damage.

REEF-SAFE INGREDIENTS

• Zinc Oxide provides the greatest protection against UVA rays. It is a powered mineral that sits on top of the skin. It can stand alone as a sunblock because it is truly effective against UVA, UVB and even UVC rays.

• Titanium Dioxide is an inert mineral found in the earth that is valued in cosmetics for its opacifying and UV protection properties. Though it is naturally ocurring, it undergoes synthetic processing to remove impurities or contaminants, such as heavy metals found in the earth. Titanium dioxide is used in cream formulas only, as it can be carcinogenic when inhaled in powdered form. Please note, Titanium Dioxide does not protect from UVB rays in the same way zinc does.

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Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Yerba Mate Mist

100% Pure | SPF 30 | ⓥ

Tea leaf contains antioxidants that help to protect against free radicals and environmental pollutants. Water-resistant 80 min.

FIND IT HERE

Sun Paste

Manda | SPF 50

Specially designed for surfers, climbers, hikers, athletes, adventurers, or anyone who loves to be outside or in the water. Unique packaging made from bamboo and the tin is recyclable or can be reused to store any favorite small goodies.

Find it Here

Face + Body Sunscreen

Raw Elements | SPF 30 | ⓥ

Extremely versatile, large coverage area sunscreen safe for the face and body, gentle enough for children. Soy, gluten and nut free.

Find it Here

Clean Freak Daily Sunscreen

Solara Suncare | SPF 30 | ⓥ

This is mineral-based with a blend of 10 antioxidant-rich botanical actives. The formula rubs in clear and absorbs quickly.

Find it Here

Sun Lip Balm

Hurraw! Balm | SPF 15 | ⓥ

Hurraw! balms are organic, certified vegan, cruelty, palm, and gluten free. The sun balm is SPF 15.

Find it Here

After Sun Care

THE TRUTH ABOUT ALOE VERA GEL

Look at the ingredient list in most commercial aloe vera gels, and you’ll find things like drying alcohols, numbing drugs like lidocaine, and synthetic preservatives. You’ll also find many gels are green which means there is a colorant in the ingredients. Pure aloe gel is clear as it is mainly composed of water which does not have any color. Conventional aloe vera gels usually only contain 0.1% or less of actual aloe extract. The rest is made of water, preservatives, and gelling agents.

After Sun Mist

Herbivore Botanicals ⓥ

Soothe away burns with aloe, cooling mint, & therapeutic lavender. Certified cruelty-free by PETA & Leaping Bunny.

Find it Here

More On Sun Care…

UVA / UVB RAYS

The sun radiates light to the earth, and some of that light consists of invisible UV rays. Two dangerous types of UV rays are:

• UVA RAYS have more long-term damaging effects on the skin causing skin aging and wrinkling, and they can contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. UVA rays make up the majority of our skin exposure because they easily pass through the ozone layer.
• UVB RAYS cause sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and effects on the immune system. They also contribute to skin cancer, and melanoma is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns before age 20.

WHAT DOES BROAD SPECTRUM MEAN?

Broad spectrum sunscreen means that it protects against BOTH UVB and UVA radiation, which is exactly what you need in a sunscreen.

PROPER SUNSCREEN APPLICATION

Like stated above, it’s recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours. It is also important to choose a water resistant sunscreen to make sure you are covered when it comes to sweating and swimming if needed. Apply sunscreen in an even coat and don’t forget common missed areas including the ears, top of the feet, and back of the neck.

VITAMIN D INTAKE

We do need some sun exposure. When we are exposed our bodies make vitamin D which helps us absorb calcium for stronger bones. It only takes a short time to get our daily vitamin D intake (and most vitamin D needs should be met with a healthy diet and/or supplements). Experts say, 10 minutes midday for those with fair skin is all that’s needed. If you’re already tan or of Hispanic origin, you need maybe 15 to 20 minutes. Darker/black skin may require six times the sun exposure to make the same vitamin D levels as a very fair-skinned person. After that, it’s time to get your sunscreen out if you plan on staying outdoors.

SPFs ABOVE 50

Experts say sunscreens with an SPF above 50 aren’t worth buying. They only offer marginally better protection. They also might encourage people to stay out in the sun longer because they believe they’re getting extra protection. Stick with SPFs between 15-50.

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