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With the world being more environmentally aware, our skin care products are being reconsidered, too, particularly sunscreens. The importance of sunscreen in shielding skin against dangerous UV rays is known, but what about the problem of creating coral bleaching and ocean pollution by using many commonly used sunscreens?
To keep the reef safe, sunscreen products are now made with ingredients that not only keep your skin sun-protected but also the sea.
According to Dr Teena, a principal advocate of sustainable skincare, it is time to come to terms with the fact that we do not need to put ourselves or the planet under either category. Using reef-safe sunscreens, we will be able to do both.
What is Reef-Safe Sunscreen?
Sun protection products are reef-safe sunscreens, which are products developed to protect their users against the sun, but free of chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. Such formulas do not contain such ingredients as:
- Oxybenzone (benzophenone - 3)
- Octinoxate (ethyl Hexyl methoxycinnamate)
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- Parabens
- Triclosan
- Methylbenzylidene
- Camphor
These chemicals, even when in low doses, have the potential to affect the DNA of corals, interfere with reproduction and cause coral bleaching that has a disastrous effect on the marine equilibrium. Dr Teena notes that what we clean off our bodies does not just go into oblivion; instead, it ends up in our oceans.
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Is Reef-Safe also Skin Safe?
Reef Safe sunscreens contain mainly mineral-based UV filters such as:
- Non-nano Zinc Oxide
- Non-nano Titania Dioxide.
The physical blockers rest over the skin surface and deflect UV light rather than absorb it. The term non-nano implies that the particles are too big to be consumed by the corals or the plankton, and thus the marine life is secure.
"Mineral sunscreens are mild, effective and especially suitable for sensitive skin. There is broad-spectrum protection with no adverse effects on them," said Dr Teena.
Are the Reef-Safe Sunscreens Skin-Guardians?
"Yes, reef-friendly mineral sunblocks are good for skin as they are broad-spectrum," said Dr Teena. Reef-Safe sunscreen guards against both:
- UVA rays (which cause ageing)
- UVB rays (which cause skin burns)
“Every swim with chemical sunscreen releases toxins into the ocean,” Dr Teena warns. “Choosing mineral formulas is a small step with a massive impact," she added.
ALSO READ: The Body Parts You May Miss While Applying Sunscreen
How are Brands Putting Ocean-Friendly Beauty First?
The emergence of an increasingly informed consumer is causing brands to innovate ethically. This is the way companies are balancing skincare and sustainability:
1. Reef-Safe Formulas
The new practices to adhere to include using non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the primary agent, as a core element that can offer broad-spectrum UV protection with no reef-harming effect.
2. Non-toxic and Clean ingredients
Oxybenzone, parabens, and synthetic fragrances are being removed from formulas both to preserve skin and sea life.
According to Dr Teena, safe sunscreen must not come at the price of the destruction of oceans.
3. Biodegradable Packaging
Some brands are becoming recyclable, compostable or refillable to prevent plastic waste from getting into the water bodies.
4. Cruelty Free Ethics / Vegan Ethics
Ethical skincare has also expanded to contain plant-based, cruelty-free products, which conform to the standards of the treasured eco-conscious consumer.
5. Transparency & Certifications
When you simply swim in reef-safe, ecoCert, plastic-free certified, or coral safe, you are sure of what you are bathing in and also in the water.
Find reliable certifications. They are not merely trying to sell it but are, in fact, a planetary health promise, Dr Teena says.
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The importance of Reef-Safe, Now More Than Ever
More than 70% of our planet is covered by the ocean, which supports numerous ecosystems, of which ours is one of them. Only 25% of the marine life is supported with the help of coral reefs. Chemicals which we use prior to visiting the beach do not disappear, which influences the life underwater for decades.
The reef-safe sunscreens that we can choose assist:
- Conserve Coral Reefs.
- Wildlife conservation of the ocean.
- Minimise pollution by chemicals.
- Provide the standard of eco-friendly skincare.
Final Word: Reef & Skin Go Together
When skincare and environmental care are combined, reef-safe sunscreens are created. They are effective, non-threatening and readily available. To this thought, Dr Teena concluded with, “Using reef-safe sunscreen is not a trade-off anymore but a responsibility to protect your skin and protect the sea.”
Therefore, when you place your beach bag next time, take a sunscreen that protects against more than the sun. Select one of the causes that shows how you care about the world under the waves.