Best Reef Safe Sunscreen 101 – Why Mineral Protection Wins
You may or may not have seen in the news that there’s a real crisis going on in our oceans, and it’s caused by sunscreen. Chemical bleaching is rendering the world’s coral reefs uninhabitable for thousands of marine species, and it’s why many eco-conscious people are switching to the best reef-safe sunscreen products, which are mineral-based.
‘Reef safe’ is more than just a buzzword created to sell more sunscreen. It indicates that you’re getting sun protection that doesn’t come at the expense of the environment.
Why the Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Products Are Needed
So, what about the best reef safe sunscreen that is also planet-friendly? It concerns what’s packed into the formula, as mineral sunscreens use either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient instead of harmful chemicals like octinoxate.
Chemical sunscreens are a problem because they are poured into the seas in incredible quantities. An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash off swimmers and tourists into the ocean every year, and this is taking a terrible toll on animals that call coral reefs home.
Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Different
The thing about zinc oxide is that it’s a naturally occurring substance that has no impact on marine ecosystems. It’s super benign, meaning it doesn’t matter if it enters the ocean. It disperses and dissolves before it can cause any issues for animals living in or near coral reefs.
Mineral sun lotions, or physical sunscreens, are just as gentle for your skin. They tend not to contain fragrances or ingredients like parabens, making them more suitable for sensitive skin.
Benefits Beyond Saving the Earth
You don’t have to be an eco-warrior to be drawn to mineral sunscreens, as they stand up as a product purely on their benefits to the user. There’s a whole host of advantages on offer when switching from a chemical brand, which includes:
- They work immediately, so you don’t have to wait 20-30 minutes to enter the sun (as with chemical sun protection).
- This is because they don’t have to be absorbed. They work from the skin’s surface, deflecting rays away from your skin before they’ve had a chance to cause damage.
- They’re typically broad-spectrum products, meaning you get protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Go out with anything else on, and you’re only partly safe.
READ MORE
Swapping to the Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Has a Big Impact
So, let’s sum things up. It’s your prerogative to choose the sunscreen that’s right for you. However, you must have half an eye on the consequences of your purchases. As such, you don’t want your sun safety to come at the cost of innocent marine life, right?
As we’ve seen, choosing products that respect marine life contributes to preserving coral reefs for future generations. Moreover, it’s a real win-win, as eco-friendly mineral sunscreens are much better and gentler for your skin.
Swapping to mineral sunscreen might seem like a small decision to make. Still, it can have a considerable impact that results in our children’s children being able to see and experience these incredible natural habitats. Maybe it’s time to switch now—just a thought.