If you have ever spent hours trying to understand all ingredients on a sunscreen label in order to decide whether the product is right for you, trust me, you are not alone. I learned how to choose a sunscreen that is both good for my skin and for the planet when I was living in South Korea a few years back. Wherever I went in South Korea, I saw Korean women with such perfect, healthy-looking skin. The secret, it turns out, is not so surprising; it’s just a diligent skin routine. Another, much less obvious element is their use of sunscreen year round. Using sunscreen during the summer is, of course, critical since sun’s UV radiation is the most active. However, continuous use during the year helps to slow down aging.
The importance of sunscreen is difficult to underestimate. It protects us from sunburns, helps to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. Despite all these wonderful benefits, a vast majority of sunscreens have one serious drawback. It’s sunscreens’ great negative environmental impact, and corals are their main victim. So while we are chilling on the beach and snorkeling over coral reefs, the marine ecosystem is suffering. Fortunately, there is are ways we can help the ocean and understanding sunscreen ingredients is key.
Buy Only Mineral Sunscreens
There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Sunscreens with a chemical formula absorb UV light and release it as heat. Mineral-based sunscreens deflect UV rays right away. These two types of sunscreens have completely different active ingredients, and the ones in chemical formulas are responsible for the death of our coral reefs. Every year between 6000 and 14,000 tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers.
Out of all active ingredients, oxybenzone is the most dangerous. Even one drop in a body of water the size of 6.5 Olympic sized swimming pools can seriously harm corals. It is especially detrimental for young corals because it simply kills them, but it also induces bleaching and damages DNA. The harmful effect of sunscreens’ chemicals was discovered in the 2016 study by Craig Downs and colleagues at the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory. In 2018, the state of Hawaii took the initiative and banned all products that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Luckily, there is a safer alternative, sunscreens with a mineral formula. They contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that have been proven to be reef-friendly. However, you should choose creams with no nanoparticles since they can’t be ingested by coral tissues. Another common concern is the white cast that many mineral sunscreens leave. I want to share with you a beauty trick that will solve this issue. Just rub a little of sunscreen between your palms for several seconds, then apply in small batches rather than in long strokes. Another great advantage of mineral sunscreens is its gentle formula, which is non-comedogenic and is the right choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Other Useful Tips
Only choose broad spectrum
It is critical that you select sunscreens that are broad-spectrum. It means that they protect from both types of UV rays. UVA rays are a common cause for skin cancer and early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Pay attention to SPF level
American Academy of dermatologists recommends using SPF 30 or higher.
With these tips, you can go forth and enjoy your time at the beach, protecting your skin, our reefs, and striving in all the little ways to help save the planet.