Sunscreen can cause damage to coral reef due to the chemical filter in many brands of sunscreen. These chemical filters enters the water and settle on the coral reefs. The chemicals causes the coral to turn white and disrupt there ecosystem.
To avoid this effect on the coral reefs, individuals should opt for mineral based sunscreens instead of chemical sunscreens. Mineral based sunscreens contains ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These two ingredient work by sitting on the skin and reflecting the UV rays away from the body.
Protect Coral Reefs with Mineral Sunscreen
Since mineral based sunscreen dont rely on a chemical reaction to reflect the UV rays, there are no harmful chemical released into the ocean from using this type of sunscreen. Mineral based sunscreens come in a variety of formulation for those with different need. Individuals use sunscreen sticks on the nose and ears while sunscreen powders helps individuals who need a quick touch-up in the day.
For those who are concern about the white color of zinc oxide, tinted mineral based sunscreens are available. These sunscreens will blend into your skin and avoid the detrimental chemical effect on coral reefs. To recieve a full protection from the SPF in the sunscreen bottle, individuals must apply a large amounts of sunscreen.
Many individuals does not apply enough sunscreen to there skin. For full body coverage, use a volume equivalent to a shot glass of sunscreen. Additionally, individuals should apply their sunscreen approximate fifteen minutes prior to entering the water.
Fifteen minutes will allow the mineral sunscreen to settle into the crease of your skin. Sunscreen will wear off after prolonged exposure to the water. This is due to the effect of salt water, sweat, and the use of a towel to dry individuals after exposure to the water.
No sunscreen is truly waterproofly. Therefore, individuals must reapply their sunscreen according to the time state on the sunscreen bottle. Using a towel remove sunscreen from the body.
Thus, individuals need to reapply sunscreen after using a towel to dry their bodies. Using UPF clothing can reduce the total amount of sunscreen necessary to protect the body. UPF clothing cover areas of the body like the torso and arms.
This method of sunscreen protection dont wash off into the water. By using UPF clothing, individuals can protect their skin and avoid applying sunscreen that may impact the coral reefs. When purchasing sunscreen, do not look for sunscreen product that state “reef safe” on the sunscreen bottle.
This is not a regulated term for the sunscreen products, thus many brand will apply the term to their sunscreen product even if the sunscreen is not reef safe. You need to read the ingredient list on the back of the sunscreen bottle. Avoid sunscreen products with oxybenzone and octinoxate as these chemicals is detrimental to the coral reefs.
Instead, look for certification of the sunscreen from independent lab to ensure the sunscreen is safe for the coral reefs.
