No Fun in the Sun(screen): Everything you need to know to choose the best sun protection.
No Fun in the Sun(screen)
Everything you need to know to choose the best sun protection.
When choosing a sunscreen, it's important to look for certain chemicals that are commonly used as active ingredients in sunscreens. These chemicals provide protection against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are some common chemicals found in sunscreens that you may want to be aware of:
Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter that is used to absorb UVB and UVA rays. However, it has been associated with potential hormone disruption and has been found in trace amounts in the environment, such as in coral reefs, raising concerns about its environmental impact.
Octinoxate: Octinoxate is another chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to protect against UVB rays. It has also been associated with potential hormonal disruption and has been found in the environment.
Homosalate: Homosalate is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to protect against UVB rays. It can also act as a penetration enhancer, which means it may help other chemicals in the sunscreen penetrate the skin. However, it has been found to have potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
Octocrylene: Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter that is commonly used in sunscreens to protect against UVB rays. However, it can be unstable when exposed to sunlight, leading to potential skin irritation and allergies.
Avobenzone: Avobenzone is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to protect against UVA rays. It is often used in combination with other UV filters to provide broad-spectrum protection. However, avobenzone can be unstable when exposed to sunlight, and it may degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness.
It's important to note that while these chemicals are commonly used in sunscreens and are approved for use by regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, they have raised some concerns related to their potential environmental impact and hormonal disruption. If you have specific concerns or sensitivities, you may want to consider alternative options, such as mineral sunscreens that use physical UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays. As with any personal care product, it's always a good idea to read and follow the product labels, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions, and choose a sunscreen that suits your individual needs and preferences.
Two common chemicals found in sunscreens that have been associated with potential harm to coral reefs are oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3 or BP-3) and octinoxate (also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate or EHMC). These chemicals, when present in sunscreens that are used by swimmers, divers, or others in aquatic environments, can enter the water through various means, such as washing off from the skin during water activities or being released from wastewater discharges. Once in the water, they can accumulate in coral reefs and have been found to have detrimental effects on coral and other marine organisms.
Research studies have shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause several harmful effects on coral reefs, including:
Coral bleaching: Oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to cause coral bleaching, which is the loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that provide energy to corals through photosynthesis. Coral bleaching can weaken coral colonies and make them more susceptible to diseases and other stresses, potentially leading to coral death.
Coral DNA damage: Oxybenzone has been shown to cause DNA damage in coral, which can affect their growth, reproduction, and overall health.
Hormonal disruption: Oxybenzone has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system of corals, affecting their reproductive processes and juvenile development.
Due to these potential harmful effects, some areas, such as Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean, have banned or restricted the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and/or octinoxate in an effort to protect their coral reefs. However, it's important to note that coral reefs face multiple threats, including climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing, and addressing sunscreen use alone may not be sufficient to protect coral reefs.
When choosing sunscreens, especially for use in aquatic environments, it's advisable to look for "reef-safe" or "ocean-friendly" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate or use alternative UV filters, such as physical UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are considered safer for coral reefs. Additionally, always follow proper sunscreen application and disposal practices, and avoid using sunscreens as the sole means of sun protection, but also consider other sun-protective measures like wearing protective clothing and seeking shade when possible.
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