SUNSCREENS: Reef Safe and what it really means.....

Although, we should be protecting our skin all year around.  In places like the midwest or East Coast where it's only warm and sunny 4 to 6 months out of the year, we tend to be outside more and have more exposure to the sun.  Because of this, it is imperative that we use sunscreen every day, all over and reapply, reapply, reapply!!!!

Yes, I know, you have ALL heard this over and over again!!!  Broken Record.....  But what you may not know is the sunscreen you are using might be harming the environment. 

As most of you now know sunscreens have always been classified into 2 categories: physical or chemical sunscreens.  Physical sunscreens protect your skin from the sun by deflecting or blocking the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays. Some chemical filters can scatter sun rays, but still mostly just absorb them.

Physical Sunscreens are simple.  Zinc or Titanium Dioxide, just 2 simple ingredients.  Some products will contain both and some will just contain 1.  These are commonly also referred to as mineral sunscreens too!  Physical sunscreens are naturally broad-spectrum, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.  Best for sensitive skin or skin more likely to get irritated. 

Chemical Sunscreens are usually a mix of a few different chemicals.  There is a handful that can be used but the most common are avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone.  These sunscreens need more than 1 active ingredient in order to make them broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB coverage).  Because of this, there are more likely to be irritations from the ingredient deck. 

Sometime around 2017/early 2018, scientists started noticing that some of the chemicals used in chemical sunscreens were harmful to the coral reefs.  These reefs are essential to marine animal lives.  Oxybenzone and octinoxate are already banned from some states for being unsafe ingredients to reefs. 

We need to always be conscious of our entire planet and everything in it!  The safety and well-being of the wildlife, plants and our environment is in our hands and we need to always work together to make sure we are making our best choices to conserve it!  My advice?   Choose a physical sunscreen.  Not only is it best for our planet, but it's the best choice for your skin as well.

Stay tuned for a list of my favorite physical sunscreens........