Summer is right around the corner! Some of us are preparing for some backyard fun while others are planning a trip away to spend some well-deserved time with family. Regardless of what you do, you’ll need to grab a bottle of sunscreen to protect you and your loved ones from the sun. Before you head for your go-to brand, you may want to think twice about the ingredients inside.
It’s well-known that sunscreen is a must-have step in your summer (and everyday!) skincare routine. It helps slow down the signs of aging and protects you from the damaging rays from the sun. Unfortunately, many common sunscreen ingredients have been found to be harmful to the ocean and the creatures who live in it.
For example, a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that common ingredients like oxybenzone and octocrylene were found in various species of fish. This is harmful for fish and for us as this contamination moves up the food chain. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that sunscreen chemicals can introduce defects to plant and animal life. This includes damaged immune systems, impaired growth, and coral bleaching.
To avoid ingredients like this, you’ll need to take a closer look at the ingredients in sunscreens and get savvier with the labels on the bottle. “Reef safe” and “ocean safe” labels are deceiving since these terms aren’t regulated by the FDA.
FloridaPanhandle.com put together this comprehensive reef safe sunscreen guide to give you some tips for picking out safe sunscreen and to give more background info. Take a look at the infographic below to learn more.
Graphic by FloridaPanhandle.com
