It is all very well slathering on the sunscreen, intermittently, for summer outdoor activities to protect you from sun damage and reduce skin cancer, but did you know this could be the product that slows down the ageing process by 24%. However, whilst using sunscreens that may be protecting you, they may be slowly affecting the Coral Reefs and harming wildlife.

Choosing the right protection in sunscreens 

When choosing the right sunscreen to protect you and your loved ones from the sun, you need to consider ones that protect you from both UVB and UVA rays. Sunscreens that only offer UVB protection will keep you from burning, but will not protect you against skin cancer. You may think this sunscreen is preventing you from burning, you are more likely to stay in the sun for longer. However, this exposes you to UVA rays, which are ageing rays. The longer you are exposed to these, the more damaging it is to your deeper skin, thus enhancing ageing. 

Why choose reef-safe sunscreens? 

Coral reefs are diverse ecosystems that are not only linked to the survival of the planet and us, but are also home to hundreds of different species. Reefs help prevent coastal erosion, storm surge damage and help minimise climate change by regulating carbon dioxide levels in the sea. However, the reefs are in great danger of decreasing and are slowly dying – sunscreens being one of the factors why. Even spray sunscreens have a negative effect on the ocean as a large proportion of it lands on the sand, contaminating both animals and sea creatures. 

Harmful ingredients to look out for:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium 
• Any form of microplastics, such as “exfoliating beads”