Before we know it summer will be upon us again, especially in my part of the world and we will all start using sunscreen again. Now is a good time to consider the impacts of our
choices in regards to these products and consider alternatives.
Sunscreen is applied liberally and often, can be inhaled via sprays and ingested when applied to lips. Another element to sunscreen is they contain chemical absorbers or
‘penetration enhancers’ which in studies have been measured in the blood, breast milk and urine. Oxybenzone is one such chemical and its ability to affect our endocrine systems with
children being particularly vulnerable.
Avoid the following chemical filters: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, octyl methoxyinnamate (Octinoxate), homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene campor (4MBC) and
benzophenone.
See more at Made safe in regards to these chemicals of concern https://www.madesafe.org/education/whats-in-that/sunscreen/.
Whilst it is very important to avoid sunscreens free of synthetic chemicals, nano- particles, nasty preservatives and UV filters it is also important to consider the environmental impacts
on our coral reefs, as highlighted in this article by https://www.snorkelsandfins.com/sunscreen-damage-coral-reefs/.
So before summer arrives do an overhaul of your sunscreens and opt for a healthier choice for yourselves and the environment. Look for safer Sunscreen Ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, those that are reef safe.
References:
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
https://silentspring.org/sites/default/files/product-test-factsheet.pdf
https://www.muktiorganics.com/blog/sunscreens-the-basics-you-should-know
https://www.madesafe.org/science/hazard-list/