Recently, lawmakers in the US Virgin Islands passed a bill that prohibits the sale of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. The ban is set to go into effect in March of 2020. Although these chemicals are probably not the sole cause of reef and coral damage, the US Virgin Islands is taking steps to slow down any damage that sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate may be causing. A study done in 2015 highlighted the effects of one of these chemicals, oxybenzne, on reef health. Florida and Hawaii have already passed similar bans.
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So, how do we protect ourselves from the damaging effects of too much sunshine while doing all we can to help protect our oceans? Suggestions include increasing the use of rashguards and sun protecting hats, limiting our exposure to the sun during the times of greatest UV exposure (10am-4pm), and finding reef-safe sunscreens, such as these brands listed below. These brands are zinc oxide and titanium oxide based and deemed safer alternatives by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Badger Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
Caribbean Sol Guard Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50
Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30
There are other brands that have developed a “reef safe” sunscreen that you may run across. Be sure to read the labels, because the ingredients vary, even within a brand. AND, be sure to find a sunscreen that will not only protect our beautiful oceans, but will protect you!
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