Sunscreen, your health and the environment
Confused about sunscreen ingredients and the environment? Well, it’s for good reason.
Two main ingredients in sunscreen have been identified to have a detrimental impact on the reef and contribute to coral bleaching (oxybenzone & octinoxate). Subsequently, these ingredients are banned in creams in some parts of the world, eg. Hawaii. You might notice these written as octyl or ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate in Aus products.
Other chemicals such as octocrylene, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and homosalate are known endocrine disruptors and can cause cell damage. They work by absorbing UV filters, rather than blocking them and are readily absorbed into the bloodstream.
Soooo, what to do ...........
More people are opting for sun protection with a zinc oxide base for human and environmental health. Due to their larger particle size, these creams usually leave an undesirable thick white coating - this is how they repel UV rays. However, at this stage they run first place in terms of health and the environment (in particular, a non nano zinc oxide sunscreen type).
The use of nanoparticles to reduce this coating has led to concerns about absorption through the skin and toxicity, however research shows that absorption is minimal (*from small short term trials, so the final verdict is still unknown).
The inhalation of nanoparticles is known to be hazardous to health and should be avoided. If choosing this type (or any type for that matter), buy a squeeze tube, not a spray or aerosol to reduce airborne particles.
Although nanoparticles will assist with better application, their small size is known to harm some marine species such as plankton (can’t win situation we have here really) so try and opt for non nano as mentioned above.
End note. The science of sunscreen is forever changing and research keeps throwing new curveballs. Choosing a product that promotes good compliance, coverage, safety and effectiveness is best and if you can find one that is good for you and the environment, it’s a winner.
