Are chemical sunscreens as harmful to our bodies as they are to coral?
We’re all aware of the rule surrounding traditional chemical sunscreens: “wait 15 minutes after application to go in the water” to let the sunscreen “skink in”- but have you ever questioned what letting it “sink in” means
It means exactly that! To let the chemicals in the sunscreen penetrate deep into your skin.
A recent study funded by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that 6 chemicals commonly found in chemical sunscreens: avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate, were all found within the blood streams of participants who applied chemical sunscreens. Out of the 48 participants, 14 also developed a rash from regular use of the chemical sunscreens throughout the 21 day trial.
Two of these chemicals: oxybenzone and octinoxate are also the same chemicals that have been banned in Hawaii for contributing to the declining reef health.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens do not ‘sink in’ to your skin; instead forming a physical barrier on your skin which reflects the UV rays before they reach your skin.
To make sure you’re doing what is best for your health, and the health of our marine life, make sure to make the switch from chemical to mineral sunscreen!
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