It’s almost Summertime! Time to spend more time exploring outside in the sun and relaxing in the water. That also means there is an essential thing you should wear when you are outside, and that is sunscreen. But what sunscreen is best for the activities you are doing, and what sunscreen is actually “Reef Safe”. In recent years, there have been a lot of discussions about what sunscreens are “healthiest” for you and for the environment. The first thing that everyone should know is that the term “Reef Safe” is NOT a scientifically regulated term. Here, at Call For The Wild, we believe in science, research, and making sure we have all the info. So, let’s dive into the topic of sunscreen, and see what scientists say about different sunscreen options.
First off, why do we need sunscreen? The sun gives off powerful UV rays, that, with prolonged exposure, cause sunburn and damage your DNA. This leads to things like skin cancer. We as humans spend a LOT more time in the sun than our ancient ancestors did, and we have a longer life expectancy, so protecting ourselves from excess sun exposure is very important.
There are two different categories of sunscreen, ones that have chemical filters, and ones that have mineral filters. Chemical filters are made of carbon-based molecules that absorb UV rays. So instead of UV rays being able to penetrate and damage your skin, they are absorbed by these molecules, which then convert the UV rays to energy and expel them as heat! These chemical sunscreen filters, however, have been shown to cause damage when they get into aquatic habitats. Although they are safe for us to use daily on our skin, it is important that we avoid introducing them into the environment.
The second category of filters is mineral filters. These are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These mineral filters are small mineral particles that work, like chemical filters, to absorb UV rays. They also work to reflect some of the UV rays. For a while it was widely thought that mineral sunscreen was the more “natural” option, making it better for the environment. However, scientists are now finding that these mineral sunscreens can still severely damage aquatic environments. They are definitely not “Reef Safe” and require more research.
So, if you want to go for a swim, and also protect yourself from the sun, what should you do? The best option is a combination of timing, shade, proper sunscreen application, and proper clothing. Sun protection isn’t all about sunscreen, and there are many additional ways to help avoid catching excess rays.
1. Swimming in the morning and evening means that there are going to lower levels of UV thanks to the angle of the sun. It is best to avoid swimming in the middle of the day when UV levels are high.
2. Make sure you take breaks in the shade. Like our ancient ancestors, find a nice shady place to retreat from the sun. This could be under some trees, an umbrella, or even a cabana. Shade helps protect you from those strong UV rays.
3. Wear protective clothing! Things like rash guards, wide-brimmed hats, wet suites, and other thick layers of clothing help protect your skin from UV rays very effectively, especially if you are in the water where there may not be a lot of shade. Look for UPF rated clothing.
4. Finally, pick the right sunscreen and practice the proper sunscreen application. The best sunscreen options for swimming are non-nano mineral sunscreens. Although they can still cause damage when excessively washed into the environment, these are the least reactive and harmful that we know of so far. Find one that’s waterproof AND wait at least 15 to 20 minutes after application before swimming. This helps less sunscreen wash into the environment, and more sunscreen stay on your body.
When you combine all these steps you are minimizing the amount of sunscreen that gets into the environment, so you are not only protecting yourself, but you are also helping protect the environment this summer!