It’s officially summertime!! Meaning it’s also officially beach time.
This year, we wanted to promote a notion of responsible protection. Now, I’m aware of how sketchy that title sounds, but give it a winning chance.
This summer, we’re hoping to encourage more adolescents and teens to use sunscreens and protect themselves against the harmful UV rays. That includes both genders, not just girls, because sunscreen isn’t an exclusively-made feminine commodity, it’s quite literally essential for maintaining the health of your skin.
That being said, albeit it’s of huge importance to frequent your usage of sun protection, it’s also equally as important to do so in a way that protects our planet as well.
Sunscreen pollution.
This is the term coined by scientists as to the phenomenon of the environmental damage made by excessive usage of sunscreens over the past several decades.
How is it,however, that the very substance we use on our skin, threatens the very existence of marine life? To put it simply, some of the common chemicals used in the production of sunscreens are indeed quite harmful to corals and underwater creatures.
Another question that might arise, is how significant of an effect sunscreens truly have on corals and sea animals, the simple answer again is indefinite.
What is known is that Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3) – Sunscreen ingredient disrupts coral reproduction, causes coral bleaching, and damages coral DNA. Oxybenzone is found in over 3500 sunscreen products worldwide.
Why should this be taken with more consideration? Because corals are now dying at greater speeds than they’re being reproduced, hence endangerment of their extinction altogether, as they take thousands upon thousands of years to grow.
That’s not to negate the fact, that having access to sunscreen in the first place is an undeniable privilege and for many a luxury, but where possible always make sure that you opt for the reef safe sunscreen option, examples of such a brand includes; Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural, which is accessible in several mena and swana countries.
So as cheesy as that may sounds, make sure you have the utmost fun this summer, all the while taking care of both yourself and this earth of ours!