What exactly is reef-friendly sunscreen?
Dermatologists share their favorite formulas to protect your skin with the environment in mind.
How does sunscreen impact the ocean?
When you get in the ocean, your sunscreen inevitably washes away into the water to some extent.
The problem is that many sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone,octinoxate, and octocrylene.
Once a coral reef dies,it rarelycomes back, and entire ecosystems depend on its vitality.
board-certified dermatologist and founder ofBTWN, a skin-care line specifically formulated for children, tweens, and teens
How these lab-based studies translate into whatactuallyhappens in the ocean is unknown, Dr. Jeffy notes.
It is also possible that even lower concentrations may have negative effects, but its still unknown.
What is reef-safe sunscreen?
And because the research isnt complete, its hard to say if reef-safe is even really a thing.
Looking for sunscreen labeled as mineral or physical is a good start.
Its also nicely moisturizing and doesnt leave your face looking white and pasty, he says.
Aside from the ocean-friendly formulation, the packaging is made from sugarcane waste which reduces plastic consumption.
Mama Kuleana Reef Safe Sunscreen $31.00
Dr. Hu recommends this mineral SPF 30.
It is a great option for summer days as it is also water-resistant, she says.
board-certified dermatologist and founder ofBTWN, a skin-care line specifically formulated for children, tweens, and teens
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