There used to be a straightforward rule around sunscreen… Wear it! But in recent years things have become a little more complicated. While that’s still the number one rule, it’s also essential to think about the type of sunscreen you use. It’s essential to choose a broad-spectrum, reef safe sunscreen with at least SPF 50.
Reef Safe Sunscreen:
It’s no secret that climate change is having a dramatic effect on our oceans and marine life. Rising ocean temperatures and the stress of warm water causes fragile coral reefs to bleach. But in 2016, a study by a team of international scientists found that certain common chemicals in many sunscreen lotions and cosmetics are also highly toxic to juvenile corals and other marine life. Those chemicals are benzophene-3 and octinoxate.
The Pacific nation of Palau became the first country to impose a widespread ban on sunscreen containing those chemicals to protect its vulnerable coral reefs. But other countries and regions have adopted similar legislation. These include the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Key West (Florida), Bonaire and Mexico. Quite rightly, our friends across the Tasman Sea have updated the requirements required by the Australian Standards for sunscreen Testing Authority, to ensure sunscreens are defined and labelled as reef safe, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Three rules to follow to help you choose your sunscreen:
The numbers matter:
Always choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 50 and be sure to select the right product for the job in hand! Always use a facial sunscreen on your face!
The letters matter:
Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. These will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. But ‘what’s the difference’ we hear you ask?
UVB rays cause sunburn, ageing, and potentially skin cancer
UVA rays also cause wrinkles and potentially skin cancer after repeated exposure. They also contribute to more than 90% of all UV radiation, finding their way through clouds and glass all year round.
The planet matters:
Always choose a reef safe sunscreen that doesn’t contain the chemicals benzophene-3 or octinoxate.
At enhanceskin, we stock a range of dedicated facial broad-spectrum, reef safe sunscreens from Aspect Dr. These include:
- Aspect Sun CC SPF50+ – $69.00
- Envirostat Face SPF50+ – $ 44.00
- Envirostat Hydrating Face SPF 50+ – $ 69.00
- Also, Envirostat ‘On the Go’ SPF50+ – $34.50
Call into enhanceskin and speak to Robyn or Taryn for more advice on sunscreen.
