Are you going on a beach vacation soon, or perhaps to another tropical location? If you are planning on snorkeling or scuba-diving, you may want to be prepared with the correct sunscreen, especially if you are going to be exploring a coral reef. Sunscreens wash and wear off during our fun time swimming in the ocean and they remain there. We present this blog to help guide you to choose your sunscreen responsibly.
Coral reefs are living structures that are made of hard corals that provide a home for many different marine species. They are, in fact, tiny little ecosystems that support life. Coral reefs can serve as homes for fish, turtles, crustaceans, and other invertebrates which make them popular attractions for exploring and underwater viewing of these colorful animals. They are built by sea organisms called coral polyps that secrete a substance called calcium carbonate that forms the “skeleton” or hard structure to support the reef. This build-up of material is a terribly slow process that can take hundreds to thousands of years.
Coral reefs can be found at many popular vacation destinations throughout the world. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, for example, is the larges coral reef that is known. Reefs can also be found in other locations such as Florida, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico as well as in the Caribbean in places such as Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Belize, Aruba, and Cozumel. Florida’s coral reef is the only one located in the continental United States and the third largest barrier reef ecosystem in the world.
How Can Sunscreen Chemicals Cause Harm To Coral Reefs?
It is well known that there are many environmental factors that pose a threat to the health and well-being of our coral reefs. You can do your part by making a responsible decision regarding your choice of sunscreen when on vacation and planning to be in the ocean or near these beautiful wonders of nature.
Here are some of the ways that some sunscreens can harm a coral reef:
- Phototoxicity – Sunscreen chemicals that absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun may release harmful free radicals that can damage the coral tissues.
- Bleaching – Certain chemicals can cause the coral to expel their symbiotic algae which leads to a bleaching effect. This in turn deprives the coral of their primary food source, making it more susceptible to disease and death. Corals with weakened immune systems may also result in increased susceptibility to infections and death. The accumulation of these chemicals in the coral tissues may move through the food chain into other marine animals and organisms as well.
- DNA damage – Certain sunscreen chemicals can alter coral DNA resulting in impaired growth and reproduction. This can also result in deformities in the coral larvae and young corals.
What Can We Do To Help The Coral Reefs?
It is well known that sunscreen use is an important part of skin cancer prevention as well as anti-aging. As humans we have the responsibility to use skincare products conscientiously regarding our environment. The next time that you visit the ocean, or plan to be snorkeling or scuba diving, consider these points when choosing the sunscreen you enter the ocean with.
- Choose sunscreens that are free of chemicals that damage coral reefs such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone or other chemicals such as Parabens.
- Avoid sunscreens that contain “nano” particles. For example, Nano zinc dioxide particles can be ingested by marine animals, including coral, causing internal damage.
- Chose “non-nano” mineral based sunscreens such as ones that contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
- Look for the words “micro-sized” or “non-nano” on the sunscreen packaging.
- Avoid sunscreen sprays.
- Utilize sun protective clothing when possible.
Sunscreens that are reef-safe are easier to come by than you think, many of which are available at your local drug store. So get out there and enjoy your vacation, and nature’s underwater treasures, responsibly.
Come and See The Derm NP!
As a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner, The Derm NP is available to answer skin care questions that you may have. For example, if you have acne or sensitive skin, we are ready to consult with you on sunscreen options that may most meet your needs. Or maybe you are looking for options to offer the best anti-aging benefits for your skin. For just $37 for a telehealth visit, you can rest assured that you are getting skincare advice from an expert without breaking the bank.
