Sustainable sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while also safeguarding our planet.

I am overly concerned with aging. I’m not sure if that makes me vain, so I try to keep it manageable. I follow a consistent skin regimen. The most critical step is applying sunscreen, not just to your face, but to your whole body. Many conventional sunscreens may be effective for UV protection, but they can also cause more harm to the planet. So begins my quest for a perfect balance. 

Benefits Of Sunscreen

Sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. These are types of radiation! By blocking this radiation, you…

• Prevents premature aging. Sun exposure can lead to an increase in wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. 
• Reduce your risk of skin cancer. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can spread to any organ in a short amount of time. It has a high mortality rate. 
• Stop sunburn—the hot, painful redness, peeling, and irritation that result from overexposure. The immediate pain should be deterrent enough, but a single blistering sunburn can double your chances of getting melanoma. 
• Maintains even skin tones. Sun damage can cause hyperpigmentation and discoloration – sunscreen prevents this. 

Hidden Dangers of Conventional Sunscreen

Sunscreens are great for protecting our skin, but they can be especially harmful to marine life. This is in addition to other sustainability concerns. Here’s how it is detrimental to aquatic life:

• Coral bleaching and chemicals found in sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, impact the coral’s ability to reproduce and grow. This leads to “bleaching” and eventually the death of the coral. 
• Toxic to marine life. Those same chemicals are harmful to fish, algae, and other water life. This can disrupt the entire food chain. 
• Microplastic Pollution: Most conventional sunscreens are packaged in single-use plastic containers that often end up in bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans. Just more plastic pollution that ends up in our bellies.

  There are also sustainability concerns like ethical sourcing, packaging, and logistics. 

What To Look For In Sustainable Sunscreen

 When shopping for a sustainable sunscreen, keep in mind:

• Check for Reef-Safe labels. Labels like “reef-safe” or “ocean-friendly” indicate that these products don’t contain the harmful chemicals mentioned above. 
• Try mineral-based sunscreens. Look for sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They provide physical UV protection without harming aquatic life. 
• Plastic-free packaging – When possible, choose products in metal tins, glass jars, or biodegradable tubes to minimize plastic waste. 
• Broad-spectrum Protection: Ensure you select a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30.
• Certified Cruelty-Free: Look for the Leaping Bunny or PETA’s cruelty-free logo.

Other Ways To Stay Sun Safe- Sustainably

• Wear sun-protective clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing
• Stay in the shade: Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
• Use a reusable bottle for after-sun care: Consider refilling your bottle of aloe vera or other after-sun product. 

Switching to a sustainable sunscreen is a small but impactful step toward a healthier planet. By choosing reef-safe, eco-friendly products, you’re not only safeguarding your skin but also helping preserve the beauty of the water that covers 70% of our planet. 

So next time you pack for a hike or a day on the water, make sure your sunscreen is as green as the nature you’re enjoying! If you have a favorite brand, mention it in the comments!