Some companies actively try to hide, confuse, or play loose with the unregulated term “reef-friendly.” A reef-safe label has more legal ramifications thanks to cases like this one out of Sonoma County, Calif., and companies often have to substantiate those marketing claims. We recommend it for use on the body, although it should work on faces too in case you forgot your face sunscreen.īuy Babo Botanicals Zinc Sunscreen $17.50 Although it’s gentle, Babo’s sunscreen is quite robust with SPF 30 protection and water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes. Natural ingredients like sunflower seed oil, avocado, and jojoba lead the non-greasy formula, ensuring a smooth, easy application - even on sensitive skin. (Hawaii’s law, the first statewide ban in the US, went into effect in last year.)įree of oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens, this non-nano zinc sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is safe for both you and the reefs. Those ingredients have been banned in many marine preserves, Palau, the Marshall Islands, the Virgin Islands, parts of Mexico, the Florida Keys, and Hawaii. If you’re going to use sunscreen, he says to always avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate at all costs. It’s also a major factor in decreased water quality,” says Craig Downs, the study’s co-author and the executive director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory.ĭowns says the best course of action is to exchange sunscreen for protective clothing like hats, rash guards, and swim leggings that have broad-spectrum UV protection built into the fabric, but he understands that that isn’t always an option when you’re at the beach. “Sunscreen pollution is a real phenomenon and it poses a threat to coral reefs and aquatic life. But, according to scientific research, they’re also being killed - and your sunscreen may be part of the problem. They provide nesting grounds and homes for hundreds of species, prevent coastal erosion and storm surge damage, help mitigate climate change by regulating carbon dioxide levels in the ocean, and so much more. “Sticks should be applied back-and-forth on the skin for four passes, then rubbed in, and sprays should be held one inch from the skin and sprayed until the skin glistens.” No matter what formula you use, reapply it every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming.If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.Ĭoral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and their survival is inextricably linked to our own. How much do I need to apply?Ī few application rules: “When applying a cream or lotion, use a nickel-size dollop for the full face,” Dr. If you have oily skin, check the label for “noncomedongenic,” which means it won’t cause blackheads, adds Dr. When shopping, look for a product with at least SPF 30 protection, along with the words “broad-spectrum”-a sign it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, says Dr. What should I look for when selecting one? They’re typically more water-resistant than chemical sunscreens and are unlikely to burn if they accidentally drip into your eye, she adds. This is a big perk of mineral sunscreens: “There is no need to wait 30 minutes after application to go into the sun-unlike chemical sunscreens which require a wait period between application and exposure,” says Dr. Do I need to apply mineral sunscreen in advance? In general, this is because the active ingredients are micronized. Aren’t mineral sunscreens less comfortable to wear?ĭespite what you may have heard, you won’t have to settle for a chalky product: “In the past, mineral sunscreens were thick and goopy but now formulas are much more elegant,” says Dr. As a result, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with sensitive or acne-prone skin opt for mineral sunscreens. Who are mineral sunscreens best for?Ĭhemical sunscreens tend to be sheerer, but “because the ingredients penetrate into the skin, there is potential for irritation or allergy, especially with SPF greater than 50,” says Dr. “They rely on the skin’s absorption and prevent damage by inactivating UV rays through a chemical reaction,” explains Dr. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens-including avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone-don’t defect light. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens-titanium dioxide and zinc oxide-block UVA and UVB rays. What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens? Kenet likes the CeraVe stick in particular because “it feels lightweight, goes on easily without a white cast and also contains ceramides, which nourish skin.” Stick formulas give you a mess-free application for face and body.
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