What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
A commitment to ethical business practices begins with a brand's attitude to cruelty-free practices. Products that aren't tested on animals also have less environmental impact.
A "nanoparticle" refers to the tiny-sized actives present in sunscreen. Non-nano particles are larger than 100 nanometers in size, making them less likely to be absorbed by marine life.
Water-resistant sunscreen contains ingredients like beeswax that help it to stay in place on the skin for longer when submerged in water.
Plastics and microplastics can take hundreds or thousand of years to break down. Birds and fish can mistake them for food, which means they can pose a threat to marine life.
When you do choose an eco-friendly version of SPF, ensure that it still offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Some countries and regions have begun to ban chemical ingredients that are shown to affect coral and marine life. Stay up to date on the regulations in your area, and choose a sunscreen that adheres to local regulations. Check your existing sunscreens to make sure they don't contain banned ingredients.
Sunscreens that use more plant-based ingredients in place of chemical fillers are also a better choice when shopping with the environment, as well as sun protection, in mind.
Brands that are more eco-conscious will frequently display more details about how they work to protect the environment on their packaging. Some companies are transparent about their carbon footprint, how they offset it, and how they're working to lower it.
What's more, aerosol sunscreens contain chemicals and alcohols that are flammable. Upon exposure to heat, they can cause negative reactions on the skin.
Pick brands that use recycled packaging, as they're lowering their environmental impact by producing less waste material.
Chemicals in sunscreen have been proven to cause damage to marine and coral life. By choosing a chemical-free sunscreen, you're making the eco-conscious choice.
Silicones aren't biodegradable. At certain temperatures, they can release a chemical called siloxane. Choosing silicone-free sunscreens for you and your family is an eco-conscious decision.
Some eco-brands have refill options, which are a much better choice for the environment, reducing the waste potential of packaging.
Environment awareness isn't limited to what's inside the bottle: it's important to think about the packaging it comes in, too. Choose sustainable or recyclable where possible.
In mineral-based sunscreens, zinc oxide or titanium oxide are generally the "actives" used. These active ingredients are what provide protection and the higher concentration of active ingredients, the less "filler" ingredients are present that could pose a potential threat to marine life.
It can be difficult to know where to begin when looking for eco-friendly sunscreen products. But, there are several pointers that can help you to rule out one product over another.
When choosing sunscreen, much like shopping for food, it's best to pick items that have a clear (and short) list of ingredients. A confusing (or worrying) ingredient list is a red flag.
The size and concentration of your sunscreen matter. Buying more than you need can lead to extra waste material if the sunscreen isn't fully used.
Biodegradable formulations of sunscreen break down naturally in the environment. This makes them an environment-safe and more eco-friendly choice.
Mineral sunscreens use natural ingredients. They've grown in popularity in recent years thanks to their eco-friendly nature.
One of the first things to look for is a sunscreen that's designated as reef safe. This is because sunscreen has been linked to coral reef bleaching in areas with high tourism.
Others go further and also employ eco-friendly manufacturing processes. With a little research, you can pick brands that reduce their environmental impact.
You can show your support for brands (large and small) who are vocal in their education efforts and advocacy for environmental impact concerns.
Some sunscreen brands are more environmentally aware, and have a commitment to using renewable energy in their production methods.
A product that uses organic, natural, plant-based ingredients alongside UV filters is likely the most eco-friendly choice.
Aerosol sunscreens often contain benzene. This chemical is potentially harmful and can be inhaled through the nose and absorbed through the skin.
Like any other product, not all eco-conscious sunscreens will work well. It's vital to do your research using reviews and recommendations as a guide. That way you lower the risk of ending up with a product you can't use, creating more waste.
Sun exposure is vital and we need to take precautions, like wearing sunscreen, to protect our skin. However, this doesn't need to come at a cost to the environment. Following these tips will help you choose a sunscreen that minimizes damage both to your body, and the world around us.
Sources: (100 Percent Pure) (We Are Feel Good Inc) (Appalachian Mountain Club) (Green People) (Save the Reef)
See also: How to prevent skin cancer and stay safe in the sun
An ingredient in many sunscreens, oxybenzone, can be turned into a deadly toxin by corals and sea anemones upon being metabolized by them.
It's been discovered certain types of sunscreen can have harmful effects on our marine environment. Luckily, there are lots of options available nowadays, and steps we can take to choose a sunscreen that's both effective and eco-friendly.
Click on to learn how to select an environmentally safe sunscreen.
How to choose a sunscreen that's eco-friendly
Protecting your skin from sun damage in a planet-friendly way
LIFESTYLE Sun
Modern-day sunscreens have only been around since the 1970s, believe it or not. We've come a long way in our understanding about how the sun can damage our skin, and the steps we need to take to protect it. As research about SPF continued, it's been discovered certain types of sunscreen can have harmful effects on our marine environment. Luckily, there are lots of options available nowadays, and steps we can take to choose a sunscreen that's both effective and eco-friendly.
Click on to learn how to select an environmentally safe sunscreen.