

You’ll also need to use a slightly thicker application (brands like ThinkSport advise 1 ounce to cover an average adult). As such, you’ll need to pay close attention to the sunscreen’s application instructions, most of which will advise applying no less frequently than once every two hours.
Sun bum sunscreen skin#
Pay attention to the instructionsīecause of how mineral sunscreens work, it’s very important to keep a layer of it on your skin at all times, whether you can see it or not. Chemical sunscreens work by converting UV rays into something less harmful via a chemical reaction. Chemical-based sunscreens that meet Hawaii’s sunscreen standards likely will have some questionable ingredients but they’ll be easier to spread and less likely to leave a white filmy layer. Mineral-based ocean-safe sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) tend to be thicker and leave a thin white layer on your skin if not fully rubbed in because they act as a physical blocker, stopping the UV rays from touching your skin. Sunscreens without those four chemicals will be mineral based.

Hawaii was the first state to ban the two main harmful chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate), but other organizations like Save The Reef suggest that you should also rule out sunscreens with chemicals like octocrylene and homosalate. However, as of now, environmentally safe sunscreen means different things to different brands.

Food and Drug Administration to come up with technical specifications for what the reef-safe label means. Ed Case introduced the Reef Safe Act of 2021, which would direct the U.S. Unfortunately, there is no global or federal standard for what constitutes a reef-safe sunscreen. When buying a reef-safe sunscreen, the most important thing to consider is what standard of “reef-safe” you’re going to use. Knowing what to consider when buying reef-safe sunscreens can be overwhelming, especially considering the various recommendations on what chemicals to avoid and understanding the differences between different blends and active ingredients-so we’ve narrowed down what to focus on to make shopping a bit easier. Things to consider when shopping for the best reef-safe sunscreens

I also spoke with multiple reef and marine experts to get their insight on the best methods for keeping reefs healthy while still protecting your skin. I looked at the active ingredients for each sunscreen and researched how harmful they are to marine ecosystems, comparing different definitions and standards of what “reef-safe” means around the world. In addition to my personal experience with reef-safe sunscreens, I looked at dermatologist recommendations and online reviews from other buyers of various ages, colors, genders, and skin conditions. I’ve been using reef-safe sunscreen for years, from budget brands from box stores to more expensive options bought at resort gift shops in a hurry. But perhaps more importantly, I have very pale skin and am an avid scuba diver, having dived on everything from Caribbean reefs to deep-water shipwrecks in Indonesia. I focus on outdoor travel and adventure, so I’m familiar with techniques to be a more sustainable and earth-friendly traveler. How we chose the best reef-safe sunscreens
