The Sunscreen Conversation Continued

Just in case you needed another reason to choose mineral sunscreen, here it is.  Did you know that chemical sunscreen is also bad for our environment?

It's probably something that many of us have never even thought about, but our worlds coral reefs are on the decline because of it.  In Hawaii for example, 6,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the ocean and globally they estimate over 14,000 tons (yes I said tons) enter into our oceans every year.  And those staggering numbers don't even include what may be in our lakes and rivers.  Kind of a scary thought isn't it?

"In a 2016 study, a team of international scientists found that a common chemical in many sunscreen lotions and cosmetics is highly toxic to juvenile corals and other marine life. Oxybenzone, or BP-3, is found in more than 3,500 skin care products worldwide for protection against the sun's harmful effects. The compound has been found entering the environment both through wastewater effluent and directly from swimmers wearing sunscreens."  **

If you are interesting in learning more about how these chemicals are affecting our oceans please visit the National Ocean Service website and the article  Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs.

*As a result of some of this new findings the lawmakers in Hawaii passed a bill on May 1, 2018 that will prohibit the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing octinoxate and oxybenzone.  The bill is set to take effect on Jan 1, 2021 and with any luck this may inspire others to consider doing the same thing.


So besides the actual application of sunscreen you can also help boost your skins natural protection from the sun just by eating your fruits and veggies. Yes, your Mom was right, again.

Antioxidants really can help reduce our sensitivity to harmful UV light. Fruits and veggies that contain carotenoids (like those you find in red and orange coloured fruit and veggies), lycopene (found in tomatoes), and beta carotine (found in carrots), Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Omega 3's.
Polyphenols (micronutrients) like those found in green tea, ellagic acid (found in berries, cherries, and walnuts) and resveratrol (which is actually a polyphenols that acts like an antioxidant) found in berries, red grapes and peanuts can all help reduce our sensitivity to UV light.


Sun Smart Tips For All

- Remember your sunscreen.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses.
- Wide brim hats and sun protected clothing are great options.
- Seek shade.
- Keep Hydrated.


Stay sun smart, and can enjoy the beautiful days of Summer.









Sources:
webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1074/ellagic-acid
healthline.com/health/polyphenols-foods
webmd.com/heart-disease/resveratrol-supplements
cnn.com/2019/05/17/health/healthy-skin-diet-sunscreen-drayer-food/index.html
alive.com/health/natural-sun-protection/
littlehandshawaii.com/pages/education
oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html
* oceanconservancy.org/blog/2018/05/24/sunscreen-killing-coral-reef/?ea.tracking.id=19HPXGJAXX&gclid=CjwKCAjw6vvoBRBtEiwAZq-T1TKUylqap4ormdQIhqYH7_mV344gZz9cwAqBQUMD1wzBSi7H48Tz-BoCJKgQAvD_BwE
** oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html . Artcle " Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs"