Why Use Reef Friendly Sunscreen When Visiting Roatan

ROATAN, United States MO Islands - March 2, 2019 - PRLog -- We've even gotten used to wearing sunscreen products all year round, not just when we're heading out to the beach.  Well, it's been found that all that sunscreen is eventually finding its way into the oceans to detrimental effect.  One study estimated more than 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in the ocean every year.  And it's causing significant damage to coral reefs around the world.

This realization has caused many of those who depend on ocean-going visitors to rethink their rules and regulations.  The state government in Hawaii and marine preserve owners in Mexico, as well as others, have introduced rules meant to decrease the use of sunscreen chemicals that have been found to cause coral reef damage.  But we don't necessarily need to wait for changes in the laws to make changes in our own behavior.  In this article we'll try to answer the question of "Why use reef friendly sunscreen when visiting Roatan?"  We'll also give some tips on how to stay safe in the sun while still protecting our island's fabulous reef system.

Recent studies have shown that certain chemicals found in many sunscreens, chiefly oxybenzone and octinoxate, are extremely damaging to the development of coral and its reproductive processes.  You don't even actually have to go in the water while wearing these sunscreens to create problems for the reefs as they'll eventually wash off in the shower and end up in the ocean anyway.   And apparently spray on sunscreens are even worse offenders since just as much product ends up in the air and sand (and ultimately the ocean) as it does on your body.

Even if sunscreen isn't the only cause of coral bleaching and reef damage (climate change, microplastics, water pollution, coastal development and more have all been implicated,) it doesn't take a lot of effort to find ways to enjoy the sun and the ocean without increasing the amount of chemicals that are affecting marine life.

You can attempt to reduce the amount of sunscreen you use while on land by covering up with umbrellas, hats and other clothing.  If you're always in the water, consider investing in a long sleeved rashguard.  Wetsuits are also an effective way to protect yourself from UV rays while swimming.

When you do need to purchase sunscreen, avoid the sprays and stick to lotions and creams.  Don't be assuaged by labels that proclaim to be "ocean-friendly" or "reef-safe."  Check the actual ingredients and avoid those products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Mineral-based sun blockers are preferable.  Try zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  They won't absorb into the skin like traditional sunscreens, but because of that they're even more effective.  Go figure that sun blocking facial smudges have become the latest in eco-friendly beach fashion.

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