The Dark Side of Sunscreen and Things to Consider
When it comes to outdoor activities, protecting yourself from the sun is not just a matter of comfort; it’s a health necessity. Many of us reach for popular sunscreens like Coppertone, but what if I told you these products could do more harm than good?
While preparing for a recent trip where I planned snorkeling, I was advised to use only reef-safe sunscreen. And as much as I hate to admit it, I had never heard of it, so I investigated it and went down a rabbit hole of information about all cancer-causing hormone-disrupting and all sorts of the bad stuff they put in these products to stay safe. Coincidentally, I went to the bathroom where we had a dozen or more bottles, cans, and tubes of this stuff, and sure enough, each of them had all the ingredients I was learning to avoid from just about every brand on the shelf. What’s worse is that these ingredients, such as oxybenzone, were present at levels that would prohibit its sale in other countries. These chemicals are very good at absorbing into the skin, breaking the barrier, and entering the bloodstream. I’ll pass. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these products and stay safe from the damaging sun. Please be sure to look for reef-safe or mineral-based sunscreens. Not only are they safe for aquatic life, but they are also safe and effective for people. I wear a wide hat and rash guard shirt, which has been very effective even when I work outside all day (trust me, I’m a professional). I hope this helps or inspires you to do your own research. It’s important to take responsibility for your health and safety by staying informed.
Oh, and one more thing to consider when someone says they love getting out in the sun for some free vitamin D is the effect sunscreen has on our ability to produce vitamin D from the sun’s UV rays. Applying sunscreen can halt the production of vitamin D and hinder the benefits of sun exposure. This topic deserves further exploration, but that’s a subject for another day. See ya outside!
