Sunscreen has become an essential element in any outdoor plan, especially in summer. In addition, in recent years, the increased awareness of the dangers of exposing the skin to the sun has made the use of sun creams increasingly widespread.
However, the use of common sunscreens has certain serious consequences in the marine environment; here we explain what they are and how to avoid them.
Why sunscreens are harmful to the ocean
Sunscreens protect our skin from the sun's rays because they contain different chemicals that act as ultraviolet filters. When we apply the cream on our skin and go into the water, a large part of the product ends up coming off and going into the sea.
This means millions of molecules of these chemicals ending up in the sea. Specifically, it has been shown that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the ocean every year.
The problem with these creams, as with many other cosmetics, is that they contain a series of chemicals, called sun filters, classified as emerging contaminants, since they are not yet included in the legislation and therefore are not controlled or monitored.
However, some of these chemicals and the effects they have on the marine environment, specifically on corals, are much better known. This is the case of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been associated with coral bleaching according to different studies. To this we must add that some protectors act as endocrine disruptors, that is, chemicals that modify the hormonal composition of marine organisms, altering their cycles of reproduction, feeding, sleep, etc.
The Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies conducted a study to assess the impact of sunscreens on the marine ecosystem. They found that the most common components of sunscreens were present in all the sampled locations and with higher concentrations in the most superficial layers; in addition, the concentrations varied throughout the day, which implies that these substances end up moving towards all layers of water and even towards coastal waters with fewer bathers.
They also determined that these substances have toxic effects on marine phytoplankton, crustaceans, algae and fish. This confirms the study by the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) of the United States, which concluded that chemicals from sunscreens affect various groups of marine organisms such as: algae, harming their growth and the development of photosynthesis; sea urchins, damaging their immune and reproductive systems; fish, affecting their fertility and reproduction; mollusks, causing alterations in juveniles; and dolphins, where they accumulate in the tissues and are transferred to juveniles.
Therefore, when buying a sunscreen we must avoid those that contain ingredients such as BHT, parabens, oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Some countries already prohibit the use of harmful protectors
In May 2018, Hawaii bans sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, becoming the first country in the world to take such a measure. Then, in November 2018, the small archipelago country of Palau announced a ban on the sale and use of creams containing chemicals harmful to the marine environment.
In February 2019, the city of Key West, California, passed a ban on the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, although the ban does not apply to all tourists who bring their own sunscreen with them.
Sustainable alternatives to protect your skin without harming the ocean
However, there are various solutions for conscious divers committed to respecting marine ecosystems.
Some cosmetic lines are betting on sunscreens free of these substances under the “reef safe” label (reef safe). This is the case of the new Babaria Coral Friendly line. These sunscreens are manufactured under the regulations approved in Hawaii that protect against the acceleration of coral bleaching, eliminating the most harmful substances and using organic sun filters, with better biodegradability. They are made from algae and contain organic sunscreens such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which are not known to harm coral reefs.
In addition, you can combine the use of creams with other protective elements such as solar t-shirtsAt Buceo Norte you can find sun protection clothing from Mares, such as the Rash Guard T-shirt, which offers UPF 50+ protection, perfect for reducing the amount of liquid sunscreen we use on our days at the beach. They are made from a very light fabric that dries quickly and provides you with comfort and protection at the same time.
Caring for the marine environment is an issue that concerns us all and with small gestures within our reach, it is possible to be part of the change!
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