For the sake of the environment, are you ready to give up sunscreen?

What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a cream or spray/gel product containing sun protection factor (SPF) and chemical compounds that help build a protective barrier on the skin within just 10-20 minutes of application.

Sunlight contains many ultraviolet rays such as UVA/UVB/UVC… which negatively affect the skin. It is a major cause of skin darkening, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, dryness, and premature aging… Therefore, sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and PA (Protection Grade of UVA) acts as a barrier to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight.

Sunscreen comes in two types: physical sunscreen (sunblock) and chemical sunscreen, both containing many synthetic chemicals that are not really good for health and the environment. Many scientists warn that the chemicals in sunscreen can penetrate the skin, causing endocrine disruption or negatively affecting pregnant women. The sunscreen industry makes a fortune from people's sun-avoiding habits, but at the same time, it raises a big question about its safety and harmlessness to the skin, people, and the environment.

Sunscreen and the threat to marine life

In many countries around the world, the use of sunscreen while participating in beach activities such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling is now restricted or banned. Several US states have issued such bans, most notably Hawaii. Nearby, Palau is also noted as the first country to ban people wearing "toxic" sunscreen from going to the beach. Most recently,Thailand, with a ban on the use of sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs in all national marine parks. The ban took effect on August 4th.

Marine life, including coral reefs, jellyfish, and starfish near the shore, will be most affected. Young corals, in particular, grow very slowly and will stop developing if hindered by chemicals or physical impacts.

According to Dr. Craig Down, an expert researching the impact of sunscreen on marine life, "Oxybenzone is the worst of the 10 banned chemicals. It causes mass coral deaths at low temperatures, reducing their resilience to the environment."

The doctor further explained that young coral branches suffer more severe damage from sunscreen exposure than older coral branches. When young coral cannot grow, leaving only older branches, they will all quickly disappear, and in the future, there may be no natural coral reefs.

It is estimated that over 13,000 tons of sunscreen are washed down coral reefs each year. Thousands of tons of that sunscreen may contain extremely high levels of oxybenzone, which is harmful not only to marine life but also to humans.

Marine ecosystems are generally very rich and diverse. But with the rapid pace of human development, these ecosystems are under serious threat. Half of all coral reefs have disappeared or died in the last 30 years. Fish species living at higher sea levels are not escaping the same fate. Are humans being too selfish towards natural ecosystems?

A solution for all

Unlike other countries where sunscreen is banned, in Vietnam we can participate in saving the marine ecosystem by reducing and eliminating sunscreen use right now when going to the beach or swimming. However, our skin still needs just as much care and protection as other health factors. So, what is the solution for everything?

First, eliminate all unsafe sunscreens containing harmful substances. Instead, choose a sunscreen cream/spray that contains gentle ingredients and is recognized and certified safe for marine life.

Some gentle sunscreens that don't contain harmful chemicals include La Roche-Posay, Blue Lizard, Aveeno, etc.

Step two, you can use alternatives to sunscreen creams/sprays such as sun protection pills, oral supplements that block ultraviolet rays, and products that help strengthen the skin's protective barrier.

Finally, proactively protect yourself from the sun by wearing clothing designed to block UVA/UVB/UVC rays, and by wearing a face mask, sunglasses, and a hat.

In addition to the above solutions to help your skin avoid the harmful effects of the environment, you can be more proactive by limiting your time at the beach during the hours when UV rays are strongest (10 am - 3 pm). With all these methods, the effectiveness of sun protection will be much more noticeable and higher than relying on a small bottle of sunscreen, leaving your skin reddened under the sun, and, more importantly, silently affecting the Earth's marine ecosystem.

Conclusion

Even as society develops and personal needs improve, paying attention to and protecting the living environment of other organisms is still a matter of concern. A balanced and healthy environment for all living things is the ideal and most livable environment.

But don't forget about your skin! Protecting your skin isn't just about looking good; it's also the foundation for overall good health.

Ha Chuu