Corals offer more than just good looks!
They prevent storms, erosion, support marine ecosystems, and provide recreational activities to humans.
Climate change, coral mining, and underwater heatwaves are damaging coral reefs. However, there’s one little thing that’s having the most damaging impact on corals’ health—sunscreens!
Practicing safe boating, volunteering for reef clean-ups, and not disturbing reefs while diving can help save the vibrant reefs in or oceans. Moreover, reading sunscreen labels can help keep toxic ingredients out of our seas.
A reef-safe sunscreen allows you to enjoy a sun-safe day by the ocean and helps keep the corals and marine life safe. While you’re protecting your skin, don’t forget to protect the environment!
We have rounded up all the reasons you need to invest in a reef-safe sunscreen and ensure the health of corals and your skin.
Reef and Ocean life-Safe
Coral reefs are beautiful organisms that enhance the beauty of the seafloor. However, certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens can literally suck the life (and color) out of them!
Harsh ingredients like Avobenzone, Octinoxate, PABA, and Oxybenzone can cause the reefs to feel stressed and become bleached. Here’s how it works.
Algae live within reefs and give it those vibrant colors. Moreover, algae also work hard to meet around 90% of the reefs’ nutritional needs.
When these chemicals are washed into the sea, algae and other organisms become stressed and are forced to leave the reefs. With their food supply gone, these reefs become colorless and are on the brink of death.
What’s the Solution for Optimum Reef Health?
You can contribute to the health and wellness of coral reefs by switching to reef-safe sunscreens. These sunscreens are free from harsh chemicals and don’t run the risk of damaging reef health. Check out these recommended products.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Reef-safe sunscreens offer sun protection in a very gentle way. They’re safe for young children, pregnant women, and people with sensitive skin. These sunscreens feature ingredients (like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) that don’t absorb the sun’s harmful rays. Instead, these products completely block the UVA and UVB rays and help keep your skin sun-safe at all times!
Prevents Sun Damage
Life in the ocean is fun, but it can take a severe toll on the health of your skin. But with a reef-safe sunscreen on board, scuba divers can explore the ocean without a worry!
Reef-safe sunscreens are ‘physical’ sunscreens that block or reflect the sun’s harmful rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreen works against both UVA and UVB sun rays. While UVA rays can cause the skin to age prematurely, UVB rays can burn it! A reef-safe sunscreen minimizes this damage by blocking out both UVA and UVB rays. With a reef-safe sunscreen onboard, you can enjoy youthful-looking and healthy skin!
Now that you’ve slathered yourself in a reef-safe sunscreen, it’s time to go diving!
Deep Blue Dive Center in Jordan is the perfect place to get your scuba diving fix. Our PADI-trained scuba instructors and our luxury boats make for a delightful, exciting, and fun experience. Whether you want to head on a Red Sea diving or snorkeling adventure in Aqaba, we provide it all! Our diving instructors also provide PADI beginner, advanced, and pro diving courses in Aqaba.
Head to our website and book your scuba diving, snorkeling, or diving training session with us now
