Last Updated on September 1, 2024
Did you know that UVA sunscreen can protect not only your skin but also our Florida coral reefs?
One of the many amazing things about living in Florida is that we can spend so much time outside. Compared to a lot of other places in the United States, we receive tons of warm, sunny days.
While you are out and about exploring the Sunshine State’s wonderful parks, springs, and beaches, it’s important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen – though it is crucial to choose the right sunscreen.
In recent years, certain sunscreens have been realized as an unanticipated contributor to the coral reef crisis. Scientists anticipate that by 2050, all coral reefs will be classified as “threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
We have gathered important information about sunscreen, including how it affects coral reefs, how to choose the right sunscreen, and other crucial tips on sun safety, so we can enjoy our time outdoors in a way that is safe for both us and the planet.
Table of Contents
- Understanding UV Rays
- What are UV rays?
- What are the risks of too much UV exposure?
- How are UV rays measured?
- How to Choose Sunscreen
- Why do we wear sunscreen?
- How does sunscreen affect coral reefs?
- What to look for when choosing sunscreen
- Best UVA Sunscreen Recommendations
- Other Sun Safety Tips
- More Information About Coral Reefs and Sunscreen
- Florida’s Coral Reef
- Other Ways to Help Our Coral Reefs
- Resources
Understanding UV Rays
What are UV rays?
UV rays (also known as ultraviolet radiation) are a form of radiation that naturally comes from the sun. Artificial sources of UV radiation include tanning beds and certain types of lighting, like Mercury vapor lighting.
UV radiation is categorized into three groups based on wavelength: UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and UVC radiation.
UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer, while UVB rays are mostly absorbed. UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere, so we don’t have to worry about those when choosing sunscreen.
What are the risks of too much UV exposure?
While natural ultraviolet rays provide vitamin D, too much exposure has some notable risks.
Risks of overexposure to UV rays:
- Sunburn: Sunburn is a common side effect of too much sun exposure. Sunburn often results in red, sensitive skin. More severe cases may include symptoms like itchy, peeling, and blistering skin.
- Skin damage and premature aging: Repeated instances of sunburn can lead to skin damage and premature aging. Over time, too much exposure to UV light affects your skin cells, reducing their elasticity and resulting in wrinkles and other changes.
- Risk of skin cancer: A more serious risk of UV ray overexposure is an increased risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer cells have a higher chance of developing on body parts that have received more exposure to UV radiation.
How are UV rays measured?
UV rays are measured using the Ultraviolet Index developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the National Weather Service. The UV Index is divided into five categories that rank by intensity of UV exposure.
UV Index categories and index numbers:
- Low: 1-2
- Moderate: 3-5
- High: 6-7
- Very high: 8-10
- Extreme: 11+
The UV Index can help you plan your time outdoors, including what to wear and how long to spend outside.
How to Choose Sunscreen
Why do we wear sunscreen?
Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from UV radiation. Sunscreen protects your skin by creating a barrier between it and UV rays.
How does sunscreen affect coral reefs?
If you are wearing sunscreen when you go into a body of water, at least some of it will end up washing off into the water. This can be detrimental over time near coral reef systems if there is too much chemical sunscreen in the water.
Chemical sunscreens have synthetic chemicals that are harmful to coral. Over time, chemicals like Oxybenzone, and Octinoxate can damage, bleach, and kill coral.
What to look for when choosing sunscreen
There are many kinds of sunscreens on the market, which can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you are looking for.
Here are some of the essentials to keep in mind when choosing sunscreen products:
- SPF rating: Short for “sun protection factor,” a sunscreen’s SPF number indicates how much UV radiation is needed to cause sunburn. Higher SPF equates to better sun protection. The CDC and the EPA recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
- Broad spectrum protection: Broad spectrum sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection.
- Active ingredients: Some sunscreens will have “reef safe” on their containers, despite containing chemicals that are destructive toward coral reefs. Read sunscreen labels and make sure to avoid ingredients like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
- Water resistance: Water resistance is an important consideration for trips to the pool, beach, or springs. Water-resistant sunscreens are generally labeled water resistant for 40 to 80 minutes.
Best UVA Sunscreen Recommendations
Keeping in mind some of the essentials for choosing the best sunscreens for your skin and the coral reefs, we have narrowed down the right products that meet these requirements.
These brands sell mineral sunscreens with preferred active ingredients: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
These are better sunscreens that are both biodegradable and contain non-nano ingredients, which are larger and safer for coral reefs and other marine life.
Reef-Friendly UVA Sunscreen Brands
- Project Reef: Project Reef is a skincare brand that is focused on protecting our oceans. They are climate-neutral, organize community events like beach cleanups, and prevent plastic from entering the ocean with every purchase.
- Thrive Regenerative Skincare: Thrive is a regenerative skincare brand with a goal to “leave it better,” by restoring degraded landscapes.
- Thinksport: Thinksport is a brand that addresses the concern of harmful chemicals in skincare products by selling safe, sustainable products – including sunscreens developed specifically for babies and children.
AuthenticFlorida.com Seal of Approval – These recommended products are NOT a paid promotion. These are products we have tried and stand behind.
Other Sun Safety Tips
In addition to using a good, reef-safe sunscreen, there are some other important steps you can take to protect your skin when you are out in the sun.
- Check the UV Index: The UV Index ranks the intensity of sun exposure. You can check the UV Index in your area by using a weather app on your phone.
- Avoid extended hours in the sun: Spending too much time outside on sunny days can lead to sunburn. The EPA recommends avoiding the sun between 11 am and 4 pm when the UV Index is 6 or above. Cloudy days are safer for all-day outdoor fun.
- Wear sun-protective clothing and accessories: Wear protective clothing like rash guards, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to increase coverage from UV rays. Accessories like wide-brim hats and sunglasses provide additional protection from your head and eyes.
- Reapply sunscreen: Sunscreen reapplication is crucial because the effects of sunscreen generally only last about two hours, and less if you are swimming or sweating. For the best protection, make sure to reapply regularly.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration is another side effect of too much sun exposure. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you and hydrate frequently.
More Information About Coral Reefs and Sunscreen
Florida’s Coral Reef
The Sunshine State is the only state in the continental United States that has coral reef formations by its coasts. Florida’s Coral Reef is off the coast in South Florida, from St. Lucie Inlet down to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Visitors can experience Florida’s Coral Reef firsthand by visiting destinations like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
Other Ways to Help Our Coral Reefs
In addition to using reef-safe sunscreen, other ways to help our coral reefs include responsible environmental practices.
Follow sustainable fishing practices and boating safety. Consider participating in local beach cleanups and supporting eco-friendly organizations through purchases and donations.
Resources
- Coral Reef Alliance: Coral Reef Alliance is an organization that aims to save the world’s coral reefs through education and other initiatives.
- Florida’s Coral Reef: Florida’s Coral Reef is an organization that works to maintain and restore our local coral reef by working with different agencies to follow through on conservation efforts.
- National Park Service: The National Park Service works to protect our coral reefs by educating people on sunscreen and its effects on the coral reef systems.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): A part of the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC focuses on national health security.
- World Health Organization (WHO): A United Nations agency that focuses on global health and safety.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA developed the Ultraviolet Index we use today with the help of the National Weather Service.
- The Skin Cancer Foundation: The Skin Cancer Foundation provides a great Daily Sun Protection Guide, as well as information for early detection of skin cancer.
If you enjoyed this article about UVA sunscreen and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:
- Best Florida Beach Towns
- Our Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs
- Dry Tortugas National Park: Florida’s Authentic Paradise
- Best Places to Kayak in Florida
- U.S. National Parks in Florida You’ll Love
