Sunscreen season is here. We opt for the safest sun protection for ourselves and our little ones because chemical sunscreen is not the healthiest choice. And guess what, it’s not a day at the beach for marine life either.

My family and I took a vacation to Mexico a few years ago and did some snorkeling. Before we even set foot on the boat that would take us out to the reef where we’d get to see gorgeous fish and even a barracuda, the guides checked all of our sunscreen bottles and tubes.

No, they weren’t concerned with the number of SPF we’d chosen, but made sure everyone was using reef-friendly sunscreen. They even had a stand selling the stuff in case you’d toted along your chemical sun protection.

Chemical Sunscreen and Marine Life

Harmful chemical sunscreens, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have a toxic effect on young coral, causing endocrine disruption, DNA damage, and death. Essentially, killing off coral.

Coral reefs support more species than any other marine environment. It is estimated that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen washes off of swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers every year. Tons! That is huge exposure to these delicate and important ecosystems.

Even worse news, it only takes a small amount (the equivalent of a drop of water in six Olympic-sized pools!) to cause damage. Concentrations of oxybenzone in seawater near coral reef populated Hawaii and U.S. Virgin Islands have been estimated at 12 times what is needed to harm coral.

And it is not just the chemical sunscreen ingredients that are detrimental to the health of reefs. Synthetic preservatives, like parabens, have been linked to problems like coral bleaching.

Safe Sunscreen Ingredients

Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen that, unlike oxybenzone and other chemical sunscreens, dissolves in saltwater and eventually settles on the seafloor and becomes buried in sediment. This makes zinc a reef-friendly option.

Of course, it doesn’t stop with minerals. Choosing sun protection that is also free from other harmful ingredients, like synthetic preservatives and fragrance, and chemical emollients, is not only better for marine life but human bodies too.

Because sunscreen is important in protecting against premature aging and disease, we can’t simply go without during a day at the beach. The best way to protect coral reef life and ourselves at the same time is by using nontoxic mineral sunscreens. Water resistant options help sunscreen to stay on our bodies longer too.

Reef Safe Sunscreens for Days at the Beach

Here is a list of sunscreens that are made with zinc oxide and contain no parabens or other harmful ingredients. Reef safe claims are not regulated in the U.S. As with all cosmetic products, it is important to read beyond the front label, and check ingredient listings and brand information. All of the following sunscreens have been proven to be reef safe.

All Good: Makes A selection of sun protection for the whole family, from Sunsticks to Lip Balm. Broad spectrum and Sunscreen Butter is water resistant.

Badger Balm: This brand has been creating reef-friendly sunscreens since before we knew about the issue. A wide range of sun protection for the whole family in a variety of formulas. Active and Sport sunscreens are water-resistant and broad spectrum.

True Natural: Another extensive line of healthy sunscreens. This brand offers protection in a variety of SPFs and even a sunscreen stick for your beach loving pooch. All are broad spectrum and Sport Stick is water resistant.

Related on EcoSalon:

Safe Sunscreen for Every Skin Type and Tone

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Image of woman snorkeling via Shutterstock

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You wear sunscreen every day, exfoliate regularly, and never go to sleep with your makeup on. Still seeing troubled skin? It’s true: some healthy skin habits are too much of a good thing.

Taking good care of your skin and using healthy products is key in maintaining beautiful skin. But overdoing it can damage skin, cause irritation and blemishes, and speed up aging.

Let’s take a look at the top healthy skin care habits women tend to overdo.

6 Healthy Skin Habits You May Be ODing On

1. Over-cleansing: Didn’t know you could get skin too clean? Using a foaming cleanser has definite benefits, but using this product on skin that is dry or sensitive leads to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Curb your sudsing by washing skin only when it actually needs it (post workout, when it feels greasy…) and use a cream or oil cleanser the rest of the time.

2. Over-exfoliating: Another skin care technique that tends to get overused is exfoliation. We’ve all heard that this step helps with acne, and keeps skin fresh and glowing. More than once per week (twice if skin is not sensitive) is overkill, and can irritate and damage skin. The best way to exfoliate the face is with non-abrasive fruit acids, which remove dead cells without abrasive granules.

3. Using the wrong healthy skincare: Yes, going nontoxic with your skincare is the healthiest choice. But if you are using skincare that is wrong for your skin type it can be causing problems. If you are experiencing dryness, zits, irritation, or excessive oiliness, chances are you are using the wrong skin care products. Choose skin care designed for your skin type.

4. Going oil-free: For those who battle oily skin, steering clear of excess oil is essential in keeping the complexion clear. But did you know drying out the skin leads to breakouts too? That dry, flaky layer traps the oil your skin creates naturally and causes pimples. Choose products made with healthy natural oils that are formulated for oily and acne prone skin types, and skip the super drying potions.

5. Sticking with your tried and true: So you’ve found the skin care products you love and they love your skin right back. Great! Do you find they don’t work quite as well some months as others? To keep skin balanced and happy year ‘round, switch up your routine for the seasons. It doesn’t have to be a drastic overhaul, but a bit more moisture in the winter and lighter products in summer make all the difference.

6. Using chemical sunscreen: Wear sunscreen daily. We’ve all heard this precaution a thousand times. And you are applying your moisturizer with SPF every day like a good girl. But if that product is made with nasty chemical sunscreens you are doing more harm than good. Opt for a safe mineral sunscreen for face. You can even use a tinted moisturizer and ditch your foundation.

Related on EcoSalon:

Are Your pH Levels Causing Acne or Wrinkles?

Why Fruit Oils Are Your Skin’s New Jam

6 Microbead-Free Exfoliating Body Scrubs for Rough Winter Skin

Image of woman looking in mirror via Shutterstock

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