What Does “Reef-Safe” Sunscreen Really Mean — And Why Does It Matter in the Florida Keys?
Sunscreen has become a staple in daily skincare routines, offering essential protection against harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and helping prevent premature aging. However, over the past decade, growing research has raised concerns about the environmental impact of certain sunscreen ingredients on marine ecosystems. Chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone - all commonly found in big name sunscreens - have been linked to coral bleaching, disrupted coral growth, and increased vulnerability to disease. These compounds can cause severe stress in young coral, impair skeletal development, and contribute to long-term coral reef decline. While scientific understanding is still evolving, the evidence highlights the need for more environmentally conscious sun protection choices. Appeal of Chemical Sunscreens Popular sunscreen products often use chemical UV filters because they are cheaper and tend to be easier to apply. Chemical sunscreens are o...
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