Sunscreen? Think about it!

While only the ingredients most harmful to ocean life, oxybenzone and octinoxate, were banned in Hawaii, zero tolerance was announced in Palau and 10 different chemical substances were blacklisted. Sun lotions and other cosmetic products that contain prohibited ingredients are simply confiscated from tourists, and stores that distribute the products can count on a fine of up to $1,000.

While only the ingredients most harmful to ocean life, oxybenzone and octinoxate, were banned in Hawaii, zero tolerance was announced in Palau and 10 different chemical substances were blacklisted. Sun lotions and other cosmetic products that contain prohibited ingredients are simply confiscated from tourists, and stores that distribute the products can count on a fine of up to $1,000.

It is a legitimate question, why are they not producing products that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate? In fact, they have been around for a long time. Most of the sunscreens produced in Europe are oxybenzone-free, but if the substance is found among the components, it must be clearly indicated. In America, however, there are no such strict regulations regarding sun protection creams, so the production of cosmetic products containing oxybenzone has been going on here since the 1970s. In his interview with Petőfi TV, Prof. Norbert Wikonkál, dermatologist and MTA doctor, also drew attention to the fact that these ingredients are not only harmful to our environment, but also strong allergens. In 2014, for example, benzophenones, which include oxybenzone, were chosen as the allergen group of the year.

The destruction of the living world cannot be solved just by banning sun lotions, but it would significantly slow down the extent of the damage caused. Of course, this was enough for the sunscreen companies to raise their voices against the decree. The industry association representing both Johnson & Johnson and Bayer, for example, objected to the banning of two ingredients that protect the skin from harmful radiation based on the results of a single study. Even the American Association of Dermatologists joined this, who do not support limiting the use of sunscreens due to the health effects.

Experts agree with the camp of opponents that the decline in the number of corals is mainly due to climate change and the rising temperature of the oceans. But oxybenzone, which dissolves in water, reduces the resistance of corals to global warming, as the temperature of the waters increases, until bleaching begins at lower and lower temperatures. Therefore, it is necessary to ban the compound and all products containing it.

What can we do when we go on vacation?

Prof. Norbert Wikonkál provided us with some advice that should be kept in mind on our next trip. Consciously stay out of the sun, don't lie down at noon and don't try to get a tan in one day! If necessary, wear a thin, breathable T-shirt or dress! Reduce the use of sunscreen to a minimum and choose a slightly more expensive but premium category product instead! If we all do this, maybe we will contribute a little to saving the ocean's wildlife.

További tanácsokért fordulj hozzánk bizalommal, book an appointment még ma!