## Is Reef Safe Sunscreen Important If I’m Not Scuba Diving?
Many people think that reef safe sunscreen is only important for scuba divers. However, this is not the case. Reef safe sunscreen is important for anyone who wants to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays while also protecting the environment.
### How Sunscreen Damages Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet. They provide food and shelter for thousands of species of marine life, and they also help to protect coastlines from erosion. However, coral reefs are under threat from a number of human activities, including pollution.
One of the most damaging pollutants to coral reefs is sunscreen. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are toxic to coral. These chemicals can cause coral to bleach, which is a process that can lead to the death of the coral.
### Why You Should Use Reef Safe Sunscreen
Even if you’re not scuba diving, you can still damage coral reefs by wearing sunscreen that contains harmful chemicals. These chemicals can wash off your skin into the water, where they can be ingested by coral.
Reef safe sunscreen is made without harmful chemicals. These sunscreens are still effective at protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but they do not damage coral reefs.
### How to Choose a Reef Safe Sunscreen
When choosing a reef safe sunscreen, look for products that are:
Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate
Non-nano
Broad-spectrum
SPF 30 or higher
### Other Ways to Protect Coral Reefs
In addition to using reef safe sunscreen, there are a number of other things you can do to help protect coral reefs. These include:
Avoid touching or standing on coral
Do not anchor your boat on coral reefs
Dispose of trash properly
Support organizations that are working to protect coral reefs
### Conclusion
Coral reefs are a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem. By using reef safe sunscreen and taking other steps to protect coral reefs, we can help to ensure that these amazing ecosystems continue to thrive for future generations.