Skin cancer, being the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, means that you should protect your skin more. According to the American Cancer Society, at least one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they reach the age of 70.

According to the same figure, nearly 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. These figures are alarming, especially for beach goers and anyone who is constantly sunburned. However, there is some good news: skin cancer Is not fatal and can be avoided by wearing sunscreen.

Unfortunately, sunscreen is not an eco-friendly option. Coral reefs, which are regarded as one of the most valuable ecosystems that sustain life on Earth, are threatened by the chemicals Found in sunscreens. It’s a tricky situation since what can help you avoid developing skin cancer also has severe consequences for the planet.

But the good news is that there are many sunscreen alternatives with less environmental impacts. So, whether you’re going for a jog, swimming on the beach, or commuting to your work as a senior living advisor, you can worry less about skin cancer and destroying the environment.

Sunscreens And Its Effect On The Planet

One hundred eighty million Americans visited the beach in 2008. Consider what would happen if each of them applied sunscreen before swimming with that amount of sunscreen ending up in the ocean, where it could devastate the coral reefs and marine life. It was exactly what happened when forensic ecotoxicologist Craig Downs, Ph.D., discovered in 2005 that the sunscreen people use impacts the ocean and the environment.

The daily average of beach goers in the Trunk Bay US Virgin Islands is around 2000-5000. This amount of people who use sunscreen has made the ocean’s surface look like there is some psychedelic oil spill every time the day ends.

During this discovery, Craig Downs found a high and damaging quantity of oxy benzone, a chemical present in sunscreens that is extremely harmful to marine life. About 14,000 tons Of sunscreen in the same year ended up in the ocean and further destroyed coral reefs.

So, what are your options? There are several products that you can use to provide you with the same level of sun protection as sunscreen. They’re not as bad for the environment, and they are also organic. They are also good for your skin. Here are a few examples:

When you use coconut oil as sunscreen, you might need to reapply it frequently because it is not powerful protection from the sun, blocking only 20% of UV radiations. But when applied regularly, it is still a superior alternative to sunscreens. It can also moisturize your skin and prevent you from developing blemishes.

Aloevera is most commonly known as a treatment for sunburns, but it can also be used as an effective sunscreen substitute. Additionally, it can help hydrate your skin while slowing the effects of aging and even lighten your blemishes, which are beneficial for your skin.

Sesame oil might be solely used as cooking oil by many people. However, it can protect your skin against pollution because it contains vitamin E. Additionally, it can help protect you from the sun’s UV radiation, making it a perfect alternative to sunscreen.

She a butter only has a low amount of SPF, which is around 6 to 10, but you can use it as sunscreen on days when you’re not planning to swim for an extended period. The good news is that its antioxidants can also help you avoid skin cancer while nourishing your skin.

Protect Your Skin While Protecting The Environment

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You may feel hesitant to use all of these sunscreen alternatives because you’re familiar with most of them as culinary ingredients. You can also opt to use sunscreens produced with organic and eco-friendly ingredients if that’s the case. These products will certainly include the same elements that you need to protect your skin.

Instead of spraying sunscreen on your skin, look for creams or organic sunscreens that you have to apply using your hands. Spraying sunscreen leaves residue on the sand and the beach, damaging the planet.

Finally, you may go swimming at a time of day when the sun isn’t as hot, eliminating the need for sunscreen. Everyone wants to enjoy a day at the beach, but you can do it without damaging the environment, so do your part in saving the planet with these sunscreen alternatives.