LukeyC Posted May 23, 2019 #1 Share Posted May 23, 2019 Hey Guys! What's a good "reef safe" sunscreen that you have used and would recommend? (I am pale and burn quite easily, so I want something reliable!) Thanks in advance! 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 23, 2019 #2 Share Posted May 23, 2019 Look for sunscreen containing zinc oxide and fewer chemicals (avoiding oxybenzone) to avoid potential harm to reefs or wildlife. Something that is SPF50+ is best for protection for your skin. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MandyMooToo Posted May 24, 2019 #3 Share Posted May 24, 2019 Sunbum is my favorite and is allegedly used by lots of surfers due to its safety. I too am very fair and I use it when cruising or out in the sun. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 24, 2019 #4 Share Posted May 24, 2019 Just remember to apply the sunscreen every couple of hours. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted May 24, 2019 #5 Share Posted May 24, 2019 I am also fair skinned. I choose a sun screen with an SPF of 50. And I do put it on every couple of hours. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookwife Posted May 24, 2019 #6 Share Posted May 24, 2019 just google reef safe sunscreen. I would consider getting a few different types( spray, lotion and solid). and do NOT forget scalp sunscreen if you won't be wearing a hat 24/7. your head will thank you. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 24, 2019 #7 Share Posted May 24, 2019 9 minutes ago, spookwife said: just google reef safe sunscreen. I would consider getting a few different types( spray, lotion and solid). and do NOT forget scalp sunscreen if you won't be wearing a hat 24/7. your head will thank you. Oxybenzone free will do the trick 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampbabe Posted May 24, 2019 #8 Share Posted May 24, 2019 11 hours ago, MandyMooToo said: Sunbum is my favorite and is allegedly used by lots of surfers due to its safety. I too am very fair and I use it when cruising or out in the sun. Use the Sunbum in the white packaging, it's reef safe. The yellow packaging is not. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MandyMooToo Posted May 24, 2019 #9 Share Posted May 24, 2019 (edited) 10 minutes ago, Swampbabe said: Use the Sunbum in the white packaging, it's reef safe. The yellow packaging is not. All Sun Bum is reef friendly. When the study came out stating that Oxybenzone may harm the reefs Sun Bum removed it from their sunscreens. All of their sunscreens are reef friendly. You can check out their FAQ page for more info. I am particular about purchasing only cruelty free products (which IMO includes reef safe sunscreen). https://www.trustthebum.com/pages/faq Edited May 24, 2019 by MandyMooToo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampbabe Posted May 24, 2019 #10 Share Posted May 24, 2019 5 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said: All Sun Bum is reef friendly. When the study came out stating that Oxybenzone may harm the reefs Sun Bum removed it from their sunscreens. All of their sunscreens are reef friendly. You can check out their FAQ page for more info. I am particular about purchasing only cruelty free products (which IMO includes reef safe sunscreen). https://www.trustthebum.com/pages/faq Avobenzone is a chemical of "concern" and that is in yellow Sun Bum. The white has non nano particles of zinc oxide, which the gold standard for reef safe sunscreen. As a Floridian, I do quite a bit of snorkeling and want my sunscreen to be as reef safe as possible. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underwatr Posted May 24, 2019 #11 Share Posted May 24, 2019 (edited) St. Thomas is considering a law forbidding the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate. https://stthomassource.com/content/2019/05/21/senate-panel-votes-to-ban-toxic-chemicals-in-sunscreens/ Edited May 24, 2019 by Underwatr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic6318 Posted May 24, 2019 #12 Share Posted May 24, 2019 Hi As well as using the sunscreen (use lots of it), just be aware of how long you are out in the sun. Make a conscious effort to find some shade. Carry an umbrella, it can also be used if it starts raining. 😃 Watch your legs. have a great cruise 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 24, 2019 #13 Share Posted May 24, 2019 I use a long sleeved rash vest when swimming and snorkelling as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare brillohead Posted May 25, 2019 #14 Share Posted May 25, 2019 As a redhead with far too many sunburns in my history, as well as too many times where the person putting sunscreen on my back "missed a spot" (did a crappy job of applying), I've taken to wearing both swim leggings and a long-sleeved swim shirt. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 25, 2019 #15 Share Posted May 25, 2019 8 minutes ago, brillohead said: As a redhead with far too many sunburns in my history, as well as too many times where the person putting sunscreen on my back "missed a spot" (did a crappy job of applying), I've taken to wearing both swim leggings and a long-sleeved swim shirt. That is the best for your body and for the environment. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare brillohead Posted May 25, 2019 #16 Share Posted May 25, 2019 8 minutes ago, MicCanberra said: That is the best for your body and for the environment. I look weird, but I actually AM weird, so that doesn't bother me! And I save a lot of money on sunscreen and don't have to worry about finding someone to apply it, keeping track of how long since I last applied, waiting 15 minutes to jump in the water after applying, etc., and peace of mind is priceless! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 25, 2019 #17 Share Posted May 25, 2019 True, another alternative is to only snorkel or swim at night but that doesn't always suit and it is hard to see the fish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted May 26, 2019 #18 Share Posted May 26, 2019 Make sure you put it on 30 mins. prior to sun exposure. Many folks wait until they're in the sun to apply. It takes 30 mins. to really start protecting you. 30 mins of unprotected exposure can do a number on you, especially in the Caribbean! Put it on in your cabin, before you head out for the day. 1 Oz per adult, every 2 hours. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 26, 2019 #19 Share Posted May 26, 2019 Stay hydrated as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeyC Posted May 26, 2019 Author #20 Share Posted May 26, 2019 18 hours ago, brillohead said: As a redhead with far too many sunburns in my history, as well as too many times where the person putting sunscreen on my back "missed a spot" (did a crappy job of applying), I've taken to wearing both swim leggings and a long-sleeved swim shirt. Where would I find swim leggings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare brillohead Posted May 26, 2019 #21 Share Posted May 26, 2019 14 minutes ago, LukeyC said: Where would I find swim leggings? Not sure if you're looking for men, women, or children, or on what continent, but a simple google search for "swim leggings ________" (add men, women, or children) will bring you dozens of options, including Amazon. I've seen lots of lifeguards wearing leggings and shirts, too. Sun exposure is a legitimate health concern. For men who aren't comfortable with the "Speedo look" of leggings, you can also wear regular swim trunks (shorts) over the leggings for a bit of modesty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare brillohead Posted May 26, 2019 #22 Share Posted May 26, 2019 (Can also be called swim tights.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennaRoseGoes Posted May 26, 2019 #23 Share Posted May 26, 2019 6 hours ago, LukeyC said: Where would I find swim leggings? Coolibar makes them. Research on their own website, then you can buy on Amazon for faster shipping and returns 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted May 26, 2019 #24 Share Posted May 26, 2019 You can also just buy compression stuff that sports people use. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evandbob Posted May 27, 2019 #25 Share Posted May 27, 2019 I wish more cruisers would use reef safe sunscreen, better for them, others around them and the overall environment. Many boat operators will not allow spray screens on board their craft as it messes up the deck and can cause people to slip and slide. In Hawaii, reef killing mass market sun screens are now illegal, and Florida is considering doing the same. Mexico's Yucatan has long endorsed safe sunscreens, although tourists have routinely ignored this requirement. I've been on snorkel tours where the water gets almost opaque from everyone's mass market sun screen coming off and causing slicks. I've seen people on ships spraying themselves and maybe getting 10% of the product on their body while the rest goes in the air to land on lounges and the decks. What a waste! YIKES! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now