When I envisioned having my own practice, I didn’t know exactly where I’d hang my shingle, but I always knew I’d keep an aquarium there. As someone who’s kept reef aquariums for nearly two decades, I’ve personally experienced the joy and relaxation that reef-keeping can bring. It has provided me with a connection to the ocean, inspired curiosity, and brought peace during busy or stressful times. Over the years, I’ve seen countless friends and family members also benefit from interacting with these living ecosystems. Now, at Sana Sana Clinic, my vision is reality. I’ve established a thriving reef tank, allowing my patients to experience this hobby firsthand. Many have already had the chance to feed the fish and corals themselves at the end of their visits. My aquarium also serves as a powerful reminder: Florida’s wild reefs are fragile ecosystems in urgent need of our protection. My passion for primary care and my commitment to protecting these reefs converge when it comes to choosing the sunscreen that protects our skin. Importantly, you don’t have to choose between protecting yourself from the sun or safeguarding our reefs, both can be achieved by making informed choices.
The Hidden Threat in Your Beach Bag
Every year, around 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash into coral reef areas worldwide. Studies show that common suncreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate significantly damage reefs, causing coral bleaching, DNA damage, and deformities in young coral larvae. These chemicals make corals more susceptible to disease and less resilient to climate stress. Even low concentrations of these substances can have devastating impacts, accumulating over time in popular swimming and snorkeling areas.
Understanding Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching occurs when corals become stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or water quality. Sunscreen chemicals exacerbate this stress by causing corals to expel their symbiotic algae, leading to a loss of color and essential nutrients. Bleached corals aren’t necessarily dead, but they’re severely weakened and highly vulnerable to disease and death if the stress continues.
Aquarium Arks: Preserving Coral for Future Generations
The stark reality is that some coral species now survive primarily, or exclusively, in human care. For example, Florida’s pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) has become functionally extinct in the wild after losing more than 90% of its colonies due to disease outbreaks. Today, their survival depends entirely on fragments maintained in aquariums and specialized facilities. Public and private aquariums now serve as crucial arks, safeguarding coral genetic diversity and providing opportunities for future reef restoration efforts. Your home aquarium today could be part of tomorrow’s coral restoration success story. Yet, while aquarium preservation is critical, there’s still much we can do to protect and support the coral that remains alive in the wild.
Decoding “Reef-Safe”: What to Look For
“Reef-safe” sunscreen typically refers to products that use minerals like non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Zinc oxide is a safe ingredient for reefs, but only when labeled as “non-nano.” Nano-sized particles, often used to create sunscreens that absorb easily and appear clearer on the skin, can still negatively impact marine life. Always check the sunscreen packaging for the term “non‑nano” to ensure you’re selecting a genuinely reef‑friendly product. Non‑nano titanium dioxide is also considered safe for reefs and offers broad‑spectrum protection similar to zinc. These substances physically block UV rays without harming marine life in their non-nano formulations. Avoid sunscreens containing harmful ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, parabens, and triclosan. Be cautious of products that merely use marketing buzzwords but may still be harmful to reefs. Always check the ingredients list to ensure the sunscreen is genuinely reef-friendly.
Vote with Your Wallet
In Florida, despite local efforts to ban reef‑harming sunscreens, state laws still allow these products to remain on store shelves. That means your everyday shopping choices make a real difference. When you reach for sunscreen, choose a mineral formula that relies on non‑nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium oxide. Three widely available and dermatologist‑trusted examples are Neutrogena Sheer Zinc, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral, and Raw Elements Face & Body.
By voting with your wallet, you send a clear message to manufacturers and retailers that you value our reefs. Consumer demand is powerful; every conscious purchase helps nudge the market toward sustainability.
Practical Tips to Protect Your Skin and the Reefs
- Wear Protective Clothing: UPF-rated clothing, hats, and sunglasses significantly reduce the amount of sunscreen needed, thus lowering environmental impacts.
- Time Your Application: Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before swimming to allow absorption and minimize immediate runoff into the water.
- Avoid Aerosol Sprays at the Beach: Choose lotions or sticks over sprays, as sprays can drift and contaminate water and sand, affecting marine life.
- Reapply Smartly: Always reapply sunscreen while on land, not directly at the shoreline, to prevent excess chemicals from entering the ocean.
Additional Ways to Support Coral Reef Conservation
- Educate Yourself and Others: Share information about reef-safe products and conservation practices within your community.
- Support Local Initiatives: Get involved with local coral reef restoration organizations through donations, volunteering, or participation in educational events.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with local policymakers to support reef-friendly regulations and conservation efforts.
At Sana Sana Clinic, we’re committed to caring for our community and our local environment. With every responsible choice, you help ensure that Florida’s reefs and the joy they bring remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come. Consider signing up to be my patient and feed the fish and coral after your visit if you’d like!
Sources: AAFP · CDC · NOAA National Ocean Service · International Coral Reef Initiative · Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology · National Park Service
