This is a long overdue post, but our crazy summer is finally over — and I’m trying to write again!
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Today I want to talk to you about the importance of reef safe sunscreen in Maui. Did you know that Hawaii is the first US state to pass a law banning the sale of sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate? These two common sunscreen ingredients have been proven harmful to coral reefs and some believe they can hurt you as well.
SECRET: The law goes into effect in 2021, but you shouldn’t wait to switch your sunscreen. While you can legally bring any sunscreen you want to Maui, you won’t be able to buy sunscreens containing them on the island. Costco and other stores are already searching for alternative reef safe products, which is a good thing!
Coral reefs are in danger worldwide for many reasons. Switching to a reef-friendly sunscreen option at home and on vacation is one way you can help. I know it’s hard to give up your favorite sunscreens, and aerosol sprays are just so darn convenient — especially with kids. I felt the same way until I watched this eye opening video a few months ago. Please take a moment to watch!
Even after viewing this video and knowing that I HAD TO MAKE A CHANGE (nobody likes change), I thought it was going to be difficult. I tried reef safe sunscreen about five years ago for a trip to Mexico. Unfortunately, I just ended up a sticky, white mess at the beginning of the day and a red sunburnt one at the end. The reef safe sunscreen bottle was promptly tossed in my hotel’s trash can…sorry environment!!!
Enter Olita Skincare
After I shared the video above a few months ago on my Secrets of Maui Facebook page, a friend connected me with the founder of Olita, an innovative line of beach skincare products made with healthy ingredients that are high performance, as well as natural. Laurie O’Hara started Olita in Marin County, CA not far from Sacramento where I live. She is producing products that protect and nourish the skin with vitamins and age-defying antioxidants – and are safe for the ocean! The timing was perfect, and I just had to try her products. Let me tell you about my two favorites.
SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Olita just launched a highly protective, safe for the environment SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen. Their oxybenzone and octinoxate-free sunscreen does not contain any of the harmful chemicals known to be toxic to coral reefs, algae, sea urchins, fish and water mammals. Their ONLY active ingredient is the mineral zinc oxide.
Their sunscreen is TSA approved travel size, which is super important to me because we try to carry on whenever possible. However, the most important thing to me is that it works, and BONUS I love the way it feels when applying. I’ve tested it on my kids and myself. The reef safe sunscreen rubs in fairly quickly (important with squirmy toddlers) and doesn’t leave your skin white. It is fragrance free (which I totally get), but I do miss my coconut beach smell. But that’s a tradeoff I’m willing to make for a sunscreen safe for my family — and the environment.
Beach Be Gone
The other product I LOVE is Beach Be Gone®. It is a body powder (kind of like baby powder) that removes sticky sand from your skin. You know what I’m talking about — the sand that won’t brush off or sometimes even wash off at the beach showers! Beach Be Gone wicks away sand and moisture from your skin, leaving it super smooth and clean. Hooray! No more sandy feet in the car or condo. You twist the lid and shake the powder onto your skin (usually feet) and then rub it off with your hands or beach towel. The kids love it and so do I. There are a few different scents including unscented and one for kids, but I chose the classic coconut scent — because coconut makes me happy!
SECRET: I recommend you apply Beach Be Gone before getting into the car as it makes a little bit of a mess as you liberally apply to feet.
Check out Olita’s entire line of products — including after sun care, lip balm and more — on their website and support a small business!
Sunscreen Tips
Remember these tips to keep your skin and the reef safe!
- Apply BEFORE you go to the beach. Give your sunscreen time to soak in before you hit the waves. I also enjoy the privacy of applying sunscreen at home so I can rub it in underneath my bathing suit as well in case it shifts. (I hate those red line burns you get when that happens!)
- Apply anytime AFTER you swim or sweat, or every 2-3 hours to be sure.
- Wear a coverup. I prefer a rash guard and board shorts for extra protection, especially when swimming. Don’t be that tourist with the blistering red back after snorkeling in your bikini for an hour!
- Don’t forget a hat and polarized sunglasses for you and your kids. I love Babiators for children.
- Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. Instead opt for products with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
- Don’t use spray sunscreen. They typically aren’t reef safe and if you apply at the beach, the chemicals will be spread by the wind to all those around you, including the sea life.
- Bring an umbrella or sun shade and encourage your children to play under it. I like to set up an umbrella by the water so they can build sand castles under it.
For additional tips on how to keep Maui’s reefs safe, read “10 Ways to Become Sunscreen Smart” by Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.
Learn more about UV, UB and SPF in this Time article, “This Is the Only Sunscreen Article You Need to Read.”
What’s your favorite sunscreen? What sacrifices have you made to help the environment?
