Be part of us today

Hello, my readers welcome to my 12th blog post!

As always, I’d like to give a huge thank you for your attention to Oxybenzone Free.

I started this campaign to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive.

because I think the important thing is that society had to face up to the fact that we have a problem, using oxybenzone chemical products.

So I tried my best to provide this serious issues in our society in terms the general public and non-specialists can easily understand. 

So far, I shared what I found when I consulted on this subject.

 and

TODAY, I’D LIKE TO SHARE . .

A graph from TIME, which that summaries ‘How your sunscreen can harm coral reefs’, the reasons of why you should go oxybenzone free with us.

Here is why.

What do you think?

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Did you know about this?

or

you never knew?

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It doesn’t matter.

You can make a difference today.

Go oxybenzone free with us everyday, at every reef! and have a positive impact on coral reefs.

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support on our Twitter and Facebook)

Coral ecosystem is dying but not yet dead!

Hello my readers, How are you today?

This is my 11th post on Oxybenzone free word press! Isn’t that exciting? I’d like to hear your thoughts about my posts. So please, feel free to leave your comments below!

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Coral reefs have been deteriorating since the 1970s under a cascade of human impacts including pollution, climate change and overfishing.

To protect fragile coral reefs, Lead researcher Craig Downs said, “The use of oxybenzone-containing products needs to be seriously deliberated in islands and areas where coral reef conservation is a critical issue.”

and Finally,
Hawaii decided to ban Oxybenzone chemical sunscreen in their state!!

HOW EXCITING!!!

According to a news report from kitv, published on Jul 16, 2016 11:22 AM AEST.

Sen. Will Espero says he will introduce legislation for Hawaii to ban sunscreen with oxybenzone beginning in 2018.  This comes as the 13th annual Coral Reef Symposium comes to an end in Waikiki.

Hawaii takes a huge action, asking swimmers, surfers, and divers to avoid using sunscreens that contain the widely used ultraviolet light filter oxybenzone.

Like this, to stop causing further damage to the coral reef ecosystem, we need to take our action now!

In response to reports that the vast ecosystem is dead, scientists said that the world’s largest coral reef system may be dying, but it is not yet dead.

So please, join us today!

Together, we can make a difference!

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support on our Twitter and Facebook)

Use your sunscreen properly

Hi everyone, welcome to Oxybenzone free!

While climate change seems to be a major cause of coral destruction, other factors are making the situation worse.

Measurements of oxybenzone in seawater within coral reefs and popular tourism areas in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands found concentrations ranging from 1.4 parts per million to 800 parts per trillion! and that is 12 times the concentrations needed to harm coral.

Even if you aren’t actively working to save ocean life, you can help coral reefs and the environment by ensuring that your cosmetics. ( Such as your sunscreens)

If you are still using coral keeling sunscreen, please throw that away and read my last blog post to find out how to pick coral friendly sunscreens!

and join us.

Once you have your coral friendly sunscreens,

1. Check your SPF rate.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and SPF 15 means that you’ll get the same amount of sun damage in 15 hours as you would in one hour without sunscreen.

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UV rays

and

SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UV rays.

2. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outside to allow the active ingredients to blind to the skin.

*Ideal amount to cover the whole body is 1-2 oz. equal to the size of ping pong ball or an egg.

3. Make sure to apply on commonly missed spots including the ears, back of the neck, and the top of the feet if barefoot.

Will you be in the sun for an extended period of time?

If your answer is yes,

regardless of SPF rate, reapply sunscreens every 2 hours. (Even if you are using the water resistant sunscreen)

When should we use sunscreens?

My answer is “everyday“.

Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin.

Snow reflects 80% of the sun’s ryas and sand reflects 20%.

REMEMBER,

the sun’s rays are strongest during prime swimming hours between 10am and 4pm, 70% to 80% of the sun’s ryas penetrate clouds and fog.

By C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support on our Twitter and Facebook)

Pick a coral friendly sunscreen

Hi readers, welcome to my blog!

Lately, I have done a lot of research for both chemical and mineral sunscreen products and their effects. So I thought it would be nice to share what I’ve found so far and share some ideas with you, HOW TO PICK A GOOD SUNSCREEN?

The ultimate decision about whether to buy a chemical or a mineral sunscreen and about which brand to buy is up to the individual. I urge people to consider coral reef safety when choosing a sunscreen, however.

While sunscreen can protect from sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging, new research revealed that a Oxybenzone chemical in many formulas can contribute to the destruction of coral reefs.

Here is my personal tip for you to pick a good sunscreen:

1. Avoid Oxybenzone

2. Read your ingredients and choose a mineral based ingredients

3. Have a range of SPF 30 or higher

4. No sprays

5. Unscented or use essential oils for scent

6. Look for “broad spectrum” on the label that provide UVA and UVB

7. No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof.

REMEMBER. to reapply every two hours.

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NOW, I’D LIKE TO SHARE . .

The list of my favorite sunscreen brands. I’ve included the links on where to find these brands online for your use. Here are the lists:

1. Badger – Certified organic, several different SPFs and option for kids, babies and active people, unscented available
2. Thinkbaby/Thinksport – Great for athletes, kids and adults for prolonged exposure in sun.
3. Raw Elements – The first organic, non-GMO certified sunscreen.
4. Sunology  – Options for kids, face and body Protection.
5. California Baby – Formulated for sensitive skin, SPF 18-30 (Target carries this brand)

*  Please avoid skincare products from Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic, L’oreal Paris, Banana Boat.

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support on our Twitter and Facebook)

Eat a diet high in anti

Hi everyone, I’m back!

How was your week? Did you go to beach by any chance?

Weathers in Australia is getting hot and I guess summer is around the corner!

 It’s that time of year where we all start enjoying the weather outside, but did you know that the American Cancer Society indicated oxidative damage can increase your cancer risk?

Following three rules from last post,

I’d like to recommend you eating a diet high in certain foods which can potentially decrease your risk today.

Here is a list of the best foods and supplements that protect your skin!

• Red grapes, red wine, blueberries are loaded with phytochemicals, contain many of the vitamins and minerals that may help protect cells from damage and lower inflammation. It may help protect against cancer.

• Salmon and fish oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids and Astaxanthin, that have incredible anti-inflammatory powers.

• Orange veggies are loaded with magnesium and potassium that has been shown to aid in protection against some UV-induced skin irritations.

• Dark chocolates, improve the skin’s ability protect against some types of skin damage, including UV-induced issues like sun burns.

For a more extensive list, check out 6 Food Groups That Will Protect You From the Sun via @Greatist website.

NOW, I’D LIKE TO SHARE . .

My personal list of “must have” high antioxidant foods!

I have shorten my list to a few worth mentioning.

1. Coconut Oil – One study found that coconut and olive oils to have an SPF of about 8.

2.  Milk & Yogurt – They contain glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants that helps protect against free radical damage in the skin, as well as in the brain.

3.  Onions & Garlic – They contain quercetin, which has been found to protect against UV radiation in mice.

What other foods do you eat (or apply) to keep healthy skin? Share them in the comments below!

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support on our Twitter and Facebook)

My tips on the beach

Welcome everyone,Thank you for all your supports on our Facebook and Twitter!

Continue on the last blog post, I’d like to share some tips on this matter.

Growing up in Australia, sunscreen was something essential. But I never knew the sunscreen that we dutifully slather on before a swim on the beach was killing the coral reefs.

Thankfully, I wised up two years ago as I become an active diver. Until then, I didn’t even know sunscreens expire in 1-3 years.

Had no idea of what Oxybenzone was.nor to its effects.

But with you my readers, I want to share my findings and three simple tips at the end of the article.

Every year, between 6000 and 14,000 tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers, scuba divers, and snorkelers into coral reef environments. Even more sunscreen pollution can reach coastal areas via waste water discharges.

Up to 10% of the world’s coral reefs may be threatened by certain chemicals such as OXYBENZONE, found in most sunscreens.

So what can you do?

1. Avoid coral keeling sunscreens – I am careful to always use mineral sunscreen with Titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide.

2. Plan to swim – I wear a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves when I am in sun for long periods of time.

3. Find a shade – I try to get 15 mins of good sun exposure a day and look for a shade to stay. 

I want you to follow this simple steps before you reaching for a sunscreen.

Do you have your secret tips? I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Share your thoughts with us.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you but I will be taking a break for a week.I will see you all after the break!

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support on our Twitter and Facebook)

 

Plan to swim

Hello everyone,it’s a pleasure to have you back!

First off, I’d like to have a quick check. Have you find out how to become a smart consumer from my fourth and fifth blog posts?

If your answer is no, please try to read the followings and choose the right sunscreen for you and coral reefs this summer.

and if your answer was yes, tell me what you did!

Did you removed or threw away your toxic chemical sunscreens? and purchased new ones with Titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide? or at least, have you read the ingredients from your sunscreens?

According to my research, Oxybenzone is in the majority of sunscreens because of its ability to absorb and dissipate UV light, which causes sunburn and eventually skin cancers.

Ideally, the chemical would simply sit on the skin and block sun rays until being washed off.

Unfortunately, a study from the Center for Disease Control suggests that the chemical is actually absorbed into our system, and can stay there for an unknown amount of time.

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But Do you want this ingredient on your skin?

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I don’t want any harm!

It is important to note that there is no perfect sunscreen.

So always,‘plan to swim‘.

I will meet you on the next post and continue to discuss on this matter.

By C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support on our Twitter and Facebook)

Read your sunscreen

Welcome back everyone!

Did you miss me?

continue on last blog post, I will guide you to become a smart consumer.

But, before you scroll down this article today.

I want you!

to go through your pouch or household and find a sunscreen that you have and come back.

Place your sunscreen somewhere near you and continue reading.

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Are you ready?

There are two types of sunscreen that can protect the skin. Mineral sunscreen or a chemical one.

• Mineral sunscreens typically include ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which create a physical barrier to protect the skin from the sun. Both Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been proven safe for use on skin and the coral.
• Chemical sunscreens use one or more chemicals including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens actually penetrate the skin and get into the bloodstream. They are the coral keeling sunscreens.

Now readers,

I want you to grab your sunscreen and check your sunscreen toxicity rate from the chart below.

If your sunscreen shows higher toxicity rate, please make sure to throw them out for you and the corals and go purchase coral friendly sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide.

READ YOUR INGREDIENTS and become a smart consumer today!

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support @Oxybenzonefree and do what you can!)

Is your sunscreen safe?

Hi Everyone!

How do you find my posts so far? I’d like to hear your thoughts!

In my fourth blog post today, I will discuss How you can become a smart consumer. So if you are curious to know, please keep reading!

There are over 3,500 Oxybenzone containing product brands in worldwide, including the largest sunscreen brands such as Sun Pharmaceuticals and Banana Boat.

In fact, a spring 2016 report from Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 72 percent of sunscreens tested contain harmful ingredients or inadequate sun protection.

Thus, about half of sunscreens on the market contains toxic chemicals and most of consumers, including myself are tends to buy brand friendly sunscreens.

However, Are you sure your sunscreen is safe?

If you failed to answer my question, you might be wondering the ways to avoid toxic chemical sunscreens now.

So let’sfor a second,

and ask yourself.

What should you be aware of when you are purchasing a sunscreen from market?

My answer for you is

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“know your ingredients”.

Market research results show that while there have been major improvements over the last decade, the vast majority of sunscreens available for purchase in the world still contain toxic chemicals.

Thus, knowing your ingredients is the most smart way that you can protect yourself, and the corals.

I will continue discuss on this topic more deeply in next blog post!

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support @Oxybenzonefree and do what you can!)

Why should we care?

Hello my readers! Thank you for your interest on Oxybenzone free campaign.

On previous blog post, I talked about how using sunscreen with Oxybenzone chemical is damaging the coral reefs and the ecosystem. Thus, this third blog post will discuss the importance of coral reefs.

We all know that sunscreen is a common skin care product that we all use in world wide, as it help us to protect our skin from harmful UV rays and skin cancer. 

However, Oxybenzone chemical in our sunscreen is causing the coral reefs to death, damaging the ecosystem, and impact on our economy.

Here are some of benefits of coral reefs, the reasons of why we should care about this matter.

• Attracts tourist and generate dollars
• Protect us from natural phenomena
• Provide natural resources and job
• Provide food source

More details about the benefits of coral reefs can be found @ICRI (International Coral Reef Initiative) website.

Like this, coral reefs provide benefits in many ways. However, according to the U.S National Park service, every year, somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen enters coral reef areas around the world and it destroys the valuable habitat for marine organisms. 

How does it sound to you?

 You can help coral reefs by using oxybenzone free products and spreading the news.

It’s time to return the gift!

Leave your comments below and subscribe our latest news on  Facebook and Twitter.

by C.W.H

(Oxybenzone Free campaign aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of oxybenzone sunscreens, to reduce Oxybenzone pollution and keep our corals alive. Show us your support @Oxybenzonefree and do what you can!)