"Remember, the ultimate 'non-nano' mineral product was the old zinc oxide paste that we ran over our noses in the '70s." (Editor's note: Today's non-nano sunscreens won't leave an opaque white finish on your face.) "There might be a difference in how sheer an appearance they have once applied to the skin," says Kenneth Howe, a dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City. You might also be wondering if particle size has any effect on how well it protects skin, and the answer is, not really. The whole idea behind non-nano particles is that instead of dissolving in the ocean and potentially threatening marine life, they sink and become part of the ocean sediment. "The best thing to do is to use alternative sun protection that doesn't potentially introduce sunscreen into the water," Ko says, adding that sun protective clothing and bathing suits are not only an effective method of protection, but don't introduce any potentially harmful ingredients to the ocean. (In most mineral sunscreens, mineral particles are nanotized, meaning they're less than 100 nanometers.) The primary difference lies in whether the mineral particles are "non-nano," meaning they are larger than 100 nanometers. However, not all mineral formulas are created equal. Mineral (or physical) sunscreens, which typically feature zinc or titanium oxide as active ingredients, tend to be less damaging to coral reefs than chemical counterparts and synthetic preservatives. "The reason why isn't completely clear, but increased water temperatures and disruption in the local ecosystem - both worsened by climate change - are important co-factors and very likely to be accelerating the process." "Broadly, some sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to increased coral bleaching in laboratory conditions," cosmetics and skin-care formulator Stephen Alain Ko explains. However, figuring out which sunscreens are gentler on the environment isn't always crystal clear it requires some label-reading savvy. That's just the beginning earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it was moving to dramatically revamp regulations on safe-to-use sunscreen ingredients. In May 2018, Hawaii passed groundbreaking legislation that prohibited the sale of sunscreens made with oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the most common ingredients found in chemical formulas. Most recently, however, the conversation surrounding sunscreens has pivoted to address the effect they have on marine life, more specifically, coral reef damage. It's common knowledge that shielding your skin from UV rays can prevent fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. You even tossed a powder formula in your tote for those all-important touch-ups. You're enjoying a relaxing day at the beach and you've already slathered yourself in SPF from head to toe - bonus points for scalp.
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