Health ConditionsChevron

CancerChevron

Skin CancerChevron

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

I dont have to give you the speech.

woman snorkeling in clear water in the Caribbean

cdwheatley / Getty Images

Here at SELF, weve written again and again about the benefits ofsunscreen.

It lowers your chance of gettingskin cancerand also has amazingantiaging benefits.

Its truly an everyday essential (not just for vacation).

Image may contain Cosmetics Bottle Sunscreen and Shaker

Oxybenzone works by absorbing UV radiation.

Chemicals in sunscreenmost notably oxybenzonecan cause coral to become sick, making it more susceptible to coral bleaching.

That’s when coral loses the colorful algae that it needs to survive.

Image may contain Cosmetics Bottle Sunscreen and Shaker

According to Downs, the Great Barrier Reef is currently experiencing its second mass coral bleaching event.

Based on reports from scientists, the majority of coral reefs that have been bleached will most likely die.

The same can’t be said for the reefs.

Image may contain Bottle and Cosmetics

Coral reefs are important for people living on dry land, too.

“This is part of the reason we see these reefs not recovering,” says Downs.

“Because there’s always someone getting in the water with sunscreen.”

Image may contain Cosmetics Bottle Sunscreen and Lotion

The chemical can be detected in urine in as little as 20 minutes after skin app.

The same thing happens if you wash off your sunscreen in the shower.

You don’t even need to get the stuff on your skin to do environmental damage.

Image may contain Cosmetics Bottle and Shaker

And that’s with no wind.

It rubs in for invisible protection against UVA and UVB rays.

It has a combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.