Sunscreen & the Environment: Protecting Your Skin and Nature

Enjoying the sun is one of life’s simple pleasures, an afternoon at the beach, a swim in the sea, or a long walk in nature. But behind these golden moments lies a critical responsibility: protecting our skin from harmful UV rays while also preserving the health of the ecosystems we love. At Juillet Juillet, our commitment goes beyond designing UPF 50+ anti-UV swimwear. We advocate for a sun-conscious lifestyle that respects both our bodies and the environment.

Why sun protection matters for everyone

Sun exposure remains the leading cause of premature skin aging and the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin differently, but both contribute to long-term damage. That’s why consistent sun protection is non-negotiable. Alongside our UPF 50+ swimsuits, daily sunscreen is an essential ally in preserving the health and appearance of your skin.

But how do we protect ourselves without harming the very oceans and ecosystems we cherish? That’s where thoughtful product choices come in.

Understanding what’s inside your sunscreen

There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Both are effective at protecting your skin, but their impact on the environment can be drastically different.

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which absorb UV rays. However, research shows these substances can disrupt marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. They contribute to coral bleaching and damage marine larvae, even in small concentrations. As a result, several destinations including Hawaii, Palau, and parts of Mexico have banned sunscreens containing these ingredients.

Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays. These ingredients sit on the skin and reflect light rather than absorb it. When non-nano and responsibly formulated, they are far less harmful to marine environments.

The invisible impact of sunscreen on oceans

Every time you swim, rinse off at a beach shower, or even walk along the shore, sunscreen can wash into natural water systems. It’s estimated that 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in coral reefs annually. Even if you’re not diving into tropical waters, residues of chemical sunscreen can travel through wastewater and accumulate in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

For nature lovers and families, this presents a dilemma: how can we protect our children’s skin without contributing to long-term environmental damage?

Building eco-responsible sun habits

Choosing the right sunscreen is part of a broader approach to conscious sun care. Here’s how to take care of your skin and the planet:

Start with UPF clothing. Covering your skin with UPF 50+ swimwear, like the long-sleeved suits and hats available on juilletjuillet.com, reduces your reliance on sunscreen. Fewer exposed areas mean fewer chemicals washing into the water.

Opt for mineral-based sunscreens. Look for products labeled "reef-safe" or "ocean-friendly", with active ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These offer broad-spectrum protection without contributing to coral bleaching.

Let the sunscreen absorb. Apply your sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before swimming, giving it time to settle into the skin. This helps prevent it from immediately rinsing off into the sea.

Reapply responsibly. After swimming or toweling off, reapply sunscreen away from the water’s edge, using only what’s necessary.

Consider biodegradable formulas. Some newer sunscreen brands are creating products that break down naturally over time, minimizing residue left in ecosystems.

Store your sunscreen in reusable, refillable containers to reduce packaging waste. Choose brands with clear sustainability commitments and recyclable or refillable packaging.

UPF swimwear: your best friend in eco-conscious sun care

The fewer surfaces you need to cover in sunscreen, the better it is for your skin and the ocean. That’s why anti-UV clothing is so powerful. At Juillet Juillet, we design UPF 50+ swimwear that provides full coverage and high performance without compromising on style. Whether it’s our women’s suits or baby sunsuits, each piece is a wearable layer of protection that doesn’t pollute.

Wearing UPF clothing allows you to:

• Reduce the amount of sunscreen needed

• Stay protected even when sunscreen wears off

• Minimize the risk of skin irritation from chemical ingredients

• Adopt a more sustainable and low-waste skincare routine

Educating the next generation

If you’re a parent, you know that kids are often the first to dive into the waves—and the last to want to reapply sunscreen. Teaching children to wear UPF 50+ swimwear and understand the reasons behind reef-safe sunscreen builds habits that benefit both their health and the planet. Make it a fun ritual: picking out their favorite anti-UV hat or suit, and learning when and how to reapply sun protection.

This small, joyful education can have lasting ripple effects.

A new standard in sun care

The future of skincare is not just about what works, it’s about what’s safe, sustainable, and ethical. As awareness grows, consumers are shifting toward brands that align with their values. At Juillet Juillet, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Our anti-UV mission goes hand in hand with a vision for a cleaner, healthier planet.

By combining science-backed protection, beautiful design, and environmental awareness, we empower our community to enjoy the sun responsibly.

Continue reading

• The science behind UPF clothing

• How to choose your anti-UV swimsuit

Ready to protect your skin and the sea?

Explore our full UPF 50+ swimwear collection. From baby suits to long-sleeved tops for women, our sun-safe designs offer high protection with minimal environmental impact.