With thanks to MH Boutique
Sunlight is vital for all living creatures. It provides us with an array of benefits, including improving our sleep, facilitating the production of vitamin D in our bodies and strengthening our immune systems. However, it can also cause significant harm if suitable precautions aren’t taken.
With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with skincare and toiletries specialist MH Boutique to provide a guide on everything there is to know about the importance of sun protection, and what products to consider using in light of the industry’s push towards more sustainable solutions.
Lounging around the yacht pool is a great way to unwind - that is until you forget to reapply your sunscreen and are met with sore, burning skin. Each and every time you burn, you damage your cells and blood vessels, causing the skin to become dry, discoloured and even age quicker.
The biggest concern with burnt skin, however, is the risk of developing skin cancer as a result of UV radiation. The America Cancer Society (ACS) has estimated that there will be approximately 99,780 new diagnosed cases of melanoma in the United States in 2022, with an even scarier estimate of 7,650 people dying because of it. So, whilst cruising the sunny Mediterranean or Caribbean is an incredible experience, it’s vital that sun exposure is taken seriously.
The safest way to prevent UV damage is to stay out of the sun, especially at peak times. Understandably, this can be difficult on board, so a range of precautions should be taken if staying out of the sun is unavoidable, including:
Sunscreen is available as a cream, spray, gel or stick, and can be categorised by its SPF (sun protection factor) rating, a measurement of how well a product can protect us from harmful UV rays.
Although SPF typically ranges from 15 to 50, it’s important to choose one with at least an SPF of 30, as the higher the SPF, the higher the protection. This is vital when you are spending a lot of time on deck and surrounded by water, as water reflects the harmful UV rays.
It’s also recommended that you apply moisturising and hydrating product after spending time in the sun, as this can help keep your skin feeling nourished and soft.
Sunscreen is safe for any child over the age of 6 months. It’s recommended that sunscreen is used regularly throughout childhood to prevent skin damage.
Protective clothing and shade can be used for children under the age of 6 months, or a minimal amount of sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas if other methods of sun protection are unavailable on board. For children with sensitive skin or allergies, there are a range of products on the market that are fragrance-free, vegan and suitable for delicate skin.
It is common knowledge throughout the yachting industry that looking after our oceans is vital, and so steps should always be taken to protect it where possible. Whilst all sunscreens are perfectly safe to use on your skin and will protect you from sun damage, there are two chemicals that are commonly found, oxybenzone and octinoxate, that can wreak havoc on our oceans. These chemicals bleach coral and are extremely damaging, with the US National Park Service estimating that 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year, putting it under significant stress and increasing coral mortality levels.
Passionate about sustainability, there are a multitude of brands on the market that provide the industry with eco-friendly sunscreen product ranges, including COOLA, Ultrasun and Aethic Sôvée. With organic ingredients and marine-safe ingredients, these products help owners, guests and crew to not only protect their own skin, but to take care of our oceans too.
Find out more about organic toiletries for superyachts, or search for toiletry suppliers near you.
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