Happy Ocean Science

It's important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage

The sun naturally emits ultraviolet radiation (UV) that is responsible for both sunburn and ageing. You can't feel the UV damage and the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which is why you can still burn on cool days.
Cancer Research UK report that in the UK almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could be prevented through enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunbeds.
Even getting sunburnt once every 2 years can triple your risk of skin cancer so you should wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 15, cover up with clothing and spend time in the shade.

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen works to protect us from Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation from the sun. This radiation is split into different wavelengths, UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVA - Penetrates deep into the skin, through glass and clouds. Causes aging, sunspots, wrinkles and leathery skin.
UVB - Affects the top layers of skin. Responsible for burning, redness, tanning and freckles.
UVC - The shortest wavelength, it is typically absorbed in the ozone layer.

It's important to use sunscreens that are broad-spectrum to protect you against UVA and UVB damage. The SPF number indicated the level of UVB protection, you should use at least and SPF 15 and many doctors recommend SPF 50. The products we stock use Zinc oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide to provide broad spectrum coverage.

Mineral sunscreens work by creating a physical layer on the surface of your skin. The layer reflects the UV rays, reducing the ammount that penetrate the skin and cause damage. Chemical sunscreens - that include UV filters like Oxybenzone and Ocotocrylene - absorb into the epidermis and break down when exposed to UV, releasing heat into the skin.

Our oceans are under more pressure than ever from fishing, tourism, waste products and climate change.
We believe that even the smallest changes can help to reduce pressure on an already stresses system.

Conservation

You don't have to spend time volunteering to help the oceans. Conservation starts at home, making sustainable choices every day.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - All of our products come in minimal packaging, which can be reused or recycled.
Take a reusable bag - plastic bag sales are down 90% since the 5p charge was introduced in 2015.
Sustainable seafood - Choose seafood from local fishermen, which is in season and a species which is not under pressure from over-fishing.