Heavily melanated skin may be more resistant to the consequences of sun exposure, but contrary to popular belief- it's not exempt.
For years I believed sunscreen for brown skin was completely unnecessary. Unlike more fair skin complexions, brown skin can be exposed to the sun for hours & experience nothing more than a tan. But, just because we may not burn or blister, UV rays still have a negative impact on the overall health & appearance of our skin. Here are a few reasons why sunscreen is a must have, as well a couple of recommendations for some of the best sunscreens for the melanin rich.
1.) Increased hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
If darks spots is on your list of skincare concerns, there's no way you should step foot into the sun without sunscreen. Hyper- pigmentation is the overproduction of melanin (pigment) in the skin. Melanin is created by cells called melanocytes, & do you know what causes melanocytes to be produced?? You guessed it--, UV rays from the sun. That means every second you spend in the sun unprotected, melanin is being overproduced and making your dark marks even darker.
2.) Premature aging/ sun damage (photoaging)
80% of the skins aging & changes in appearance is due to being exposed to UV Rays. Photaging is a term used to describe the premature aging of the skin causes by the sun. Similar to regular aging, it's a cumulative process, but instead of being linked to how much time has passed, it's directly related to how much sun exposure you have had. So basically, the sun is making you look older, MUCH faster.
3. Increased risk of cancer
Even if you've never been sunburned, you're still at risk for skin cancer. Protecting your skin from direct sun exposure along with regularly checking the skin for any unusual spots, moles, or sores will help decrease the chances of developing or allowing cancer to go unnoticed. Unfortunately, for people of color skin cancer is usually diagnosed in it's late stages, & in some instances can be fatal if gone undetected for too long. Wearing sunscreen is a lot more serious that just preventing wrinkles & hyperpigmentation, it can potentially help save your life.
Recommendations
The ghostly white cast that some sunscreens leave on the skin is enough to discourage even the most "skin conscious" person from using it everyday. But don't let brands that were formulated without brown skin in mind deter you from protecting yourself. Here are a few recommendations for sun screens that will melt into your melanin.
1. Black Girl Sunscreen ( $15.99 Target)
Specifically crafted for women of color and infused with ingredients such as avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice and sun flower oil to help hydrate & protect the skin.
2. Supergoop Unseen sunscreen ($38.00 Ulta)
Just like the name of this sunscreen, it's literally "unseen". No white cast, & leaves a nice glow to the skin.
3. Cerave Hydrating mineral sunscreen ($21.00 Target)
No white cast & great for sensitive skin.
4. Fenty Hydra Vizor (Fentybeauty.com $39)
My personal favorite. SPF 30 & leaves a hydrating glow on the skin.
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