Hi, Chicsters today's post is all about sunscreen summers upon us and the weather is heating up so I thought it was the best time to discuss the topic. For a long time, there's was this misconception in the community about sun damage we assumed that since we didn't easily get sunburned that we were not affected by sun damage this is false.
So in today's post, I'll be sharing everything you need to know about the best sunscreen to prevent sun damage on dark skin. From whether it matters to splurge or save, the types of sunscreens there are and where to find a sunscreen that does not leave a white cast.
To start off let's discuss the basics of sunscreen, sunscreen generally protects you from UVA/UVB rays. UVA rays are the rays that cause wrinkles, and UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancer. Sunscreen comes in two formulations chemical & physical, physical sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering UV radiation, they are usually thicker in consistency and due to the nature of the ingredients in them have the dreaded white cast.
On the other hand chemical sunscreen contains organic (carbon-based) compounds, such as oxybenzone that work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it to a small amount of heat.
So why should you care about sunscreen besides the fact that it prevents skin cancer and prevents UV rays from damaging the DNA of your skin. If you have ever wanted or want blemish free even-toned skin aka the Glow then you cant skip the sunscreen. On dark skin, uncontrolled UV ray exposure equals hyperpigmentation and uneven skin.
Now that you know why you shouldn't be skipping sunscreen lets talk about how to choose the best sunscreen for you we will start with the price point. You can pick up sunscreen for anywhere between $8-$80 so how do you know whats the best value. Generally, most sunscreens have the same active ingredients depending on whether they are physical or chemical so why do some cost more than others.
Its all about whats added in, what form it comes in is it a lotion, primer, setting spray? Does it have anti-aging ingredients, skin repairing and restoring ingredients like amino acids, and plant stem cells, or antioxidants? These additional ingredients will determine the price.
So the question you need to ask yourself is what do I need. If you are in your twenties do you really need very expensive anti-aging ingredients? You should also be asking your self how you will be using the sunscreen, under makeup, without makeup; you should be factoring in your skin type oily, dry, acne prone and finally the level of protection you need. Chemical sunscreen tends to be more pore-clogging and physical sunscreens tend to leave a white cast etc.
Speaking of the white cast as a woman with dark skin, I struggled with finding a sunscreen that would not leave a white cast. A few hyped ones failed the test for me so when I heard this sunscreen was cast free I was skeptical until of course, I tried it!
Special thanks to the beauty team at the Oprah Magazine for making a believer out of me. I can emphatically say that the Super Goop Unseen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen does not leave a cast it actually is clear and applies clear! I've also heard that the Cover FX Invisible Sunscreen applies clear its a see-through formula that melts onto skin, leaving behind not a single trace of white or gray residue and was formulated for African-American and Latino consumers.
If you're in need of sunscreen or need to re-up on any beauty favorites like Drunk Elephant, Jo Malone, Fenty beauty you're in luck because right now Sephora Beauty Insider Spring Bonus Event is happening! It’s a huge opportunity for you to stock up as we move into warmer temps, wedding season, and summer travels! I've linked dark skin friendly sunscreens so you can shop and save right now.
You can also check out my beauty wishlist here as well as my new in beauty haul! Will be doing an update post on some of the products I've incorporated and have been loving! Finally, in order to take advantage of the sale make sure to be signed up for the Sephora Beauty Insider PROGRAM here!
Do you wear sunscreen? Whats your go-to brand?
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