There are lots of complications that come along with wearing your sunscreen, but it’s essential, so it’s worth knowing all of this valuable information. Products are different for every person and, if you’re wondering what’s best for those with darker skin, here is what you need to know!
Do people of colour need to wear sunscreen?
One of the first questions that can arise concerning sunscreen is whether or not people of colour really need to be wearing one, as there are many indications throughout the beauty industry that this isn’t the case. And, of course, if there’s no need for some people to wear sunscreen, they should definitely know that.
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Broad-spectrum protection | Look for sunscreens labeled as “broad-spectrum,” which protect against both UVA and UVB rays. |
| SPF (Sun Protection Factor) | Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to ensure adequate protection against harmful UV rays. |
| Physical vs. chemical sunscreen | Physical sunscreens contain mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens have organic compounds that absorb UV rays. Consider personal preference and skin sensitivity. |
| Non-comedogenic formulation | Opt for non-comedogenic sunscreens to minimize the risk of clogging pores and causing breakouts. |
| Moisturizing properties | Look for sunscreens with added moisturizing ingredients to address the specific needs of black skin, which can be prone to dryness. |
| Minimal white cast | Consider sunscreens specifically formulated to minimize the white cast commonly associated with physical sunscreens. |
| Water-resistant formula | If you plan to engage in water activities or perspire heavily, choose a water-resistant sunscreen for longer-lasting protection. |
In the past, sunscreens weren’t’ very well-developed products, and their single intention was just to protect your skin from the Sun’s UV rays, regardless of whether or not it was comfortable, efficient, and other things which we take into consideration nowadays. One of the biggest flaws that came with practically every single sun protection product, which was still around until recently, was the white cast. That notorious white mark left behind in every area that sunscreen had been applied to on your face was a big issue for some people.
Although those with lighter skin, particularly if they were very fair, didn’t seem too bothered by it, and it didn’t seem to be of much concern to them, those with darker skin found it very obvious, but this wasn’t something the beauty industry addressed. This along with various other issues and complications that came with sunscreen led the majority of the public to believe that sunscreens just weren’t for people of colour, and the result of wearing one with the white cast also discouraged many.
Not to mention, another misconception about those with darker skin was that they wouldn’t need sunscreen because they don’t burn as easily. However, the truth is that people of colour can suffer just as much sun damage as those with paler skin, it just tends to be a little less common, as the melanin in your skin has a certain level of natural protection, and the more you have, the less likely you are to burn.
The average person of colour has a natural SPF of around SPF 13.4 to be precise, which is a good head start thanks to the melanin in the skin, but it’s still not as effective as a sunscreen. So, while darker skin is certainly less likely to suffer skin damage, sunscreen is definitely still a necessary product if you want to do what’s best for your skin.
What type of sunscreen is best for darker skin?
Now that we’ve established that darker skin does still require sun protection on the daily, it’s time to find out which types of products will give you the best results and leave your skin safe and flawless. Finding the right sunscreen for you can be a journey that you need to take yourself and experiment with, but it’s always good to find some suggestions to give you a head start.
Essentially, those with darker skin don’t need to choose their sunscreen any differently to those with lighter skin, as the colour of your skin isn’t the deciding factor here – it’s actually your skin type. However, there is one thing that people of colour may be more interested in avoiding than those with light skin, and that’s the white cast. So, one of the first things to consider looking out for is a sunscreen advertised to prevent any of that white cast nonsense.
From here, you need to think about your skin type. Are you an oily skin type or do you find a lot of dryness? Finding your skin type is important if you want to find a sunscreen that’s perfect for you, as the ideal sunscreen will work in harmony with your skin texture, not against it.
If you have oily skin, look out for something branded ‘non-comedogenic’, as this means it won’t clog your pores, and consider something water-based and even oil-free, too. These are also good labels to look for if your skin is acne-prone, as all three of them prevent additional breakouts and aggravated pimples.
On the other hand, if your skin is dry, you might need to find something that comes with its own hydrating and moisturising ingredients, too, which you can use alongside your favourite moisturiser for a brilliant pairing. Sensitive skin will require something fragrance-free and gentle, and avoiding fragrance is good for anyone else who is looking to take care of their skin, too, as it can be irritating.
Once you’ve found the type of formula you need, you’ll also need to think about the protection and, while the naturally occurring melanin does offer some of this already, it’s still sensible to go with at least an SPF 30, or even a 50, as this guarantees top-quality protection and care.
Also read:
Sunscreen Lotion or Spray – Which One is Better?
What is The Best Sunscreen? (For Body or Face)
What are the best sunscreens for darker skin?
While it’s great to go out and find your own sunscreen products that you like, it can also be very helpful to find some that are recommended to you for their performance, quality and other factors. So, if you need somewhere to start, below are three of the best sunscreens to suit different types of darker skin.
1. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Refillable Invisible Face Moisturizer
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If you’re looking for the perfect daily sunscreen that’s not going to leave a white cast, look no further than Rihanna’s own collection. This sunscreen will help to smooth the skin’s texture and leave your face feeling smooth, thanks to the powerful ingredient niacinamide. Plus, it’ll deliver intense hydration all day, so your skin won’t feel dried out.
One of our favorite features about this sunscreen is that it’s refillable, so you can save money by refilling rather than replacing it when you run out, and it’s much more sustainable for the planet, too.
2. La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
- Face sunscreen for oily skin with broad spectrum SPF 60 protection; Sunscreen absorbs pore clogging oil, even in heat and humidity; Formulated with cell Ox shield antioxidant technology
- This daily face sunscreen provides advanced protection while absorbing pore-clogging oil. Our best sunscreen for acne prone skin is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants.
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If you’re looking for a brand who know what they’re doing in the sunscreen department, you can’t go wrong with La Roche Posay, who have a huge range of highly performing products on the market. This one’s great for those with oily or acne-prone skin and even designed to help you clear your concerns!
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
- GAME-CHANGING SUNSCREEN - Our most popular SPF, Unseen Sunscreen is a totally invisible, weightless, scentless formula that provides oil-free sunscreen protection for all skin types, tones, & lifestyles.
- COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION - This feel-good, antioxidant-rich facial sunscreen helps filter blue light (skin-damaging light emitted from your phone, computer, & tablet), UVA, UVB & IRA rays.
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As the name suggests, this sunscreen went viral because it was absorbed into the skin very quickly and left no evidence whatsoever of wearing it. This way, you can apply it, and not even notice the feather light feel on the surface of your skin.
Final thoughts
In the end, it’s important to remember to wear your sunscreen regularly, even if you have darker skin, as everyone is vulnerable to sun damage when exposed. Make sure to take a look at your skin type before purchasing a sunscreen and use this information to base your choice off of.
