Black CAN Crack: Sun and Skin Tips for Brown Girls

So, you think because God gifted you with mocha skin you don’t need sunscreen? You may joke about how wrinkly our fair-skinned, Caucasian counterparts get on a beach sauteing themselves with baby oil and gambling against skin cancer, but black people may have much more to worry about under the sun–a study at Michigan University revealed that African-Americans are more likely to die from melanoma than whites, and 63% of us don’t think we need sun protection at all. Newsflash: Sunscreens are not just for white people!

Aside from health reasons, sun damage CAN make you look old. “Darker skinned patients may not wrinkle as much as lighter skin tones, but uneven pigmentation and loss of radiance/glow in skin is very common as they age,” says David H. McDaniel, M.D., FAAD, director of the Institute of Anti-aging Research.

Here’s a few suggestions on how to enjoy the sun without drying out:

Wear you sunscreen on your sleeve. Coolibar, a line of sun-protective clothing gives an SPF of 50+ protection of UVA and UVB radiation, which in English, means that the fabric will block 98% of the bad stuff. They’re also the first to be recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and Melanoma International Foundation. Their hats and clothes are oh-so-wearable, too. Also worth honorable mention is Sunny Sleevez, a slip-on bathing suit-like material to cover and protect your arms. It’s best to baby your elbows from direct sun, because it’s an especially vulnerable place for hyper-pigmentation and skin thickening. They’re handy for driving in the car, hiking and biking.

Find shelter: Sport-Brella is a love child of the tent and umbrella. It spans eight feet wide and I PROMISE, you will be the ENVY of everybody at the beach. It has stakes to keep it from blowing away, two vented ‘windows’ so you don’t miss the breeze, gives SPF 50 sun protection, and is weather proof. Sun or rain, the umbrella/tent hybrid is the biddness.

Get topical. No arguing, you need sunscreen. The challenge with us, is that some sunscreens can leave us looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost. But lucky for you, all the formulations listed have already been tested for black/brown skin.

Not all sunscreen lotions are created equal. “Hypoallergenic formulations have more costly ingredients, microparticle zinc oxide is more expensive but it vanishes into the skin much better and there may be added ingredients such as the antioxidants, etc,” says Dr. McDaniel. However quality may range, some is better than none.

Here are some sunscreens worth checking out:

Best for full body:

Beyond Coastal Natural Clear Sunscreen (SPF 30+): No ghosts using this–it’s got the stuff to keep out harmful rays (zinc oxide), along with moisturizing and antioxidant ingredients like aloe, rose hips, grape seed, green tea, and shea butter.

Yes to Carrots Hydrating Body Lotion with SPF 30: Aside from the sun-shielding zinc, the top ingredients are sweet almond oil, Dead Sea minerals, and coconut oil. Say buh-bye to the ashy.

Exfoliate and Protect:

Vivite Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen (SPF 30):

Manufactured by the pharmaceutical bohemeth, Allergan, Vivite’s sunscreen contains high-quality protective ingredients, and glycolic acid, so it covers and sloughs off dead skin that can make your face look dull and cause uneven skin ton. It goes on completely clear.

Great for under eyes and lips:

Clinique Sun SPF 45 Sun Protection Stick

The formulation goes on sheer like a stick of Blistex or Chapstick, and is solid, which makes it great for air travel. You can get it for $17.50 at QVC.com.

For oily skin:

Chella Day Cream Mattifying Hydrator SPF 25

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30

Like the other stellar formulas, it has the requisite protection, plus antioxidants and polymers that work to ‘absorb’ excess oils. What makes it stand out is the manufacturer’s claim that is compatible with any other topical therapies and moisturizers, so you don’t have to worry too much about nasty chemical reactions.

Best Protection After Break-Outs

Dermagenics Sun Savvy Solar Shield

Did you know sunscreen can float? This formula does not absorb into the skin; rather, it creates a barrier between your skin and the sun. But don’t be alarmed if the cream looks like you’re putting cream cheese on your face at first–it’ll fade. Because it doesn’t absorb and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, it’s a nice product to use while healing from an angry breakout, when your skin is most vulnerable to acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation.

Do you have any special tips for protecting your skin from the sun?

Source: Madame Noire

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