Wearing sunscreen 365 days a year is imperative regardless of skin shade. Generally darker skin people have sun protection spf 13 thanks to melanin, but this is not enough to protect their skin from UV rays and damage as a result of it. Black indeed does Crack!
Here's why you need to wear sunscreen everyday
- UV rays worsen dark spots, melisma and hyperpigmentation (darker skin is more prone to this thanks to melanin)
- UV exposure causes sun spots
- UV rays damage DNA which can lead to cancer (skin cancer)
- UV rays accelerate breakdown of collagen
- UV rays accelerate breakdown of elastin which provides resilience and bounce of skin.
- UV exposure leads to loss of hyaluronic acid which gives skin volume, suppleness and firmness
We understand picking sunscreens can be quite daunting considering the fact that there are quite a number of them out there. We put together a list of factors to consider when picking the right sunscreen for you.
SPF
Check the Sun Protection Factor. Sun Protection Factor,is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.
SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
An SPF of at least 30 is recommended and should be reapplied every two hours especially in cases of prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Type of sunscreen: (Chemical, Mineral or Physical)
Physical Sunscreens – They contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as the active ingredients. They settle on top of the skin and form a physical barrier that reflects away UV rays. Examples include: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen, Cerave Hydrating Mineral Suncreen, or Heliocare Mineral sunscreen.
Chemical Sunscreens – They contain ingredients like Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. They are absorbed into the skin and have a chemical reaction that changes UV rays into heat that then gets released from the skin.
Examples include: Most Nivea suncreens, Neutrogena Age Shield, Eucerin Sunscreens
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen
Spf 50
Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Spf 50
Broad Spectrum Protection
This means protection from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are responsible for most sunburn and DNA damage while UVA rays cause DNA damage too and accelerate Skin Ageing (fine lines, wrinkles and age spots). Over exposure to both leads to skin cancer
Skin Type
Mineral/Physical Sunscreens Pros: are less irritating and non-comedogenic and are therefore preferred for sensitive blemish-prone skin eg acne, eczema etc and for those with hyperpigmentation eg melasma.
They are also good for babies and most baby suncreens are mineral e.g. Aveeno Baby Zinc Sunscreen and Cerave Baby Sunscreen.
Major con: They tend to leave a white cast especially on darker skin shades.
Chemical sunscreens Pros:are easier to apply and don’t usually leave a white cast.
Con: They can be irritating for those with sensitive skin.
Aveeno Baby Sunscreen Lotion
Spf 50
Cerave Baby Hydrating Sunscreen
Spf 45
Water Resistant Formula
This ensures the sunscreen stays on longer when swimming exercising or any sweaty conditions.
Please note however sunscreen is not completely water-proof and should therefore be reapplied every two hours at least.
Disclaimer: Sunscreen is not a substitute for your moisturizer or vice-versa. Apply Moisturizer then sunscreen.
We hope the factors above are going to help you make an informed decision when picking out your sunscreen. If you are looking for a sunscreen for the holidays, you can select from a variety by clicking here.
We would like to know what sunscreen you use. Your two cents on Suncreens? Any specific questions regarding sunscreens? Let us know your thoughts.
