Skincare Basics | 003 - Choosing Your Sunscreen
Everyone needs sunscreen, including Black and darker skin tones. This is an undisputed fact. However, we appreciate that it can be tricky to find the right one. Whether it’s the texture, the ghostly cast or unwanted breakouts, sometimes it feels easier to just not bother.
Read on to understand why you do need sunscreen and for our top Black skin recommendations.
WHY DO YOU NEED A SUNSCREEN?
Although Black skin does have a natural sun protection factor (SPF) of up to 13, this isn’t high enough to fully protect skin from sun damage such as premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, sun burn and even potentially skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen every day is important for preventing this damage and maintaining your skin health.
If you are using active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids, it is very important to use sunscreen diligently as these ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen should be the last step in your morning skincare routine, after your moisturiser and before your makeup.
You need to use sunscreen every day, and remember that the sun’s rays also come through windows, so even if you’re not leaving the house your skin still needs some protection. Apply generously and don’t forget your neck and your ears!
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SUNSCREEN?
Choosing your sunscreen comes down to your skin type, but also what works for you. You might have to kiss a lot of SPF frogs to find your perfect sunscreen!
Make sure you’re looking at sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 30 and is broad spectrum. The sun produces two UV rays which affect your skin in different ways – UVA and UVB. UVA causes fine lines and wrinkles (think: A for aging) and UVB causes sunburn (same, think: B for burning). It is important to protect from both.
If you find white cast is a problem for you, avoid ‘mineral’ sunscreens which use physical filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin. Instead opt for ‘chemical’ sunscreens which use ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone that are specifically sun-filtering rather than creating a physical barrier. ‘Chemical’ sunscreens also tend to be more lightweight and are less likely to leave a white cast on the skin.
Oilier skin types will likely prefer an oil-free gel texture. They usually feel lighter and won’t make your skin feel overwhelmed. Dry and dehydrated skin will be more drawn to slightly heavier texture which will feel more moisturising and seal in hydration. You may also find you don’t need a moisturiser underneath your sunscreen.
You might want to choose a few suncare products, so you have the right products for what you need. If you find your skin gets drier during the cooler months, have a more hydrating option. A lipbalm with SPF is great to make sure your lips stay protected as well.
If you’re going to be out and about you’ll need to consider reapplying (around every two hours). Sprays are a great way to top up easily, hygienically and the bottle fits easily in your bag.
OUR FAVOURITE SUNSCREENS
(WITH NO WHITE CAST)
Sunscreens for Oily and Combination Skin
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35
Why we love it: This lightweight gel protects your skin without feeling sticky or overwhelming. It sits well under makeup and won’t leave a cast.
La Roche Posay UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50
Why we love it: This lightweight fluid has been through a few name changes in its time but is still a classic. It absorbs easily into the skin and leaves a soft, demi-matte finish
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50
Why we love it: A gel texture with added antioxidants to protect your skin from pollution as well as the sun. Non-greasy and won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Murad Ivisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30
Why we love it: This dual sunscreen and primer preps your skin, smooths out texture and leaves your skin with a velvety finish
Sunscreens for Dry & Dehydrated Skin
Garnier Super UV Anti Dryness SPF 50
Why we love it: This cream is packed with hyaluronic acid to give your skin a moisture boost, without feeling greasy or sticky. It works well under makeup as well.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen SPF 50
Why we love it: This hydrating cream leaves skin feeling happy and comfortable with a slightly dewy finish.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible SPF 30
Why we love it: This moisturiser with added sun protection is a saviour for dry and dehydrated skin. It leaves a lovely glowy finish and prepares your skin perfectly for makeup as well.
Bondi Sands SPF50 Sunscreen Lotion
Why we love it: it’s hydrating, lightweight, skin softening with added Vitamin E and its fragrance free. You skin always has a beach sun kissed glow.
Sunscreens for Reapplying
Kate Somerville UncompliKated Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray SPF 50
Why we love it: This spray is a great option to pop in your handbag when you’re on the go to top up. It sits well over your makeup and doesn’t leave a residue throughout the day.
Ultrasun Face and Scalp Mist SPF 50
Why we love it: A super portable spray for hygienically reapplying your sun protection through the day. Also perfect for anyone with braids where more of your scalp may be showing.
Sunscreens for The Bits We All Forget
Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF 30
Why we love it: Lip protection will likely need to be topped up more regularly. Keep your lips soft, comfortable and protected with this handy little stick balm.
Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands SPF 30
Why we love it: This hand cream is includes hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to moisturise and soothe dry skin while protecting your hands – remember they’re exposed too!
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. Getting it right is worth the effort.