Hey ladies!
Today’s FitBeauty topic was actually inspired by a few brown skin beauties that I happen to come across on my Instagram feed this past weekend.
Now I’m sure many of you are soaking up the last few days of summer, so today’s post will definitely be an eye-opener to anyone who’s been partaking in the pleasures of tank tops and sun-kissed skin, without sunscreen.
So while cruising my Instagram feed, I came across @heycurlie, a lovely natural hair vlogger that some of you probably recognize. And as you can see, in this pic @heycurlie was kind enough to show off her very cute bun hairstyle along with a patch of good ‘ole sunburn – which now leads me to point out a few important facts:
Fact #1: Buns can be a super cute, low-maintenance, protective hairstyle.
Fact #2: Yes, black women can get sunburn.
Fact #3: Black women need to wear sunscreen just as much as another race of women. In fact, black women – or black people in general – need to be even more protective of our skin because of our higher risk of developing deadly forms of skin cancer.
Let me explain:
It’s pretty much common knowledge that people with darker skin don’t sunburn as easily as those with fairer skin, and the reason why is because people with darker skin have a higher amount of epidermal melanin, which provides a sort of “built-in sunscreen” to our skin. The higher amount of melanin also means we’re less likely to develop visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots when compared to Whites. And because many Black women know this, we tend to develop a false sense of security in feeling that because we have this “natural SPF” built into our skin, we don’t have to worry about things like skin cancer. But this definitely isn’t the case, because here are a couple of truths you may not be aware of:
Truth #1: According to the National Cancer Institute, the leading cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Truth #2: According to research from the University of Cincinnati, when African Americans, Latinos, and Asians do get skin cancer, the type of skin cancer we get tends to be more malignant when compared White people.
In other words, when White people get skin cancer it’s more often treatable. But when brown people get skin cancer, it will more often be a type of skin cancer that kills us.
And this is one of the biggest reasons why Black women need to take care of our skin, and do simple things that protect our skin – like wearing sunscreen.
So the lesson for today is: Whether you’re black, white, or purple, at the end of the day all women are susceptible to developing skin cancer – if we don’t protect our skin. So wear your sunscreen!
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And now that we’re clear on why all women need to wear sunscreen, let’s move right along to how pick your sunscreen.
Sunscreen Fit Tips: (According to the Skin Cancer Foundation)
1. Use sunscreen daily, and throughout the year. Remember, sun exposure happens year round – whether summer or winter – so at the very least it’s wise to use a facial moisturizer with sunscreen when you’re going about your regular day to day.
2. Use sunscreens that provide “broad spectrum protection.” Board spectrum protection is something that will be clearly advertised on the product label, and this means that the sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays – which are linked to skin cancer and sunburn, respectively.
3. Avoid sunscreen with Vitamin A (aka retinol) or sunscreens that contain fragrance because they may increase skin sensitivity.
4. In cases of minimal sun exposure (i.e. sun exposure for just a few minutes at a time) it’s safe to stick with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15, which will filter out about 93 percent of UV radiation. In cases of more extended, intense sun exposure, you should go with SPF 30 or higher.
Last but not least, when applying sunscreen keep in mind that you need to use an adequate amount and you may also need to reapply depending on how long you’re outdoors. Basic rule of thumb: You should reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, and if you go swimming or get in the water, you should also reapply more sunscreen after exiting the water.
Do you use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen? What are your favorite sunscreens? Let me know in the comments!
Peace, Love & Healthy Living! – Doc
I bought Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion/Suncreen at a my local supermarket. It is 15 broad spectrum UVA/UVB. It is a light texture that gives you great spread coverage. You might find this at major drug chains such as CVS. Luv it!!! Thanks for the article DrPhoenyx.
You’re welcome! I’m familiar with Hawaiian Tropic, and I do often see their brand in drugstores. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Is there any natural sunscreens that you recommend?
I’m not sure if you’re referring to all natural products that have suncreen capabilities- or actual sunscreens that contain natural ingredients. As far as actual suncreens, there are a few reputable brands that you can find on ewg.org (Enviormental Working Group), which is an excellent site for finding healthy products in many categories.
What are the brands that you suggest?
Hi! I find Neutrogena to be a solid brand when it comes to sunscreen. They offer a wide range of SPF’s, and built in sunscreen with a few of their facial moisturizers.
I’am African American and I choose not to wear sunscreen bc I know that my melanin is doing a great job filtering out the damaging UV rays. As far as the cancer society saying that African Americans need sunscreen the Cancer Society are a fraud and I do not believe anything they say, but that’s another story I do not believe that we do unless your an albino or very fair skinned, not to mention suncreens are very toxic and caucasians are using suncreens than ever before and still have high rates of skin cancer. Dr’s are always saying that black people get skin cancer but I never personally heard of a black person having skin cancer. Not too mention I grew up in Jamaica those sun rays are no joke and I can only imagine what it is like in Africa yet you never here of Africans having skin cancer so I will stick to using my personal built in suncreen. And futhermore African Americans might be doing more harm than good using sunscreen bc they already have melanin doing what it is suppose to do and when they use artificial sunscreen it may inhibit the production of vitamin D bc now they have double filtration that is something I need to research.