I remember thinking sunscreen was not a black girl thing. I grew up on the island, where we spent many summers on the beach and in these streets (don’t judge me). With the evolution of womanhood and self-care came a shocking level of awareness regarding the adverse effects of the sun on our melanin magic!
Beauties, we are not immune to the sun! If you are okay with being fried like bacon and wrinkled prematurely, carry on smartly without SPF. Whether you are in the sun for five minutes or five hours, YOU NEED IT. If it’s overcast outside, YOU NEED IT… and mind-blower: It has to be reapplied consistently throughout the day to be effective. Sounds tedious, yes, but your skin is an investment, and beauty is pain. You will thank yourself later when you still have that twenty-something glow.
Last but not least, beauties, when using products that contain skin fading agents, i.e., hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and other fade cream ingredients, I beg you to please wear sunscreen and reapply consistently! Beauties, using these products (which can be used at night) and the sun will destroy all of your efforts, and you are left spinning your woes! I must add that the extended use of hydroquinone can cause exogenous ochronosis, and this condition is challenging to treat; it is often mistaken for melasma. So keep an eye out for grayish freckles/spots.
I know most beauties refuse to reapply after an hour of trying to achieve the perfect beat face. But there is good news: there are SPF sprays and colorless makeup to give you that added layer of protection throughout the day.
Thanks to PCOS, I’ve been on this journey for some time now, so I have to share everything I’ve learned so far from my dermatologist and esthetician with you beauties.
Below are my staple sunscreen products that I’ve tested over the years. Now, beauties, I’m still open to trying new products, so leave me a note and let me know which products work for you!
Pic 1: Summer Fridays
Pic 2: Black Girl Sunscreen
Pic 3: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Pic 4: Coppertone SPF 70
Pic 5: Elta MD UV Clear
Pic 6: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor
-Your favorite Baldheaded Beauty