May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
It is important to know that everyone, regardless of skin color, is at risk of developing skin cancer.
SPF is an important part of any skincare routine, but when it comes to sunscreen, many myths surround SPF for darker skin tones. To find out what people need to know, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, Dr. We spoke to Geeta Yadav.
5 Sunscreen Mistakes You Can Make If You Have Dark Skin
Skip the sunscreen all together
According to Yadav, a harmful misconception is that more pigmented skin provides internal sun protection, so you don't need SPF. Everyone should use SPF to protect skin from sun damage.
"Although very dark-skinned people can naturally provide around 10 SPF, this is not enough to adequately protect the skin from damage," says Yadav.
Believing that dark skin cannot tan
Darker skin types don't get sunburned as often, but UV rays do have harmful effects.
"Although it's hard to see sunburn or damage, you can feel it when you're overexposed to the sun; the skin becomes sore, inflamed and scaly,” says Yadav.
Don't use SPF as it doesn't match your skin tone
Sunscreens often leave white marks on discolored skin, so people may not use them. However, according to Yadav, both chemical and mineral SPFs inevitably fade on all skin tones, and tinted mineral sunscreens tend to blend better.
“Sunscreen technology is constantly evolving,” adds Yadav. "New versions are released every month that complement all skin tones beautifully."
Trust make-up with a sun protection factor
Yadav says most people don't wear enough makeup to get adequate SPF coverage. Dark skinned people often use concealer or cream to even out their skin tone. However, relying on makeup alone cannot protect the skin from UV rays.
"Instead, as the final step in your beauty routine, apply an SPF powder or spray for full UVA/UVB protection," advises Yadav.
Do not use sunscreen on cloudy days
This is a common misconception about cloudy days and using SPF. Sun damage can occur whether the weather is clear, sunny, or cloudy.
"You're not even protected indoors because the sun's rays from windows and blue light from devices can damage your skin," adds Yadav.
How to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type
When choosing a sunscreen, it's important to consider your skin type.
The two deciding factors are usually skin color and sensitivity level.
If you have a more melanistic skin tone, finding a mineral sunscreen that blends well can be difficult, but not impossible. Yadav notes that powder formulations are now available in a variety of shades that blend well and even out skin tone.
While chemical sunscreens blend well, they may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
"If you're prone to acne or skin irritation, you may find that chemical sunscreens irritate your skin, but that's usually limited to more reactive skin types," says Yadav.
The 10 best sunscreens for dark skin
On top of Dr. Yadav's list stands Supergoop. Invisible sun protection - Because it is transparent and has a silky texture, it is perfect as a make-up base.
$49 at Sephora
This sunscreen is formulated to even out rich skin tones while remaining transparent so you don't have to worry about a white cast. It also contains herbal ingredients that are soothing and toning.
$25 at Curly Girl
A sheer, lightweight sunscreen that blends well, feels non-greasy and doesn't leave a white cast. It also contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and antioxidants to lock in moisture. It is also ideal for acne-prone skin as it is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores.
$22 at Amazon
This sunscreen contains powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals and environmental damage. It's also lightweight, non-greasy and doesn't leave a white cast, making it suitable for pigmented skin as it blends well.
$32 at Amazon
Cay Skin SPF is a mineral-based sunscreen that offers high protection, glossy coverage and oil-free properties. It's lightweight and has a tint that makes it perfect for all skin tones and types.
$45 at Sephora
This mineral milk sunscreen is very lightweight and adaptable so it can be mixed with any sunscreen skincare or cosmetic product. It also has the perfect shade for pigmented skin.
$47 at Sephora
A lightweight sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection from sun damage and environmental elements. Enriched with vitamin C derivative, hybutaurine and rosemary extract, it helps prevent dark spots and uneven skin tone, making it ideal for uneven and pigmented skin tones.
$48 at Sephora
This sunscreen has Sheertech Zinc's patented clear liquid texture, which gives a transparent appearance and leaves no white cast, making it suitable for all skin types and types. It also nourishes the skin with vitamin E and sunflower oil.
$39 at Sephora
A lightweight, oil-free, mineral sunscreen enriched with Squalane and Zinc Oxide to soothe and protect skin, and delivers a non-whitening finish.
$44 at Sephora
A 2-in-1 moisturizer and lightweight sunscreen that hydrates skin without leaving a white residue or mark. It absorbs quickly with an oil-free formula that creates a natural finish, so it works great on pigmented skin.
$50 at Sephora
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