What you need to know about sunscreens and SPF is definitely a topic that I’ve been wanting to address for a while. There is a ton of information out there about sunscreens. The million dollar question is” how do we decipher between fact and fiction?” Sunscreens like all cosmetics, and beauty products are made by countless brands. Most of the brands have one goal..to sell their goods. With that in mind, they might not be totally honest about the quality or performance of their product.
Sometimes we gotta do a little research..dig a bit deeper, to find the best products. If you’re like me, you not only want quality product to use on your body, but also the best bang for your buck. I’ve been a sunscreen wearer since before most knew it was the thing to do. I have quite a bit of experience in this department that I would love to share. There are actually numerous brands that I love, and depend on. They range for drugstore brands, too high end cosmeceuticals. I’ve also recently, in the past few years, began to explore a few more natural, and organically sourced sunscreens.
Now, lets talk the good, the bad and the ugly. One of the biggest myths was that African American, and women of color didn’t need to wear sunscreen. While more white people get diagnosed with skin cancer than people of color, black people are less likely to survive the diagnosis, because physicians tend to catch their cancer at later stages. I’m so happy that we are clear about how false that information was back then. One of the biggest problems, or should I say issues with sunscreen for the face, is the dreaded white over cast. This is especially an issue for women of color. Our deep skin tones can be a real challenge for the brands that haven’t perfected their formulas. Thank God for the ones that have.
Sunscreens and their SPF amount, are ultimately what we are super concerned about. The SPF amounts in sunscreens can range anywhere from 30 to 100. When we’re on the beach, and exposing ourselves to water, we must reapply sunscreen to our bodies multiple times. During our normal day to day activities, applying sunscreen once is sufficient, unless we sweat heavily.
Personally, when it comes down to applying sunscreen to my face, that’s a whole other ball game. I use a sunscreen with a spf of at least 30 at all times, applying it twice a day. When I’ve recently indulged in a chemical peel, I use a SPF of 50. Immediately following a chemical peel the skin is very sensitive..its brand new. Again, finding sunscreens with SPf of 50 for the face, that doesn’t leave an ashy white film isn’t easy. Usually the higher the SPF strength is, the greater the chance of it having that over cast, but I’ve linked my fave below.
Sunscreens and SPF amount play a huge roll in protecting our skin from cancer. It also is the number one thing we can do to help our skin age like fine wine. Ninety percent of the visible signs of aging of our skin is due to sun exposure. The rest is a combination of diet, genetics, exercise..etc. Let’s protect our skin..its our coat of armor..our permanent bodysuit. No outfit can adorn our bodies better.
I hope you all enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, comments or recommendations about sun protection, sunscreen and SPF amounts. please drop them below.
Face + Body
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SpF 30 – Great everyday sunscreen that can be used from head to toe.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF50 – A great choice for extra protection
Face
La Roche – Posay Toleriane Double Repair Sunscreen SpF 30 – High performing mid range sunscreen for the face.
Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SpF 40 – A totally invisible, makeup gripping, sunscreen and primer.
Pharmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen SpF 30 – Invisible no white cast. Is great under makeup
Murad Essential -C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SpF 30 – A powerful anitoxident rich moisturzier with sunscreen
Great Post! Sunscreen is vital to good skin and I was not using it properly. I never left home without it, but did not re-apply it once I was out and about. So I got sun damage on my face. Now I’m trying to get rid of it. We all used to think that once you put sunscreen on you were good to go, not so. . . you have to reapply it again and again if you stay out in the sun.
Yes Neti! Thats what most of us didn’t know, to reapply it. I’m glad we’re aware of it now. Thanks so much for checking it out. I’m glad you liked it.
xoxo