Why wearing sunscreen is just as important for darker skin tones
While the sudden heatwave has had us in a flap each day over what to wear (so tricky to stay cool on the commute but warm in an air conditioned office, no?) swapping your black work bag for a sweet pastel tote isn’t the only summer update to have on your radar.
Sun cream is a vital component to surviving in the heat and is all too easy to overlook when you’re at home and not on holiday. You shouldn't need me to remind you to slap on the SPF, but if you have darker skin, there's a chance you might not know you needed to and are therefore a little blasé about your suncare regime...
Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, is present in higher quantities in darker skin tones and it has the ability to absorb UV light and block free radical damage. While this means that it will naturally have a higher SPF, one of the biggest myths surrounding this is that this means those with darker skin can be more relaxed with their suncare.
“Darker skin is relatively more protected from sun damage with a natural SPF of around 13.4, compared to its fairer counterparts which have an average of 3.4,” advises Vichy ambassador and consultant dermatologist at Skin55, Dr Anjali Mahto. “While this does mean the onset of sun damage (wrinkles, skin laxity and sagging, to name a few) are less common in dark skin when compared to an age equivalent individual of white skin, dark skin types are still vulnerable to sun damage."
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My own SPF experiences over the years were neglectful to say the least. While you’d never catch me on a sunbed (which I’d like to say was down to how dangerous I know they are, but actually, I’m claustrophobic) I’ve never shied away from the sun. As soon as I was old enough to holiday sans parents, I’d sunbathe on beaches across Egypt, Jamaica and Greece with nothing but my normal body cream on. The term ‘sunblock,’ as I knew it, led me to believe I wouldn’t be able to tan, so I avoided it. I’d also read that as I’m mixed race and had darker skin, I was essentially 'immune' to sun damage.
It doesn’t end there, either. I also had eczema and sensitive skin so when I did use a sun cream, it was likely I'd itched it all off within the hour as it hadn't agreed with my skin. Alongside this, the majority of them left that ghastly telltale white cast over my brown skin, so as such I completely avoided using them on my face, fearing the thick white cream would clog my pores.
Thankfully, suncream, and my understanding of caring for darker skin in the sun, evolved. "A lot of creams on the market now tend to be micronized, which means the particles are small enough to allow them to blend in and disappear into the skin," says Dr Mahto. "Chemical sunscreens are also an option, with gel-like formulations being likely to be better than clogging, richer creams."
Brands such as Avene, Vichy and La Roche Posay specialise in SPF for sensitive skin, and the dangers of not wearing suncream are plastered on bus stops and on television adverts thanks to the likes of Nivea and Garnier. My sun care regime (at home and abroad) now includes the religious application of SPF30 to my face and a SPF20 to my body (likely to be via a protective tanning oil, but, baby steps). These are my favourites...
The best... for body
Solar protective water with SPF30, ￡19 for 200ml, Vichy
This SPF 'water' answered all of my sun care prayers - it's a clear light mist that doesn't irritate sensitive skin and can also be used on the face. I'm in good company, too; beauty director, Sonia Haria has also recently sung its praises.
The best... for face
Ultra Comfort face cream SPF 30, ￡16.50, La Roche Posay
La Roche Posay is my go-to for everyday face cream as it doesn't aggravate my eczema. Its sun care range is no different, and this cream can be worn under makeup, too.
The best... for lips
Shiseido sun protection lip care with SPF20, ￡25, Look Fantastic
Never neglect your lips as the skin is particularly soft and delicate so prone to burning. I use this Shiseido one every day.
The best... stick
Sun defence stick SPF50, ￡15, Elizabeth Arden
This handy stick is great for carrying in your handbag as it won't leak. I also take it on holiday to reapply easily if I'm out and about and is ideal for hand-luggage only holidays as it won't count as your liquid allowance.
The best... oil
Bondi Sands protect and tan oil SPF15, ￡14.99 for 150ml, Boots
While wearing an oil in the sun might make some of you wince, this new non-greasy oil helps you to develop a natural tan while protecting you from UVA and UVB rays. It also smells of coconuts.
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