Why SPF Is A Must For Melanated Babes

Skincare is not one size fits all–unless we are talking about SPF, of course.

Whether you prefer mattifying cleansers, hydrating toners, or sprays over serums, sunscreen should be that final step in your skincare routine. And make sure it contains an SPF of at least 30, too.

There is a common misconception that people of color, especially those with darker skin, do not need sun protection because their melanin naturally fights against the sun. But this belief is only half true.

The melanin in darker skin does help protect from harmful UV rays, as darker skin can provide up to an SPF of 13.  However, with prolonged exposure to the sun, damage to the skin is still very possible. Unlike lighter-toned individuals, those with darker skin might not exhibit redness as a sign of sunburn. But even the most certified of sun-kissed babes can still feel tightness in the skin that has been penetrated by the sun.  

Plus, skin cancer does not discriminate. Black people are four times more likely to receive a diagnosis of advanced-stage melanoma and succumb at a rate faster than their white counterparts with similar diagnoses. 

Some products containing SPF are said to leave a cast on melanated skin, but brands such as Black Girl Sunscreen and Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 have got you covered, so there is no excuse.

Unless you want to risk being the exception to “Black Don’t Crack”, start protecting your skin the right way. Put on some sunscreen.