Most of the world is experiencing a heat wave right now: Hair stylists in Italy are banned from giving double shampoos, France is experiencing weather in the hundreds (and their culture does not believe in air conditioning), and in the U.S, you are either frying an egg on your pavement or listening to your air conditioner struggle to stay alive—no in between. The point is, the sun is out. And it is not here to play—especially when it comes to protecting your skin.
A common myth is that those with melanated skin do not have to wear sunscreen because their melanin protects them from the sun. However, an ongoing CDC study shows that not even the darkest skin is protected from sun rays and that 9 to 13% of those with melanin skin suffer from sunburn. While we wait for the heat wave to be over, it’s still important to remember to take care of your skin when stepping back outside. We’ve rounded up the best sunscreen for melanin skin, to keep you cool and your skin safe as you continue to have a hot girl summer.
KYPRIS – Pot of Shade
Your skin is an investment and so should your sunscreen. The KYPRIS Pot of Shade sunscreen is a multi-functional, luxury sunscreen. It’s packed with non-nano, sustainably sourced Zinc for SPF protection, sweet iris stem cells to help induce the appearance of healthier, plump, skin and probiotics to help your skin perform its best.
KYPRIS, $75
Coppertone – Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Lotion
As a Black woman, the Coppertone Glow With Shimmer Sunscreen Lotion is one of my favorite sunscreens. The lotion has an amazing consistency and it blends right in, even into the deepest skin tones without leaving a white cast. It’s paraben-free and has a primary active ingredient of homosalate which absorbs UVB rays. This sunscreen also doubles as a gradual self-tanner for that beautiful sunkissed glow.
Coppertone, $16
Black Girl Sunscreen – Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Finally, a sunscreen made specifically for melanated skin. Black Girl Sunscreen doubles as a strong SPF ad moisturizer for a lightweight feel. The lotion also has other skin benefits including protection against fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. It’s also packed with skin-healthy ingredients such as jojoba, cacao, and avocado.
Black Girl Sunscreen, $16
Melē – No Shade Sunscreen Oil Broad Spectrum for Melanin Rich Skin
If you’re not a fan of spray sunscreen or don’t like how lotion feels, this oil is for you. The Melē No Shade Sunscreen Oil is paraben, mineral oil, and alcohol-free with a lightweight SPF 30 formula. No shade, but if you want to keep cool this summer, this should definitely be among your essentials.
Melē, $20
KINLÒ – Golden Rays Sunscreen
While Naomi Osaka is known for her career as a top tennis player, the title-winning player has also ventured into skincare. The Kinlò Golden Rays Sunscreen is a delicate formula designed to help protect from UV rays. With niacinamide as an active ingredient works to help keep the skin firm, zinc oxide works to scatter, absorb, and reflect ultraviolet radiation.
Kinlò, $20
When it comes to protecting your skin, it’s about finding out what ingredients and textures work best for you. Even if the sun isn’t beating down on you, it’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen for UV ray protection, even in the winter. Talk to your dermatologist about your skin and be sure to protect your melanin at all costs. You, and your skin, deserve it.