Now that summer is almost here, our days of having fun in the sun are on the rise. But before you head outdoors, be sure to lather on sunscreen.
Picnics in the park and lounging on the beach are fun, but can cause major skin damage if you’re not protected with sunscreen. Contrary to what many BGs think, we are susceptible to skin cancer due to sun exposure just like our fairer counterparts.
So while you’re packing your totes with magazines, snacks and cool drinks, be sure to toss in an extra bottle of sunscreen too. The best accessory this summer is healthy skin!
Here are a few sunscreen tips from renowned African-American dermatologist, Dr. Susan Taylor:
• All women with brown skin should use sunscreen daily
• Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you’re exposed to the sun to allow your skin to absorb the product and create a protective shield.
• Use sunscreen generously on all exposed skin—face, neck and hands. Apply at least a shot-glass full (about one ounce).
• Sunscreen in foundation wears off after only a couple of hours so it’s best to apply sunscreen separately, under makeup, or in moisturizers that say SPF 15 on the label.
Do you use sunscreen?
Check out some of these products:
Sephora Sun Safety Kit available at www.sephora.com for $25
Burt’s Bees Natural Suncare Chemical-free Sunscreen SPF 15 available at www.walgreens.com for $12.99
Carol’s Daughter Gelee de Soleil SPF 15 Tanning Oil available at www.sephora.com for $14
Murad Oil-free Sunblock SPF 30 available at www.sephora.com for $30
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85 available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99
Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme SPF 15 available at www.sephora.com for $35
Bliss “The Big Sunscreen” SPF 30 available at www.blissworld.com for $30
Great post. I do use sunscreen. Especially on the face. And my everyday moisturizer always has sunscreen. Brown girls burn too. I teach that too my daughter.
Great post, sis. Get the word out there! Yesss, us melanin rich folx still have to wear sunscreen. I don’t wear it on a daily basis (except on my face) but I know its importance. Being in Florida means that I am always at the beach or pool and my SPF 50 lotion is right by my side!
BGG, I never considered sun block a necessity until I moved to Houston. Now, I realize I need to do something to protect my beautiful brown skin. The sun down here is intense and I have often felt a little soreness after a day outside. I use moisturizer with sun block BUT I am moving on up to a serious sun block this summer. You know I love all things Neutrogena so that will be my first pick but I’m starting to become interested in Burt’s Bees because you’ve posted them a lot. We’ll have to give them a try.
I do use sunscreen when I go to the beach. I’m not so great about it for everyday sun exposure. I usually stick to generics, but I LOVE Burt’s Bees, so I may try that one next.
Thanks for the reminder, BGG!
I use Cetaphil w/SPF 15 on my face daily, but need to do better applying sunscreen to the rest of me on “normal” days – when I’m not at the beach, etc. I’ll pick up either the Neutrogena or Burt’s Bees next time I’m in the drugstore. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you so much for this post! I went to my sons track meet a couple of weeks ago and got the worst sunburn! I had no idea to use sunblock!! Now my arms, face, and neck are a different color than the rest of my body. I even had these small bumps on my face and arms!!!!!!
i MUST remember that spf protection all over and not just on my face. i hear your are supposed to even do it in the winter, too!
This is such a great post the Neutrogena helps for those with sensitive skin.
xo,
CC
Good post! I use the Neutrogena sunblock pictured…but I’m intrigued by the Carol’s Daughter oil.
opYou’re absolute right. Sunscreen is a savior for the skin. I’m lucky to have some color on my skin so that I can tan quickly and don’t burn as easily as other folks. I just used the new Neutrogena and it’s a great buy. I would like to try the Murad Oil -free.
I plan on using it each day and it sits right on top of my dresser and I rarely put it on. I do have a moisturizer that has spf 15 but I would rather use my spf 30 when I remember to do so.
P.S. Love Dr. Taylor’s line RX for brown skin.
Product Junkie Diva
i tend to stick with neutrogena…but i enjoy burts bees too. i just picked up some for baby the other day, but i cant remember what brand it is-lol!
I don’t use sunscreen like I should… Thanx for this post b/c I’m currently on the search for a good one.
of course i use sunscreen. im pale as snow
Great post! Yes, I’m religious about sunscreen. Brown girls get sun damage too! I started noticing the dreaded “fine lines” around my mouth and eyes this year, which makes me all the more vigilant. I wear a cute hat or straw visor when I’m out in the sun, too.
I will buy and use the Carol’s Daughter oil.
i never understood why white folks would wanna lay in the sun and NOT use sunscreen
thanks for the tips
I use whatever is on sale! Living in Vegas we have gone thru a lot of sunscreen. Burts Bee’s and Coppertone work well.