Paula’s Choice Sunscreens for Black Skin and Other Skin of Color
Aging gracefully and protecting the skin is always the goal. Premature aging can have a seat somewhere, as we are not in the business of hurrying the process along.
Sun damage is the number one cause of premature and poor aging. It is also the leading cause of skin cancer. If you think just because your skin is loaded with melanin that you are immune to the damage of UVA and UVB rays, you are mistaken. While it is true that Black skin has a natural sun protection factor (SPF), it is not enough to shield the skin from the sun's harmful rays, especially as it relates to aging. For this reason, I've been slathering on sunscreen for decades, yes, DECADES!
People often ask, "what is the best anti-aging product I can use?" The answer is sunscreen! Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging product because unprotected sun exposure is the number one cause of premature and poor aging. Makes so much sense when you put it that way, right?
A cheat to understanding the sun's UV rays is to think of UVA rays as the aging rays and UVB rays as the burning rays. UVA rays move like the G in lasagna, silent — they can get at you through cloud cover, glass and even some tinted windows. UVA rays are insidious in how they affect the aging of the skin, they don't burn to do their damage, and it usually takes time for you to recognize that damage has been done. On the other hand, UVB rays burn and can often lead to blisters and skin peeling, depending on the severity of the burn.
UVA rays penetrate the dermis (outermost layer of the skin) and cause an inflammatory response that slows down collagen production and elastin production. Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin. It gives skin its plumpness, while elastin keeps skin tight and firm— both give skin that "bounce back" when you poke or pinch it. We naturally lose both as we age, but unprotected exposure to UV rays can hasten that process. Who wants to rush their way to lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin? Hmmm, that's a hard pass for me.
While Black skin (and other skin of Color) develops fewer wrinkles, we tend to have more post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and other skin issues caused by unprotected UV exposure. And while we are slower to wrinkle and crease, we may still experience sagging and drooping due to loss of collagen and elastin. So “black don't crack” as early as less melanated skin, but it can sag and droop like a thick wet sock hanging from a line. Get the picture?
Unprotected sun exposure can also cause excessive skin growth and cell mutations that can lead to big C-cancer! The types of cancers caused by excessive sun exposure (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are less prevalent with Black people and other People of Color. However, Black people tend to have a higher mortality rate once they develop these types of cancers. The general consensus surrounding this phenomenon is that Black people and other People of Color are less likely to investigate abnormal skin growths. This means that when the cancer is discovered, it is usually at a more advanced stage, resulting in lower long term survival rates.
One reason Black people and other people of Color don't wear sunscreen is that they often can't easily find the right formula. When sunscreens first hit the market, they were physical blockers that left a white or grey cast on Black skin and other skin of Color. That has long since changed with the introduction of sunscreens with chemical UV filters and micronized physical blockers. (Click here for more on physical UV blockers vs. chemical UV filters.)
Paula's Choice has made it easy for us to find a sunscreen that applies clear to our Black skin while offering the protection we need to age well and reduce our risk for certain types of skin cancer. These sunscreens are formulated with chemical UV filters and won't leave any white or gray cast on the skin.
RESIST YOUTH-EXTENDING DAILY HYDRATING FLUID SPF 50 - A very lightweight antioxidant-rich sunscreen that is great for combination and oily skin types. The lotion is a bit runny, but don't let that deter you. The packaging makes it spill-proof and ensures you get every last drop from the tube. In addition to providing broad-spectrum sun protection (protection for the aging rays, UVA, and the burning rays, UVB), this sunscreen has antioxidants that offer protection against other skin-aging free radicals. ($33)
RESIST SKIN RESTORING MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 50 - A creamy, water-light formula that provides UVA and UVB protection. It also contains niacinamide, shea butter, and Licorice. Works great on all skin types but may be exceptional on more mature skin or dry skin. Niacinamide is a hot ingredient right now, but what exactly does it do? Niacinamide reduces inflammation and smooths skin and can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Are you a Black person who doesn't know about the fantastic skincare benefits of Shea butter? You might want to consider having your Black card revoked. Cliffnotes: Shea butter has a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins to nourish and moisturize the skin. It also has a comedogenic rating of zero, which means it won't clog pores. Licorice has a smoothing effect on skin and also has some UV blocking properties. ($33)
SMOOTHING PRIMER SERUM SPF 30 — Layer this skin-smoothing SPF primer over your favorite serum and moisturizer for (near) flawless makeup application. It goes on clear and is excellent on all skin types. I have been using it with the Danessa Myricks Vision Cream cover (use FACEFLAWLESS for 20% off site-wide), and it's just fantastic! ($30)
There is really no reason not to wear sunscreen daily, once you are going outside or if you plan to get sun exposure. (Unless premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer is your goal.) These Paula's Choice products are all Face Flawless Skin-approved sunscreens for Black skin and other Skin of Color. Pick the one that is right for you!
This post is written as part of a partnership with Paula’s Choice. All opinions are my own.
Post Resources:
UV Radiation & Your Skin - The Facts. The Risks. How They Affect You
Photoaging: What You Need to Know About the Other Kind of Aging