Best Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones That Won’t Look Chalky White

Let’s be honest, sunscreen is not made equal for all skin types. How many times have you purchased sunscreen and then proceeded to apply it only to look like you bathed in white chalk?

Exactly my point, some sunscreens products are not made for all skin types. The fact that you’re already thinking about protecting your skin puts you one step ahead of those not worried about sun damage.

The reality is that regardless of color, skin that is repeatedly exposed to the sun tends to become tough and thick. Beyond the middle years of adulthood, the results can include wrinkly, leathery skin.

Making sure you have the right protection from the sun and that you’re using it properly is the key to trying to ensure you don’t burn or worse, get skin cancer.

READ: Places Every Black Women Should Go Before 45 Years Old

What is SPF?

Stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number is determined and established by the degree of light that stimulates and encourages redness in skins that are sunscreen-protected, divided by the degree of light that encourages redness in skins that are not protected is the SPF. It is simply a measure of protection from UVB, which ranges from 1 to 45 or above. A sunscreen product having an SPF of 15 will filter 92% of the UVB. Or, a sunscreen product having an SPF of 15 will delay how quick one will get sunburned from 10 minutes to potentially burning in 150 minutes. The SPF 15 sunscreen can allow an individual to remain in the sun 15 times longer. Studies do show this can be misleading, especially for those using sunscreens with 50+ SPF as many think they are fully protected for longer times.

6 Myths About Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones

Only those with lighter skin need sunscreen
Inexpensive brands are not as effective as the expensive brands.
Sunscreen expiration dates are irrelevant, as it will still work
Darker skin tones have natural sun protection so there is no need to wear sunscreen
I only need to apply sunscreen once a day if I’m in the sun all day
There is no need for sunscreen on cloudy days

Skin Tones & Burn Rate

Light: This skin type burns in the moderate range. Tanning is normally gradual, yielding a light brown shade.
Medium: This skin type burns in the minimal range. Tanning happens much of the time, yielding a moderate brown shade.
Dark: This skin type rarely burns, but it definitely does happen!

Sunscreen For Darker Skin Recommendations

Extrashade – made specifically for darker skin tones
Black Girl Sunscreen ($18.99) – no harmful ingredients or that annoying off-white residue
L’Oreal Paris Invisible Protect SPF 30 ($16.50)
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 50 ($7.83) – Sunscreen stick is a great way to avoid packing another liquid
Aveeno HYDROSPORT Wet Skin Spray Sunscreen SPF 30 ($8.52)
Moroccan Oil Sun Lotion SPF 50 ($32.00) – Not greasy, which is an added bonus
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ ($65.00) – So light, you hardly know it’s on. Ideal facial sunscreen for everyday use