Sunscreens for dark skin have come a long way since the outdated formulas that would leave your skin feeling like you smothered it in multiple layers of Sudocrem (if you know, you know). Thankfully, the new and improved SPF iterations won’t have you looking like you’re cosplaying as Casper the Friendly Ghost.
That said, even with the improvement in the sunscreen category for dark skin, there’s still the rather damaging narrative that Black and brown skin doesn’t need sunscreen. Admittedly, even I used to think that sunscreen was only necessary to use on hot, sunny days. Luckily, I have since been educated on why that simply isn’t true.
The increased presence of melanin in darker skin does provide a protective cloak that absorbs most of the destructive sun rays that can lead to diseases like skin cancer. And research does show that Black people on average have a natural SPF of 13.4. However, people with darker skin tones are still susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun.
Best sunscreens for dark skin at a glance:
- Best lightweight sunscreen for dark skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF50+
- Best non-comedogenic sunscreen for dark skin: Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect
- Best affordable sunscreen for dark skin: Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen Fluid SPF30
- Best SPF30 sunscreen for dark skin: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
People with darker skin especially need protection from UVA rays, which age the skin and exacerbate common Black skin issues such as hyperpigmentation and melasma. Likewise, to a lesser extent, UVB rays burn the skin and also affect darker skin tones by fuelling malignant DNA and cellular damage. Whilst the statistics are lower for the Black community, it’s still possible for Black skin to develop both sun-related and non sun-related skin cancers.
Long story short, experts highly recommend applying sunscreen every day, regardless of your skin tone. Even on cloudy days or when you’re at home, UVA rays can still penetrate through glass and surround us regardless of the weather. It’s also important to apply sunscreen whilst you’re on a plane – UVA rays do come through the windows and at 35,000 feet, they are significantly more intense.
How to find a good sunscreen for your dark skin:
When it comes to skincare, clearly one size does not fit all, and this especially holds true for sunscreen. While dark skin provides some natural protection against UV damage, it’s simply not enough, so it’s crucial to top up your natural SPF to prevent sunburn, pigmentation issues and the increased risk of skin cancer. Here’s what to look for when searching for the perfect sunscreen for your dark skin: