Discover how to select the ideal sunscreen for your needs with expert advice and product recommendations from a seasoned beauty and wellness professional.
I can’t do my skincare routine without it, and that used not to be the case.
Even as a beauty professional, I use to say, “It’s okay, I have sunscreen in my foundation; plus, I’m melanated, I have a natural layer of SPF built in around 15% that can absorb the sun.”
While, ok yes, but the sun is no joke! This might be a little controversial, but if you are using skincare products with active ingredients (meaning products containing chemicals, which are found in most store-bought skincare products), you should definitely use sunscreen where you put the skincare, which is mainly on your face.
This is because the chemicals can hurt your skin when exposed to the sun. So, the sunscreen protects you from that. I don’t recommend sunscreen all over your body daily because you will block the natural vitamin D we get from the sun, which we need, especially since black women are usually lacking in this vitamin, if you live in certain parts of the world where the sun is not continuous.
What does SPF stand for!
SPF stands for: sun protection factor.
So, regarding the face, daily sunscreen use can help protect against skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Here are some things estheticians swear by when picking a sunscreen.
Beauty Professions Top Sunscreen Tips
- Oily skin types should go for a more mattifying, gel, or liquid type of sunscreen.
- Dry skin would benefit from a creamy texture of sunscreen (most sunscreens are creamy)
- For melanated skin tones, always choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15!
- Always choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 if you have these active ingredients in your skincare (ex, AHA, BHA, any acids, etc.).
- Choose a Broad-Spectrum SPF that provides UVA & UVB protection.
- Estiatican-approved sunscreens are the best. They are tried and true with a hint of sun-kissed skin. I love “esti approved” because they want you to be protected but also glowy. No white cast here.
Sunscreens I have tried and recommend!
This was my favorite sunscreen to use while I was a full-time esthetician, because it worked on all clients! It works on fair skin, but also works amazingly on melanated skin. Just use a smaller amount!
If you’re looking to incorporate sunscreen into your routine, I highly recommend this one as a top 5. It’s not the most glamorous or most popular sunscreen out there, but it works. It leaves your skin looking glassy and not ghostly. Easily melts into the skin for a simple application process, with no wait time for the white case to disappear, and is super lightweight and non-sticky.
EltaMD UV Clear would be my 2nd choice only because it’s pricy. Otherwise, this sunscreen works awesome for darker skin tones, it’s oil-free, and does not leave the dreaded white cast.
It also helps protect against breakouts and is an essential acne sunscreen for those with acne-prone skin care concerns, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. It is great for travel and for sensitive skin.
This facial sunscreen can easily be worn alone or under makeup and is an ideal face sunscreen for oily skin
My 3rd recommended SPF would be Black Girl Sunscreen. It’s my third choice only because it has shea butter in it, which might not work for some darker-skinned women with acne-prone skin, as heavy ingredients like this MIGHT clog the pores, but rarely do. But you really never know until you give it a try!
I love this sunscreen because it has other amazing ingredients that really aid in moisturizing and protecting your skin. So, don’t let the shea butter scare you; your skin might actually love it. This is the sunscreen I use currently.
The price is excellent as well. Only $10 at Ulta, and it’s a black-owned brand!
The next option is Paula’s Choice Fluid SPF. Let’s get the dislike out of the way. So I liked this SPF because it said fluid SPF. In the skin care world, that means liquid, which is a great option for people with oily skin.
However, when I tried it, it took about 10 to 15 minutes for the white cast to fade. But it did fade! And it looked great after, with a matte finish as the day went on.
The ingredients, disappearing white cast, and the price are why this SPF made the list. It hydrates, improves dull skin, targets wrinkles and fine lines, and controls oil.
Purchase on Paula’s Choice website for a better deal. Only 12 bucks!
Image Skincare SPF 30 is my 5th choice. Regarding my clients, some don’t leave a white cast, but that is not the case for me. It made it to the list because of the excellent skin benefits other than SPF, and it goes on clear for some melanated people.
I also love the scent. It smells really fresh/lemony.
I personally used this product on clients, but mostly on fair-skinned clients. It is a great product, just that one issue for me. They do offer a primer that has a brown tint to it. I will definitely try to update you soon.
My last pick is Fenty Skin SPF 30. It has some really great ingredients that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
This product is new to the market, but of course, it is still a hit because it works beautifully on melanated skin. It helps brighten and reduce the appearance of large pores. From the reviews, it does have a brightening effort, so I can’t wait to try it. Of course, it is also black-owned!
Xxoo Lulla
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