I am currently having a round of style master class. In these classes, I have a Google hangout with women from different parts of the world and I help them discover their style, what works for their life style and personal style etc, and skin care.
Skin care is a bonus for the master class and every time we get to skin care, all the women (mostly women of colour) ask the same question which is why do dark skin tone need sun protection factor?
Sun protection factor is not limited to people with fair skin only (Caucasians or White). Everyone needs SPF in their skin care regimen and daily too. Why?
Anyone who knows me know that I do joke with my skin. I am not ashamed to admit it. I believe every woman should be the same honestly because your skin age as you get older. Every little care you give to your skin now helps as you get older.
What is SPF?
SPF simply means sun protection factor. It is a protectant from direct sunlight. It is like a shield that covers your skin. It is most importantly recommended for the face and neck.
SPF can be worn on the entire body especially when you are going to be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time but today, I am more focused on why you need SPF for your face and neck.
Should Dark Skin Tone Wear SPF?
A lot of people believe that dark skin tone don’t need SPF because the sun does not affect the dark skin tone. Well, this is not true because SPF is not only a sun block, it has so many major advantages like:
1, It helps to reduce the appearance of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines.
2, It helps prevent facial redness and spots.
3, It helps prevents facial black spots and discolouration.
Discolouration is something a lot of dark skin tone suffer from. A lot of times, you see the T-zone of the dark woman is fair and every other part of the face is dark or has hyper pigmentation. This bit is easy to clear when it hasn’t gone too bad. SPF will prevent this kind of facial discolouration on all skin tone but especially on the dark skin tone
4, The most obvious one is that SPF protects your skin from direct sunlight and sun damage but most importantly, prevents your skin from the risk of skin cancer.
What SPF should I wear then?
Recently, I watched a video of Iman (the make up mogul) demonstrating one of her new blushers on HSN. While doing this demo, they talked about SPF and why black women need them.
She said her Dermatologists recommends that she wears SPF 50. Even though Iman is one of the “darkest” woman in the world, her high end dermatologist recommends SPF 50 to her. Why? It is because SPF prevents the appearance of ageing of the skin which could include skin discolouration, darkness around the mouth and under the eye and so many abnormalities on the skin.
Moisturisers will help hydrate your skin and lock in moisture and will definitely reduce the appearance of ageing but SPF will help prevent all of the above and keep your skin looking young and youthful.
It is recommended that a minimum of SPF 25 should be worn daily on all skin tone. For very hot days, SPF 50 is highly recommended.
If you are one who is worried that SPF can make you look greasy, oily or too shiny. You can get SPF that is shine free. You can also get foundation or make up with SPF. A lot of make up manufacturers now include SPF into the formulation of their products.
For example, last night, I shared the Lancome and MaryKay foundation with my master class attendee because they both have SPF in the formulation. So choose any make up or moisturisers with SPF, it makes a lot of difference in slowing down the ageing process of your skin.
A thorough Break Down of Why ALL SKIN TONE Need SPF on Video
So Do I Only Wear SPF in the Sun
You should wear SPF daily (everyday) even in the Autumn / Winter. It makes a lot of difference especially in keeping your skin youthful and younger looking. Make SPF a part of your skin care regimen. Very important!
My personal little trick is this; wear SPF daily where clothes do not cover. In this case, wear SPF on your face and neck. It will make a lot of difference on your skin. Try it out and pay attention for the next 3 months…….
I do hope you find this helpful. SPF is not for fair skin tone only, it is for all skin tone. SPF should be a part of your daily skin care routine whether you live where the sun is like a second skin or not.
Thank you so much for reading. Wishing you an amazing day filled with lots of sunshine. How is the weather right now where you are?
Much Love, Mojisola.
Check HERE for other ways to prevent your skin from direct sunlight
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4 comments
Very helpful post Mojisola.
Some of this things we don’t know and it kills the skin. Used to dark skin tone don’t need SPF as well☺
Thanks for sharing.
X
Thank you for reading Chi. Cheers.
X
Very informative piece. I just started wearing SPF myself, I used to also think dark skin women have no need for it. I’m loving my Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 30 moisturizer.
Thank you Sade. Yep, we all need SPF even the darkest of the darkest.
Appreciate you lovely.
XO