Why Does Every Skin Tone Need To Wear SPF?
Looking after the skin is so important for all skin types, regardless of your skin tone. There are many common misconceptions around the use of SPF for people with darker skin tones, mostly because of the higher level of melanin people with darker skin have. However, this isn’t true! People with deeper skin tones are just as at risk of the common dangers of sun exposure as people with lighter skin.
To learn more about the dangers of sun damage and the importance of everyday SPF wear for all, keep reading!
The Danger of UVA & UVB rays
UVA & UVB rays are the two most common ultraviolet rays that reach us from the sun. although they differ in intensity and impact on our skin, over time they can both cause lasting and significant damage to the skin, such as:
- Sunburn
- Skin cancer
- Increased ageing
- Hyperpigmentation
Regardless of your skin tone, both types of UV rays can be damaging in the long term and impact the skin, even if it's not always visible in the first instant.
Increased Hyperpigmentation
Darker skin tones are already at greater risk of hyperpigmentation, and exposure to the sun doesn’t help. Although hyperpigmentation itself is not necessarily harmful, it can be an area of concern and insecurity. Common types of hyperpigmentation are:
- Sunspots
- Melasma
- Freckles
80% of UV rays can penetrate the clouds, so if you already have hyperpigmentation, wearing an SPF daily even when the sun isn’t out is a great way to keep it from darkening further.
Risk of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the biggest dangers that sun exposure poses for all skin tones. It is the most common type of cancer, often caused by UV radiation. Skin cancer in people with darker skin can often be diagnosed later, making it harder to treat when it is found. Our SPF survey found that 45% of people in the UK are not worried about getting skin cancer demonstrating the need for greater knowledge around the importance of using SPF regularly. To learn more about SPF’s place in preventing skin cancer, read about our conversation with Jessica Zbinden-Smith, skin cancer survivor and advocate for axing the tax on SPF.
Our SPF Recommendations For Darker Skin
As part of our efforts to encourage the daily use of SPF & make it more accessible, our 365 Days of SPF offer means we’ve removed the VAT from our core sunscreen brands until 31st October! We want to educate people about the importance of SPF, including darker skin tones, which is why we’ve put together a selection of our favourites below!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
La Roche Posay’s Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ SPF contains a great level of UVA & UVB sun protection and has been specifically developed for sensitive skin! It’s a great option for anyone with easily irritated skin as it has been formulated minimally and without fragrance.
Heliocare Gel Cream Colour Brown SPF 50
If you’re looking for protection and coverage, this SPF is the one for you. Heliocare’s Gel Cream Colour Brown SPF 50 evens out the skin tone with a little bit of tint, mitigating any risk of a white cast, while providing a high level of protection in a lightweight formula.
Beauty of Joseon Rice Sunscreen with Rice Water & Prebiotic Complex SPF50+
This product from Beauty of Joseon deserves all the hype! Although lightweight, the Rice Sunscreen with Rice Water & Prebiotic Complex is extremely hydrating and nourishing thanks to skin boosting benefits like rice extract, B, C and E vitamins and amino acids. If you suffer from dryer skin this is a great one to keep the skin hydrated and protected all day.
iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40
Built on botanicals, the iS clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40 is filled with all-physical sunscreen actives and antioxidant-rich ingredients that work to protect the skin from the sun and support skin health. A key ingredient in this formula is Transparent Zinc Oxide, an innovative form of Zinc Oxide which provides transparency and leaves no white cast or visible residue of the product on the skin.
Shop SPF's For Dark Skin La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ is a very high UVB/UVA sun protection for the face, specifically developed for sensitive skin. It contains their new exclusive UV filter MEXORYL40 to help protect... Heliocare Gel Cream Colour Brown SPF 50 is non-oily, easy-apply, light to the touch formulation with a skin-tone enhancer, giving a healthy bronzed look. Formulated with antioxidant-rich ingredients and state-of-the-art broad spectrum all-physical sunscreen actives, iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40 supports optimal skin health as it moisturises and protects skin.
