Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones

Searching for the best sunscreen for darker skin tones? Look no further.

Most people do not believe me when I say this, but sunscreen was the biggest game changer in my skincare routine. As a Black American woman who grew up in Florida, I was once plagued with the idea that I did not need sunscreen because my melanin-rich skin cells provided enough protection from the sun. However, that was false.

The sun significantly contributed to my cosmetic concerns, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, discoloration, dry skin, premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Once I started applying sunscreen to my face and body daily, I noticed improvements in my skin and gained so much confidence.

You can spend thousands of dollars on skin care products and cosmetic procedures, but it will be a waste of money, time, and effort if you are not applying sunscreen to your face and body daily.

Over the years, I have sampled and tried many sunscreen products, and unfortunately, it is hard to find sunscreens suitable for darker skin tones.

In this article, I am going to explain how sunscreen works, and I am going to share a list of my favorite sunscreens for darker skin tones.

What does sunscreen do?

Sunscreen is a topical product that protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The most common Ultraviolet rays on Earth are ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB).

UVA rays cause photoaging, contributing to uneven skin tone and texture, wrinkles, and dehydrated skin. UVB rays cause the skin to burn and tan. Exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can increase a person’s risk for skin cancer.

What are the different types of sunscreens?

There are two main types of sunscreens – chemical and physical. Chemical and physical sunscreens function differently to protect our skin from harmful UV rays.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and convert UV rays into heat, which then gets sent back into the atmosphere.

Physical sunscreens are also known as mineral sunscreens. They work like a shield sitting on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays back into the atmosphere.

Chemical Sunscreens VS Physical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens are often formulated with avobenzene, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. They are also more likely to blend in with darker skin tones.

Physical sunscreens (mineral sunscreens) are formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens are more likely to leave a white cast on most skin tones. To avoid this, one can rub the sunscreen into their hands before applying it to their body. This mechanism “breaks down” the larger molecules that contribute to the white cast.

The Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones

I have swatched almost every sunscreen available in stores like Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and CVS. Here is a list of my favorite sunscreens for skin of color.

Best Daily Moisturizers with SPF for the Face

Lately, daily moisturizers with SPF have been my go-to. It makes my morning routine so much faster, and they are perfect for the skinamalism trend. This is the term for enhancing your natural beauty instead of camouflaging it. These sunscreens are must-haves for busy mornings and simple skincare routines.

1. La Roche-Posay Toleraine Double Repair Moisturizer with UV 30 for $21.99

This moisturizer with SPF is best for dry and normal skin types. It applies effortlessly without a white cast. It also includes niacinamide and ceramides to help repair the skin barrier while brightening and hydrating the skin.

2. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 35 for $11.87

This moisturizer with SPF is perfect for sensitive and combination skin. It is an excellent option for people who love a matte look. This moisturizer also hydrates and protects the skin barrier.

3. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 for $13.70

This moisturizer with SPF is perfect for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. It absorbs oil and reduces shine to create a matte look while protecting the skin from the sun.

Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones That Can Be Applied To The Face

I highly recommend these sunscreens for people who work outside, plan to participate in outdoor activities or receive tons of sun exposure daily. These sunscreens often offer more protection from the sun than the average moisturizer with sunscreen.

4. Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen for $14.49

This is my favorite recommendation for an anti-aging skin routine. It contains hyaluronic acid, which instantly plumps the face and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. It is also formulated with antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental stressors. The sunscreen has SPF 50, more than most affordable sunscreens on the market.

Click here to learn how to incorporate this sunscreen into you daily skincare routine for dry skin: The Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

5. Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen for $12.82

Say goodbye to oil-filled pores and unwanted shine. Eucerin’s Oil Control Sunscreen is your secret weapon for radiant skin that stays comfortably matte all day long. This sunscreen can be worn under makeup.

Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones That Can Be Applied To The Body

Most people avoid applying sunscreen to their bodies because they think of the thick, tacky, white cast, leaving sunscreens that are time-consuming to apply and blend in. The sunscreens listed below apply smoothly and blend in well.

The following sunscreens are perfect for all skin types.

6. La Roche-Posay Melt-in Milk SPF 100 for $26.99

La Roche-Posay has outdone itself with this sunscreen. The lightweight milk texture glides on effortlessly, melting into your skin with a silky, weightless touch. With SPF 100, you get the highest level of protection from UVA and UVB rays. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making this perfect for sun-drenched vacations in exotic locations.

7. La Roche-Posay Melt-in Milk SPF 60 for $25.99
   Imagine a sunscreen that feels as luxurious as it performs – that’s precisely what La Roche-Posay’s Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 offers. This sunscreen offers sheer, comfortable protection while shielding skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The Cell-Ox shield technology also protects your skin from environmental aggressors. Kiss premature aging good-bye!

7. Eucerin Advanced Hydration for $14.34

Eucerin, a trusted name in skincare, combined the power of advanced skincare and sun protection in one remarkable product. While protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, premature aging, and discoloration, this sunscreen actively replenishes your skin’s moisture barrier.

Tips for Applying Sunscreen

1. You should wear sunscreen every day. If you can see light, you should be wearing sunscreen.
2. Your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30.
3. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Those are peak hours for sun exposure.
4. Ditch the three-finger rule. You should only apply about a nickel’s size worth of sunscreen to your face.
5. You can break down the white cast caused by mineral sunscreens by rubbing the sunscreen between your hands and fingers before applying it to your face and body.

I truly hope this post will help you find the perfect sunscreen match for your skin. Everyone should wear sunscreen daily and you should not have to look like casper the ghost while wearing it.

DISCLAIMER

The Modern Bestie is not associated with affiliate marketing.

This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. By reading this, you understand and agree that The Modern Bestie shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage that arises from the use of the above-mentioned products and/or the information given in the article.