As a Black girl, I really didn’t understand the importance of sunscreen until later in life.   If you’re anything like me and feel like you’re late to using sunscreen and don’t quite know where to begin, I’ve got you covered.

Why you should use sunscreen

I know you’ve heard the saying “Black don’t crack” –  and while it is an ode to the youthfulness maintained by melanated skin as we age, our skin tones are no less impacted by ultraviolet (UV) rays. There is clinical evidence that “Black skin does warm, burn, and peel when exposed to the sun.”  Sunscreens are meant to protect your skin from radical photodamage, also known as ultraviolet (UV) rays.  Sun damage happens when the skin becomes overwhelmed by UV rays and results in the buildup of scar tissue and dermal thinning. Photodamage to your skin appears as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

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Our Top Picks For Face & Neck

I’ve tried quite a few brands and here are my absolute top picks. Most sunscreens leave a white cast because they contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  All of the picks today are translucent, unscented, and lightweight!  The texture is more consistent with serums than a lotion – which is why we love them!  It’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different and you may need to try a couple of brands before you settle on what works for you.

Because some sunscreens are made with ingredients that may not be suitable for the skin on your face – especially if you have oily or sensitive skin. We recommend buying a separate sunscreen for the rest of your body.  Check out Black Girl Sunscreen.

Be sure to apply it to your face and neck, and wear a hat and sunglasses for added protection and reapply several times throughout the day, especially if you are sweating and/or swimming.

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

For less than $10 you can have ranslucent, oil-free facial sunscreen by Trader Joe’s.  It is specifically formulated for quick absorption, leaving behind a soft and silky matte finish—no greasy residue or whitish cast in sight. It offers oxybenzone-free, broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection, making it ideal for daily use, either on its own or as marvelous, matte primer under make-up. Oh, and did we mention it’s fragrance free? It is. This is my go-to personal favaorite!

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30

If you want to splurge, try Murad for $71.  This sunscreen is deal for all skin types—even sensitive. This velvety-smooth SPF primer glides over skin to help minimize the look of pores and fill fine lines, creating the perfect canvas for makeup so color stays true for 12 hours, looks flawless and has a smooth finish.