Ever since I invested in my skincare journey a few years ago, the importance of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis has been instilled in me. I now know it’s not just for those days sitting in the beaming hot sun, it’s for cloudy days and even those spent inside, too.
While that may seem fairly standard to many, as a Black woman, I’ve found there are still many misconceptions when it comes to darker skin tones and sunscreen.
Read more about SPF and skincare…
- Chemical vs mineral sunscreen: what’s the difference and which should I use?
- The 8 best SPF mists for topping up over makeup
- SPF guide: everything you need to know about protecting your skin from the sun
- The sun care solutions to keep on you at all times, from SPF hand cream to lip balm
Why do I need to use SPF on my face?
Because, while exposing your face to the warmth of the sun might feel lovely, it’s actually doing damage to your skin. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can not only cause long-term pigmentation and premature aging (think fine lines and wrinkles), it can also lead to skin cancer. So it’s important to always use sunscreen to protect your skin, even on cloudy days, when there’s not a ray of sun in sight – while clouds can help to protect you from the UVB rays (which cause your skin to burn), they do little to shield against those harsh UVA rays (which can lead to aging and cause skin cancer).
Wearing SPF is also known to help with other skin concerns. Dr Mary Sommerlad, consultant dermatologist, says: “Sunscreen will help with pigmentation issues more than some other ingredients, such as hydroquinone, retinoids and vitamin C.” So wearing sunscreen not only protects skin, it can improve its appearance, too. Win, win.
Do you still need to wear sunscreen if you have darker skin?
To put it simply, yes. Many are still under the impression that it isn’t for people with darker skin – however, this has been debunked on many occasions by dermatologists and skin experts alike. Everyone should be wearing SPF, from children to adults.
However, finding a sunscreen that works for darker skin can be more difficult. There’s still a massive gap in the market for sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast, which can make skin look ashy and dull and automatically eliminates people with darker skin from being able to use the product.
Thankfully, the industry is slowly but surely starting to become more inclusive and there are now a range of sunscreens that are suitable for all skin tones and types that leave no white cast (see below for some Eliza-approved options).
When should I apply SPF in my makeup routine?
Sunscreen should always be applied as the last step in your skincare routine, before makeup application. Read Eliza’s guide on how to apply SPF correctly here.
In terms of what you should be looking for, Dr Sommerlad says: “Look for a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 – ideally 50 – with broad-spectrum UVA coverage.” One of the most important things to remember is that you should reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours – and if you’re wearing makeup, then Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 30 PA+++ is a brilliant option for dusting over the top (and removing unwanted heat-induced dewiness). Alternatively, try an SPF mist.
The best SPF products for all skin tones in 2023
There are now an overwhelming number of facial SPFs on the market – but don’t panic, over the past year, I’ve been fortunate enough to try many different sunscreens, guided by my own research and recommendations from others within the beauty industry. Here, I’ve compiled a list of the very best sunscreens for all skin tones, no matter your budget.
Best skincare-infused SPF: Paula’s Choice Advanced Sun Protection SPF 50 Daily Moisturiser, £39
If you’re just delving into the world of daily sunscreen use, I would highly recommend this all-rounder as it feels like a normal moisturiser – just with the added bonus of an SPF50 (and more). It delivers all the benefits of a high-spectrum SPF, a nourishing moisturiser and a glow-inducing primer. So while it might seem a little more expensive, you’re actually getting three products for the price of one.
First, let’s talk about the sunscreen element: the SPF 50 formula offers extremely high UVA protection and shields against 98% of UVB rays. Then, as a moisturiser, it’s packed with emollients to hydrate the skin and antioxidants to protect against harmful free radicals and signs of aging. Plus, it leaves skin feeling so soft. And finally, it leaves you with a gentle dewy glow – ideal if you’re going barefaced on the beach and it also makes for a great primer when worn under makeup.
Best SPF for easy application over makeup: Ultra Violette Preen Screen™ SPF 50 Reapplication Mist, £32
Without a doubt, the easiest way to top up your sunscreen throughout the day (and you should be reapplying it regularly) is with an SPF mist. A simple spritz over your face feels as refreshing as a classic skincare mist, yet this clever formula also offers a veil of SPF50 protection.
It also includes plenty of skin-boosting ingredients, from niacinamide to vitamin C, vitamin E and soothing aloe vera. One to carry around with you all day, for sure.
Best value SPF for face: The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30, £14.99
Like many products from The INKEY List‘s range, this sunscreen is not only effective, but super affordable. It’s a broad-spectrum, non-greasy formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays and doesn’t leave a white cast.
Plus, it contains hero ingredients polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane, which hydrate skin and lock in moisture, so it’s great for drier skin (but is actually suitable for all skin types). It also doesn’t pill when you apply makeup on top, so it’s a lovely one to wear under your everyday look.
Best SPF for darker skin tones: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF30, £19.99
What do you do when you want to highlight the importance of sunscreen for darker skin tones but struggle to find one that doesn’t leave a white cast? You create your own. And that’s exactly what Black Girl Sunscreen did.
The brand’s SPF30 sunscreen is formulated with a host of trending ingredients, from avocado (which contains Vitamin E for its soothing ability) to sunflower oil (which aids skin irritation).
While the brand states it isn’t greasy – and I agree – the sunscreen is marketed towards normal-to-dry skin types. Fortunately, Black Girl Sunscreen also recently launched an ultra-sheer version with SPF50, which is much more lightweight and suitable for all skin types.
Best moisturiser with SPF: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF30, £34
This is by far one of my favourite sunscreens. It’s super lightweight and offers instant hydration, as well as sun protection. If you’re like me and love a natural, glowy look, this sunscreen will help you cheat that.
Prior to discovering this gem from Fenty Skin, I found myself applying moisturiser before sunscreen to prevent my skin drying out, however, this 2-in-1 formula keeps my normal-to-dry skin full of hydration. It also makes for a great primer underneath makeup, which is always a win.
Best lightweight SPF for face: Glossier Invisible Shield SPF30, £20
On the hunt for a sunscreen that feels more like a serum but has the same great SPF benefits? Well, Glossier’s vegan and cruelty-free Invisible Shield offers exactly that.
Providing great sun protection while helping to neutralise harmful free radicals, this lightweight SPF has a water-gel consistency, meaning no need to worry about a white cast. It’s a great all-rounder for all skin types – it doesn’t feel heavy or oily and leaves the skin feeling protected and full of moisture.
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