I have never been a big fan of skincare routines and one of those dark-skin people that will say ”hey I do not need a sunscreen”. This is a common misconception and although dark skin does offer more natural protection from the sun’s harmful rays than light skin, no one is immune to the damage caused by the sun.
If only I knew the damage I might be causing to my skin, I would have started applying sunscreen ages ago, but as they say, “it’s never too late”.
Sunscreen protects the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays that is Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). The skin uses sunlight to help manufacture vitamin D, which is vital for normal bone formation, but its ultraviolet light can be very harmful. Most of us only wear sunscreen in the summer months to avoid sunburn, but it should be a year-round precautionary health measure.
Sunscreens are generally rated and labelled with a sun protection factor (SPF) that measures the fraction of sunburn producing UV rays that reach the skin. The higher the SPF number, the better the UV protection you will get.
Sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun’s rays when applied appropriately. However, research suggests that sunscreen users get sunburn frequently for various reasons. Applying too little or not reapplying and overexposure are all causes of sunscreen user getting burnt.
People of all skin types can burn if they do not wear sunscreen. The burn may not be as obvious on dark skin, but this does not mean it is harmless. Everyone needs to take preventive measures against sunburn and skin cancer. No one should consider themselves immune to sunburns and skin cancer!
It is advised not to depend on just using sunscreen. The best strategy remains to avoid sun exposure when possible. Wear sun-protective clothing, these are becoming increasingly popular, and it is a nice addition to using sunscreen. The effect of sunscreen wanes off after you apply it, and most tend to be sweated off. Opt for water-resistant sunscreen if you sweat a lot or planning on going for a swim. Don’t forget the Lips, they too, need love. Go for lip balms with sunscreen and apply regularly.
They should be applied at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors, remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied approximately every two hours.
I use the Purito Comfy Water Sunblock.
Purito Comfy Water Sun Block SPF50
VITAMIN C
So, going from not using sunscreen, it is safe to say applying vitamin C on my skin is quite alien. Yes, I know the benefits of the oral ingestion of vitamin C but not quite why we have to apply it on our skin. Whilst you can get your healthy vitamin C intake through your diet, your skin reaps the most benefits when it is applied topically versus when ingested via an oral supplement or your diet. Research has shown that “Topical application” is 20 times more potent than oral intake.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects the skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. Vitamin C also helps with collagen production, which has the potential to thicken the skin, reduce fine lines, support the skin’s natural regeneration process, reduces the appearance of under-eye circles, skin sagging and generally vital for a firm and youthful skin. Vitamin C has been proven to have a hydrating effect on the skin, supports the reduction of trans-epidermal water loss hence helps to retain moisture.
The best vitamin C skincare products are serums. They are more efficient at penetrating the skin compared to other products like say, cream or toners
See my skin routine post SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR DAY AND NIGHT for how to combine vitamin C serum with other skincare products. Generally, apply vitamin C serum in the mornings after cleansing and before applying moisturizer and sunscreen.
There are lots of vitamin C serum out there, I use “SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic” serum, though they are on the high end of the market, it is worth the money. I recommend this product especially if you have normal to dry skin.
C E FERULIC
What time of day are the rays of the sun dangerous (in UK winters)? Will you skin be able to produce vit D with SS lotion on? How do you determine what SPF is right for the day (I’m a black male)? If you have got have it on so often, is there any point having any other moisturiser?
UVB radiation is received between the hours of 10am and 4pm. It doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter. It is advised to use sunscreen at all times during the day, even indoors, with the sun rays coming in. The use of sunscreen lowers vitamin D levels, but the effect is not drastic. You are supposed to use your moisturiser before sunscreen, they both serve different purposes. Moisturiser will help keep your skin soft, repair and retain moisture, sunscreen on the other hand is to protect your skin from sun damage.