two hours, it’s time to put more sunscreen on.
The final consideration is choosing between a chemical or mineral-based sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are considered to be physical barriers to the sun’s radiation as they deflect the UVA and UVB rays from the skin. These products usually contain Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide. The main issue Black people have with mineral sunscreens is the white or purple appearance that it leaves on their skin. Though there are a few options that don’t do this, you might need to search for those that are specifically designed for African Americans.
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Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, tend to be lighter in consistency and appearance – making them ideal for darker skin. There is some question about their longevity, though, so you may need to re-apply them more frequently.
Chemical sunscreens protect you by reacting with the sun’s radiation before they can damage your skin. Typically, the ingredients used include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Again, it might be possible to find chemical sunscreens that are meant for people with darker skin.
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When To See A Dermatologist
If you’ve been going without sunscreen for a little while, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for a check-up. Depending on your skin, it can take a special instrument to detect the sun’s damage.
A quick visit to the dermatologist is also recommended if you’ve noticed any abnormalities in your skin or you feel that you’ve become more sensitive to the sun over time. Dermatologists can be great resources for finding your ideal sunscreen as well if you have sensitive skin or want a little more guidance about your options.
Whether you like it or not, Black skin can definitely burn. If you spend prolonged periods in the sun without sunscreen, you’ll have an increased risk for skin damage as well as cancer. Even if you’ve been going without protection for years, there’s no time like the present to find the right sunscreen for you.