Yes, YES, I know that summer is half way over but that doesn’t mean that you can’t burn tomorrow and what kind of sage guide and beauty/skincare researching wizard would I be if I didn’t share all that I learned?
Anyways, here is what I learned so far and the recommendations I have seen and received from y’alls favorite estheticians and dermatologists on social media.
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion – Yes, I tried it.
Okay, so this is my daily sunscreen. I like it because there is no cast and since I have began using it, it has been effective: my current hyper-pigmentation has not gotten an darker (in fact it is fading) and my face and neck have not been sunburned. Now, MY only con is that is does make my face a little shiny – like all day wear shiny. I have combination t-zone skin so my forehead, even at the end of the work day after commuting home, is shinier than ever (which I can only assume is a mix between the two). However my cheeks, which aren’t usually as greasy, sustain the moisturizer in the lotion all day. My little sister unfortunately has fared worse. Here skin is dry and she cut her use of Black Girl Sunscreen short after a trial period of two months where in which she had a sustained breakout. – We rate it 7 out of 10
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen 55 SPF with helioplex – Yes, I tried it.
I picked this after an extensive google research session while already standing in the Target sunscreen aisle and not being able to locate what I want but knowing that I desperately needed something. It was rated well on the internet and there were some women of color that has used it on their bodies with success. I tried it out on my Birthday Girls Trip with my mother and sister. We had a spa day and then lounged by the pool afterward. I was in the pool when I realized that the cast on my skin was visible both in and out of the water. I got out and air-dried, so as to not disturbed the product. It got worse. My mother and my sister faired the same. While none of us got sunburnt (on the sections where the sunscreen stayed) it was quite disappointing overall and also NOT moisturizing. – We rate is 4 out of 10
Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion – Yes, I tried it.
As a woman who likes to sunbathe but also has come to realize that she is allergic to the sun this is an essential item. Now, it is not sunscreen and therefore not helpful in any preventative manner. It is however, a moisturizing product for use after sun-exposure that contains aloe, cocoa butter, and jojoba seed oil that work overtime to quell the burning sensation that I usually get in my inner arms and sometimes neck after a day in the sun. It it a little runny but it goes on like lotion and helps immensely with the pain. The only problem with this is that it sometimes requires a few applications over the course of some hours. It does however speed up the healing process immensely. – I give it a 9 out of 10
Ixora Botanical Beauty Donkey Milk & Argan Oil Moisturizer – Yes, I tried it.
Now, this moisturizer is not billed as a sunbathing or sun-exposure helper PER-SAY, however I was looking for something that would HEAL the little overheated areas that I had and would require fewer applications. Friends… this is it. I applied this immediately after getting home from being in the sun and whenever I felt like the rash was flaring up afterward and it works. The working ingredient in this moisturizer, goat milk, is billed as anti-inflammatory and breakout reducing. So far it has done the trick and passed the test with flying colors. I am very happy with the results. I usually only have to apply once a day. Sometimes I pre-emptively apply after getting out of the shower and things have been going well. I also do not have any standing rashes or raised bumps/scratches like I have had in previous summer after multiple days of sun exposure. If you are looking for something like this give it a try. – I give it a 10 out of 10 for now
Okay, now Must Haves that I have not been able to snag so far this summer:
1.) Neutrogena Beach Defense® Water + Sun Protection Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 – I have seen this product recommended my Black and White estheticians for your skin. There is apparently no white cast. It is good for sensitive skin and it is formulated specifically for harsh beach conditions. I went to check it out on the Neutrogena website and it is sold out. Sooo this might work…maybe lol. It is also available in stick form but the SPF is lower, I think. (Don’t get the spray-on one it’s been recalled.)
2.) Hawaiian Tropic Everyday ActiveTM Lotion SPF 50 – This was also esthetician recommended. It is oil-free, contains island-inspired ingredients like aloe, papaya, mango, and passion fruit, and it is apparently formulated to not mess up the coal reef when the wearer does end up in the water. I want to try for the fact that it contain plumeria alone but the reviews say there is no cast and that alone is a reason to try it.
3.) Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ – This is it y’all! Apparently the Holy Grail of sunscreens. It rolls on clear and streak free OVER and UNDER makeup. Honestly, have you ever been more excited in your life? I have seen every skin type and complexion recommend this product and I want to try it so bad. The only problem is…it is very tiny. But honestly the good outweighs the bad. If I cop anything on this list, it will be this one.
What have you all been hearing or wearing in the sunscreen product streets this summer? Am I missing something? Let me know if the comments!
Welcome Home Love 