Today, I am wearing leather for my outfit pose/post. As you know, leather is a durable and flexible material created by tanning animal rawhide and skin. Today, I wanted to focus on another type of skin: human skin. How should we protect our skin, especially as African Americans or people of color? How durable is our skin? Are you protecting it? How should one protect their skin? Did you know sunscreen gives us grace as we age?
As I mentioned in my last post, “The Road to Grace,” I experienced the onset of adult acne and sought treatment with a dermatologist. Over the years, I learned the importance of protecting my skin from the beautiful sun while going to my bi-monthly acne treatments.
It’s a known fact that one must protect their skin while vacationing at the shore or if one is exposed to the sun when the strongest ultraviolet rays are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are now more aware of the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays (UV). UV rays are an invisible form of radiation that can penetrate the skin and damage skin cells. In addition, sunburns are a sign of skin damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control, UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or temperature. The rays can also cause skin spots, skin cancer, eye problems, and premature aging/wrinkles.
A myth recently challenged that African Americans do not need to protect their skin from the sun. We know Caucasians are primarily victims of skin cancer. However, everyone, regardless of skin color, can fall prey to skin cancer, according to Dr Mona Gohara, M.D., a Connecticut dermatologist. So, for nearly a decade now, as an African American, I routinely wear a sun protection factor (SPF) daily to protect my skin against the aging effects of UV rays. According to Dr. Karyn Grossman, M.D., an NYC dermatologist, “All complexions can burn,” and a dark-skinned African American doesn’t need as high an SPF sunblock as someone with red or blonde hair since African Americans have more melanin in their skin for natural protection.
The cosmetics industry has done a great job of including SPF 15 in most foundations, creams, powders, and hand lotions. My morning routine includes an SPF 15 foundation and a final facial application of an SPF 30+ to provide extra protection, prevent premature signs of aging with wrinkles, and reduce the risk of skin cancer with outside exposure. Especially since I spend much time outside daily on my travels as a sales representative. The SPF I purchased from the dermatologist’s office is light and has no unusual odor, like some SPFs, so I am encouraged to use it. Some African American women swear by Vaseline, but since I have oily skin, that is not an option that I would consider.
One of the first signs of aging after diminished vision is wrinkles. How are you warding off those wrinkles? What products are you using, if any? What about our spouses who golf, jog, or work outside? Do they use SPF to protect their skin? Perhaps you’re blessed with significant genes and aging gracefully without using anything. But know that sunscreen gives us grace.
I wear sunscreen like it’s my job! I think it’s one of the things that has helped my skin improve. It can heal itself because it’s protect when I’m outside. Plus, ThisThatBeauty swears by it and have you seen her skin? I will do whatever she recommends.
I agree, the suncreen application is finally routine and I believe using it helps to protect against UV rays and prevent wrinkles!! Love ThisThat Beauty, she has great beauty tips.
Channing has a whole face regime she sent me, which does include sunscreen. You look very chic and trendy in these pics…LOVE IT!
I have always had the question in the back of my mind should I or should I not wear sunblock. I’m still on the fence about it. I have never had a problem with burning, but I do tan. What level SPF would you suggest for someone like myself?
Cheryl,
Thank you for your question! First, if you wear any type of foundation, check to see if SPF included, usually it’s 15.
Then, how much time do you spent outside when UV rays are strongest (10:00 am to 4:00 pm)? If you dont work outside or spend great amount of time outside, I would stick with SPF 15 in your foundation if you wear it.
At a minimum, I would keep my skin protected with SPF 15.
Thanks this is great! I really have not paid attention to SPF’s especially in foundation. This is definetly something I should be aware of. Thanks for posting!
Cynthia, Thank you for your comment.
Serena, I overlooked your comment, thanks for stopping by.