Top-Rated Sunscreens Recommended by a Dermatologist for Dark Skin
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By now, most of us understand the importance of sun protection to keep our skin safe from harmful UV rays. However, not all sunscreens are suitable for dark skin tones. Just because you have darker skin doesn’t mean you should have to deal with sunscreens that leave behind white casts. Thankfully, there are numerous sunscreen options available that provide excellent sun protection without the white cast. To discover the best sunscreen for dark skin and address all your SPF queries, we consulted dermatologist Dr. Karyn Grossman, who counts Gwyneth Paltrow, Linda Evangelista, and Molly Sims among her celebrity clients.
Is it necessary for people with darker skin tones to use sunscreen regularly?
“Everyone, regardless of skin tone, should use sunscreen daily,” Dr. Grossman recommends. “Individuals with darker skin tones often assume they don’t need protection because they are less likely to get sunburned compared to very fair-skinned individuals. However, those with darker skin tones can still get sunburned and tan, both of which indicate sun damage.”
Moreover, “In addition to preventing burn and tan, SPF is crucial in safeguarding the skin from pigmentation issues, which are more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones,” Dr. Grossman explains.
Why do some sunscreens leave a white cast, especially on medium to deep skin tones?
“There are two main types of ‘active ingredients’ in SPF. Physical blockers like zinc and titanium, and chemical blockers, which encompass all other types,” Dr. Grossman explains. Essentially, physical sunscreens physically block UV rays, while chemical sunscreens chemically protect against sun damage.
Dr. Grossman adds, “Some SPFs can leave a white cast on the skin when they contain zinc or titanium as active ingredients in their formulation.” Therefore, if you have dark skin, opting for chemical sunscreens may help avoid white casts.
What is the top sunscreen for dark skin?
According to Dr. Grossman, there are several options. “The best choice is to use a tinted physical sunscreen. These sunscreens have added pigment to give them a tint, reducing the white/gray cast noticeable on darker skin tones,” she says. “Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxide in the formulation. This is crucial for individuals combatting pigmentation or melasma, as iron oxides help block visible light, which contributes to pigmentation. For those looking to improve pigmentation, sunscreens with iron oxide are ideal.” Regardless of whether you choose a physical sunscreen, tinted or not, “Always check the active ingredients on the product packaging.”
Another option is to “use a blend of physical and chemical sunscreens, which reduces the gray/white cast by decreasing the amount of physical sunblock on the skin,” Dr. Grossman advises.
Whichever sunscreen you choose, you can trust that these dermatologist-approved selections will provide sun protection without a white cast.