March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women throughout history. The month also includes International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” encourages everyone to challenge gender bias and inequality and create a more inclusive world.

 

One way to support this mission is to prioritize supporting women-owned businesses. Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in the business world, but their success and growth are essential for the economy and society. By supporting women-owned businesses, we can help close the gender gap and empower women to achieve their full potential.

 

Skincare & Beauty Businesses to Support

Here’s a list of skincare and beauty businesses selling Black Girl Sunscreen to support during Women’s History Month.

 

Glo Skin Space

Glo Skin Space is a Minneapolis-based business run by three black female partners, Haneefah King, Felicia Permenter, and Champane.

 

Haneefah King graduated top of her class as a Level 6 from PCI, where she discovered her passion for skin care. This passion has led her to become a sought-after esthetician at Glo, where people come to seek her expertise. She’s also a certified nursing assistant and helps patients in postoperative care.

 

This expertise lets her and her team provide a range of state-of-the-art cosmetic procedures for women, including laser liposuction, belly tightening, and “wood therapy” which helps to break down fat and cellulite.

 

Why Glo Skin Space Loves Black Girl Sunscreen:

To serve and pamper our guests in the most indulgent way. To create a harmonious healing environment for all to enjoy. To offer exquisite experiences each and every time. The reason I retail BGS is because 80% of my clientele is African-American and often new clients have never used a sunscreen, I like having what clients need most.

 

Candour Beauty

London-based Candour Beauty is another black-owned enterprise specializing in products for women of all backgrounds. The company elevates the buying experience for today’s multicultural woman by offering the best experience in beauty and wellness e-commerc

 

Candour Beauty has the mantra, “finally, a place that loves you,” reminding black women of the inauthentic spaces that exist in modern society.

 

Candour Beauty sells a curated collection of various beauty and personal products globally. The company works closely with brands to maintain their high ethical standards.

 

Why Candour Beauty Loves Black Girl Sunscreen:

At Candour Beauty we scour the world for products that help women feel beautiful and make it accessible to Black women. Black Girl Sunscreen filled a noticeable gap in the market that others neglected. BGS 30 was our very first product when we launched in 2020 and continues to be one of the best sellers on candourbeauty.com. We love the growth of the brand so far and the new wave of black owned women led businesses globally!

 

Sugarmoon Salon

Pala Girotti founded Sugarmoon Salon in 2002 after deciding women needed more natural solutions to beauty and hair removal. The company focuses on formulating products and services in a wholly pure way, using dozens of ethically-sourced ingredients and herbal extracts.

 

Why Sugarmoon Salon Loves Black Girl Sunscreen:

Here at Sugarmoon diversity in skincare is very important to us. We have a vast variety of clients and staff from all backgrounds and skin types so we needed a sunscreen that reflects that. We use sunscreen as a last step in all of our facials and having this product on our shelves and back bar allows us to finish our facials with something that suits EVERYONE and won’t leave a white cast on our melaninated clients. Since bringing BGS into our stores it’s proved to be a must have for everyone at Sugarmoon. 

 

Integrative Pharmacy

 

Compounding pharmacy from Integrative Pharmacy creates personalized medications for patients based on their specific needs. In the past, local pharmacists used to make customized remedies for the sick, and now compounding pharmacy has become a specialized niche that works closely with prescribers and patients.

 

When a prescriber sends a prescription to a compounding pharmacy, they make the medication from raw ingredients. This allows pharmacists to create a drug tailored to the patient’s unique requirements when a commercially available product isn’t suitable. Compounding pharmacy offers a solution to patients’ problems by working collaboratively with their prescribers. Therefore, it’s perfect for women seeking appropriate medications for their conditions.

 

​Kanvas Beauty

Lastly, Kanvas Beauty is a skincare retailer based in Australia on a mission to provide women with eco-friendly and vegan products regardless of their skin tone or ethnicity. The company started after its founders decided they needed to develop their own skincare solutions. They had had many skincare conditions between them, including acne, rosacea, sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and allergic reactions. Now they sell a range of products designed to help skin recover its vitality.

 

Why Kanvas Beauty Loves Black Girl Sunscreen:

The very first brand to sign on with Kanvas Beauty was Black Girl Sunscreen. We had always wanted BGS on board, as being a WoC-owned and operated retailer, we were all too familiar with the issues faced by people of colour when it comes to finding suitable sun protection. And as we’ve said before, wearing Black Girl Sunscreen isn’t just a necessity for UV protection: it’s also very much a product that enhances the way your skin looks and feels. None of the formulas are heavy or greasy, and the ingredients are nourishing. We all have a tube of it at home!

The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

 

Looking for a way to build up your community, create jobs and opportunities? Then there’s a simple way that you can do your part while also getting everything you need to live your life to the fullest. By supporting small, local-owned businesses in your community, you help make society a fairer place and empower individuals in their local communities.

 

Here at Black Girl Sunscreen, we’re all about supporting small businesses. In fact, it’s a big reason why we began our business in the first place. We’re passionate about helping businesses that do their part to spread sun protection and sun safety via their business. And we’d like to take an opportunity to support some of them right now by highlighting a handful of companies that are doing fantastic things to elevate their communities. 

 

Skincare & Beauty Businesses You Can Support Today

 

Afromermaid Skincare

We could all do with listening to what Sybil Bailey has to say. She runs her business with a simple but all too frequently overlooked standard of service. As she says, “everyone, and I mean everyone, will be treated with kindness and dignity.” 

 

Her company, Afromermaid Skincare, was set up to make skincare accessible to all, regardless of their background. Based in Knoxville, her facial and skincare services offer her clients’ minds, bodies, and souls a healthy dose of tranquility. 

 

For Sybil, her work allows her to blend two of her passions: skincare and social justice. After all, a person that feels good is more likely to do good. We could do with more Sybil Bailey’s in the world, and we hope that you’ll support her business. 

 

Why Sybil Bailey Loves Black Girl Sunscreen: 

“I came to the beauty industry later in life. After thirty five years in corporate America and came with a specific vision, to nurture people and support black businesses. Using Black Girl Sunscreen allows me to do both. I chose BGS because it’s black and brown friendly (no cast), but also because the formulations work for all of my clients, from no makeup (Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30) to full glam (Make It Glow SPF 30). My BGS rep is a pleasure to work with and supports my small black, woman-owned business.”

 

De La Derma

De La Derma doesn’t just want you to have a great home skincare ritual. It wants to make sure that you’re only using products that contain ingredients that are safe. The founder of De La Derma, Noelle Valera, understands the beauty industry better than anyone, having worked in the industry for six years at various high-end spas and retail skin care shops in San Francisco.

 

While immersed in the skin care industry, she noticed that while people paid a lot of attention to the effects of the skin products they used, they typically paid zero attention to the ingredients contained within those products, which could often be described as “horrible.” 

 

She knew something had to change and set out to do it. De La Derma functions as a marketplace where people can find the skin care products they need, secure in the knowledge that those products contain safe ingredients. As well as her skincare marketplace, Valera offers uplifting skin care services in the Bay Area, Utah, and Los Angeles. 

 

Why Noelle Valera Loves Black Girl Sunscreen:

“As soon as we heard there was a sunscreen specifically made for and by people of color.. we had to try it, as our shop is centered around POC creators. In the treatment room, I’ve always felt like other sunscreens ruin my whole treatment. It would take away the glow that I just spent the last hour giving my client, but SPF is so necessary for post treatment. When I first started using Black Girl Sunscreen in facials I felt like it not only protected the skin but ADDED to the glow!!! I was so impressed. We have BGS SPF 30, BGS Kids SPF 50, and BGS Matte it Matte SPF 45 in our shop now and our first two years of business, it was the #1 top sold product!!! Forever now a staple in our shop!”

 

Skin Studio 112 

Lorin Cumberbatch, owner of Skin Studio 112 in Michigan, is a testament to what humans can achieve when they have a goal in mind. Her dream was to open a spa that would service the black community, and, in the process, break all the stereotypes about black skin.

 

Her journey nearly came to an end after she had to file for bankruptcy after her son needed heart surgery and she herself needed back surgery. Did that stop her? Not a chance. She began anew with a positive mindset, eventually opening a spa which went on to become one of the most successful black-owned businesses in the area. 

 

Skin By Cam

 

Cameron Cooper is a man who knows the importance of good skin — and the challenges of getting it. As a young man who struggled with acne, hyperpigmentation, and texture, he set out to learn everything he could about skin care. And what he discovered led to the creation of his very own company, Skin By Cam. 

 

While his products are available to everyone, he’s particularly attuned to the unique skin concerns that people of color typically experience. His products work to combat the effects of acne, razor bumps, sun damage, and other factors that can compromise the quality of a person’s skin. 

 

Why Cam Loves Black Girl Sunscreen:

“Having the opportunity to retail with Black Girl Sunscreen made it possible to continue to educate people of color on the importance of sun protection. Having an option that leaves no white cast, feels beautiful, and provides the necessary protection helped encourage my clients to wear sunscreen. My retail sales increased by 20% year over year by having an affordable SPF option, and my clients love it!”

 

​Blackshere Beauty 

If you want to look good, then you go to Blackshere Beauty. After all, the owner, Starr Blackshere, knows everything there is to know about beauty. She’s dedicated her life to beauty education, and in the process has become one of the leading makeup artists, cosmetologists, and tattoo artists in Brooklyn. At her concept studio, you’ll find makeup artistry services, glam waxing services, and high-quality retail products available. 

 

Why Starr Loves Black Girl Sunscreen:

“We are so happy to carry BGS! At Blackshere Beauty, we added BGS to our retail offerings because we noticed how our clientele truly appreciate purchasing black owned products as well as investing in their self-care rituals. Our clientele is super savvy, self care conscious and loves to travel! This is why BGS is an easy purchasing choice in our studio. BGS offers our clients confidence when they blend the product on their skin and see zero color or residue. BGS performs as promised, protecting our skin from hyperpigmentation and sun damage while keeping us looking good and healthy. This is why we love it!”

 

There are plenty more small businesses that we could celebrate, but we thought we’d give the ones we’ve mentioned some special support. After all, they’re all doing fantastic work!

A day at the beach can raise your spirits like nothing else can, and to top it all off, you’ll usually find that you’ll enjoy that sun-kissed, bronzed look for a few days, too. While the bronzed and glowing look is an aspiration for many people, it’s important to consider your sun protection needs for your skin type. Plus, even people who always keep their skin tan and looking healthy can find themselves suffering from premature aging, fine lines, and other consequences of too much sun exposure.

 

Sun safety 101 tells us that sunscreen is essential. But what if you want to be sun-safe and achieve your bronzed or tanned look? Is that possible? Or does sunscreen prevent tanning? Moreover, what about tanning for people with deeper complexions? Do you need to wear sunscreen for your skin’s natural melanin , and can you still suffer from sunburn? In this blog, we’ll run through everything you need to know. 

 

The Big Question: Does Sunscreen Really Prevent Tanning?

 

The short answer to this question would be ‘yes,’ sunscreen does prevent tanning. However, if you dive a little deeper, then you’ll find that things are a little more complicated than a simple yes or no answer.

 

It’s still possible to get a tan while we’re wearing sunscreen, and that’s for the simple reason that sunscreen protects against the sun’s harmful ways but it doesn’t offer flawless protection – especially depending on how long you stay outdoors. Even the best sunscreen lotion in the world cannot block out 100% of the sun’s rays — and the few percent that make it through can give you a tan. So there we have it. 

 

How Sunscreen Works

 

Sunscreen works in one of two ways. Some sunscreens protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s UV rays. Others protect the skin by reflecting those UV rays. If you’re not wearing sunscreen, then the sun’s powerful UV rays will be absorbed into the skin, causing sunburns, premature aging, and, in some instances, even skin cancer.

 

However, this can also inhibit melanin production. Everyone produces melanin, but those with deeper skin tones will have more than others, hence the darker skin tones. The purpose of melanin is to protect your skin from the sun, which is why it is typically harder for people with darker skin to burn or “tan”. With sunscreen working to reflect or prevent the absorption of UV rays, it means your body starts producing less melanin. So, that’s one thing to keep in mind.  

 

Of course, there are things that can prevent sunscreen from working effectively. One is not applying enough cream. Most people tend to use only small amounts of sunscreen, which can compromise the effectiveness of the product. You’ll also find that sunscreen may not work as effectively if you’re wet, for instance, when you get out of the pool. Finally, remember that sunscreen does expire and also needs to be stored in a cool place. Sunscreen that is kept in hot conditions (such as a hot car) will break down more quickly, nullifying its effectiveness. 

 

Sun Protection Factor: What do the Numbers Mean?

 

The SPF number refers to how much time it would take the sun’s UV rays to penetrate your skin if you are wearing sunscreen versus if you had no coverage at all. If you apply the product properly, it will take you 30 times longer to redden if you were wearing SPF 30 sunscreen versus if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen.

 

Most people tend to assume that the higher the SPF number on a bottle of sunscreen, the higher the level of protection it’ll offer. But that’s only kind of true. It can be dangerous to assume that applying a high number means you can skip sun safety. It would be more effective to wear SPF 30 and reapply multiple times a day rather than applying SPF 70 just once a day.

 

What a “Tan” Means

 

A tan is actually indicative of skin damage. As mentioned, your skin produces melanin when it’s exposed to harmful amounts of UV rays — and it’s this melanin that darkens the skin. The more UV rays that your skin is exposed to, the more the skin feels “threatened” and the more melanin it produces. This is why people get darker tans when they spend more time in the sunshine. 

 

What is bronzing?

 

Bronzing is the process of deepening your skin to look healthier and glowy after staying in the sun. It’s popular amongst many black women as a way of adding dimension to the skin while looking nice and bronze. You see, producing lots of melanin will offer some natural protection from the sun. As such, darker individuals are less likely to burn. Nevertheless, you still need to protect yourself from the sun. Bronzing lets you do this, utilizing the protective benefits of specially formulated sunscreen with added ingredients that nourish the skin and provide a bronzed and glowy look. 

 

The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen Every Day

 

The majority of people only think about applying sunscreen when they’re going for a fun day in the sun. However, dermatologists recommend that people wear sunscreen every day, regardless of whether it’s sunny and hot or cloudy and cool. Why? Because UV rays are always present, and over time, they can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging, as well as more serious problems, such as skin cancer. 

 

This applies to everyone – including melanin-rich individuals. There’s a common misconception that black people don’t need sunscreen and skin protection. But, constant sun exposure will still have debilitating effects on your skin, regardless of how much melanin you produce. As such, it’s crucial to keep yourself protected to slow down the signs of aging, prevent skin cancer, and keep your skin looking naturally beautiful. 

 

If you’re looking for effective sunscreen designed with your skin in mind, be sure to check out our excellent selection of products here at Black Girl Sunscreen.

As any parent knows, the Winter Break is a time when kids have a lot of idle time on their hands. If you’re not careful, they will spend their time playing on their phones, watching TV, and just generally looking at screens for hours. Needless to say, they can get bored very quickly and start feeling restless at home. So, finding some creative Christmas-themed activities to keep your children entertained during their school’s holiday is a high priority.

We’ve got a selection of really fun and exciting ideas to share with you today! The best thing is, all of these Christmas activities are cost-effective and can be done at-home with your kids whenever you like. You’ll get them away from their screens, help them create new memories and get into a festive spirit. Without further ado, here are our ideas:

A letter to/from Santa Claus

Set the tone for the Christmas Holidays by creating a letter from Santa to your kids. We’ve got a simple mock-up letter here that you can download, print out, and send to your kids. Put it in a nice envelope and place it in your letterbox to give it an authentic feel! It’s a brilliant way of igniting the festive spirit in your kids and getting them all excited for Christmas.

Plus, it lets them write a letter back to Khris Kringle about their Christmas wishes. This will keep them busy for a few hours or days as they think about what they want. It’s such a simple and fun way of keeping kids occupied during the school holidays. We’ve actually got a nice template that you can print out and hand to your kids too, making their lives easier.

Enjoy holiday movie classics with your little ones

Christmas movies are the perfect way to bring everyone together during the holiday season. It’s an excuse to get your whole family in one room, snuggled up on the sofa. There’s something magical about spending this quality time as a family unit. It just makes you all feel a lot closer and you form memories your kids will cherish. Who knows, this could be the start of a family tradition where you have to watch certain movies every Christmas.

Of course, there are loads of movies to choose from, so we’ve made a list of must-watch films. You can download it here, and cross off each movie until you’ve watched them all!

Create a new recipe together

Sometimes, cooking is the best activity you can do with your kids. It teaches them new skills while ensuring they’re having fun away from a screen. Plus, they love getting their hands dirty and mixing things – it’s a lot of fun for everyone involved. Again, it’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your little ones and make new family traditions that will be carried on for years.

The secret is making something they will love. So, you need to get your baking hat on to create this wonderful Vanilla Bean Christmas Cookie Recipe. It’ll take around 20 minutes to prepare, 8 minutes to cook, and then a painful 60 minutes of resting time. All in all, you have the perfect little afternoon or morning activity that helps your kids develop new skills while keeping them entertained during the holidays. As a bonus, you can pretty much make these cookies as often as you like during their time off!

Participate in the #25DaysofChristmas with BGS

The ideas above are just a small taster of what’s possible this Christmas. We know there are some of you frantically worrying about how you’ll fill the entire holiday season with fun activities. Don’t worry, Black Girl Sunscreen has got you covered.

Join us in the #25DaysofChristmas challenge, which features a day-by-day plan of things for your whole family to do. As well as the three ideas in this post, you can try activities such as ice skating, decorating the house with holiday cheer, picking Christmas-themed outfits, shopping for a Christmas tree – and much more.

Download the whole list of activities here, and don’t be afraid to upload photos or videos to your socials. Use #BGSKidsChristmas on your posts so we can see you and your family enjoying all of the festive fun. By the end of the 25 days, you’ll feel much closer as a family having shared so many wonderful memories every day.

As always, we hope you and your family Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and as always…Stay Moisturized and Protect your Skin! As we enjoy the outdoors and create new memories, keep your children protected from UVA/UVB rays with BGS Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen, formulated with moisturizing ingredients for even the most sensitive skin types.

The Full List of Christmas Activities

• Holiday Activity List
• 15 GREAT Holiday Movies
• Holiday Cookie Receipe
• Letter From Santa Read-along
• Letter to Santa [Template for Kids]

Sunscreen is something which experts recommend people use daily. Many people assume that UV rays are only dangerous on bright or hot days. This is not the case and the most powerful UV rays can impact and damage our skin on days when the sky is overcast or the sun is barely visible.

 

When choosing a sunscreen, you need to think about which SPF rating you need. The sun protection factor is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that people use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should also consider the level of sun exposure. If you are going to be out in the sun a lot, you need a higher SPF rating. Finally, you should think about the sunscreen ingredients. This will also help you choose the right sunscreen for your skin type.

 

Choosing The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin Type

There are lots of different skin types including:

• Normal
• Dry
• Oily
• Combination – both oily and dry
• Sensitive

 

Depending on your skin type, your skin may respond differently to certain ingredients and ointments including sunscreen. At Black Girl Sunscreen, we provide sunscreen formulas that are suitable for various skin types and tones. Below, we discuss which formulation is best for your skin type or desired goal!

 

For normal skin, Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30

If you have a normal skin type, then our Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is for you. This formula will protect your skin from the sun and also doubles as a moisturizing lotion.

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 dries completely clear so it’s perfect to use before any outdoor activity or even under your favorite makeup products. The best part about this sunscreen: People won’t be able to tell you are wearing sunscreen at all.

 

For oily skin, Make it Matte SPF 45 

If you have oily skin, our Make It Matte SPF 45 will give your face the matte finish it’s looking for. Make It Matte is a lightweight, gel formula that protects against sun damage leaving no white residue and a matte finish This formula works for combination skin as well as it is infused with ingredients such as aloe, squalene, and shea butter that help moisturize, soothe and heal your skin.

 

For sensitive skin, Make it Hybrid SPF 50

If you have sensitive skin, then BGS Kids SPF 50 is for you. This hypoallergenic formula is an everyday SPF 50 moisturizing sunscreen lotion for your face and body. It soothes, moisturizes, protects, hydrates and heals your skin as it was formulated for kids’ sensitive skin. Best of all it’s free of fragrance, parabens, silicones, and aluminums.

 

Best Way To Choose A Sunscreen

The best way to choose a sunscreen is to consider your skin type and what protection you are looking for. A good rule of thumb is to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30.

You should also ensure that any sunscreen you choose is free of harmful ingredients. Our sunscreens are paraben, oxybenzone and octinoxate free. Black Girl Sunscreen prides itself in formulating sunscreens that are infused with key ingredients to help moisturize, soothe, and protect your skin.

 

The next time you’re using your favorite skincare product, check the expiration date to see if it’s time to start fresh.

 

Expiration dates keep us safe by telling us when it’s time to restock on something you enjoy. Though many may think expiration dates just applies to food, they also apply to anything you put on your skin or face too! Next time you’re going in to apply your favorite Black Girl Sunscreen product, you should check the expiration date, and here’s why!

 

Yes – Your Sunscreen Has an Expiration Date

Sunscreens, like every other skincare product, have an expiration date. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sunscreens are required to remain at their original strength for at least three years.

 

 

How To Tell If Your Sunscreen Has Expired

One way to tell if your sunscreen has expired, is by simply noticing if there’s any change in texture, smell or color. If this is the case, do not use the product and immediately discard it and get a replacement.

 

Another way to check if your sunscreen has expired is to look for the expiration date. The expiration date location varies on different products, but on Black Girl Sunscreen products, the expiration date is located either at the very top of your sunscreen tube or the bottom of your sunscreen spray.

 

 

Opened vs Unopened Sunscreen – Is it Still Good?

Regardless of whether it’s opened or unopened – expired sunscreen is still expired. Unopened sunscreens that have been stored in dry, cool places may offer better protection than a sunscreen that’s being open and used daily. However, doctors say that even expired sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. It will not offer as much protection against UV rays, but it’s better than going out with no protection and leaving your skin susceptible to more damage.

 

That means as soon as you notice that your sunscreen has expired, it’s time to grab a new one! That way you’ll go back to being fully protected and ensuring you’re giving your skin the best protection possible. Don’t forget you can also protect your skin with hats, clothes and any other barrier you can put between your skin and the sun.

 

 

How to Properly Store Your Sunscreen

The best way to store your sunscreen bottle or spray is in a cool, dark place. This will keep the ingredients stronger, longer. Sunscreens that are excessively exposed to the sun or heat can cause the ingredients to become less effective over time.

Fall is here! It’s time for sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and sunscreen. Yes, you still need sunscreen even when it’s cold outside and the sun may not be out as much. Harmful UV rays aren’t just out when the sun is shining – they’re out year round. That means it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin no matter what time of year, so all the time!

 

Why You Still Need Sunscreen in the Colder Months

 

While UVB rays are shorter and aren’t as present during cold and dreary months, UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are present year-round. Skin that has constant UV ray exposure without any type of protection can result in early signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines), hyperpigmentation, sunburn or even skin cancer. This is why you need sunscreen year-round. Sunscreen provides a layer of protection for your skin, and helps with your overall skin health and acts as a preventative measure against things like early aging and skin cancer. 

 

However, the sun is not the only thing sunscreen can protect you from. Sunscreen also provides protection from blue light exposure and harsh environmental factors. Blue light comes from the light projected from technological devices we use daily, like our phones, television, computer screens. Harsh environmental factors that your skin might experience when you’re going to a haunted house or the apple orchard can be lessened with a solid layer of sunscreen. 

 

Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen in the Fall & Winter

 

Sunscreen Protects from Ice & Snow UV Ray Reflection

UVA rays are known to be able to reflect off of common surfaces in the winter, like snow and ice. They can even penetrate through the clouds on less sunny days when it’s cold out. These rays are more dangerous because they penetrate the skin more deeply and can harm the skin by reflecting off of surfaces like ice or glass. Even reflected light can still penetrate your skin. Most people are unaware that their skin is even being damaged because you won’t feel your skin warming up like you would during warmer months or the summer. You may not realize that you are developing sunburn until they go home and experience tight, hot skin (a sign of possible sunburn). This is why it’s important to wear sunscreen, even when it’s cold outside.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen Keeps Your Skin Moisturized and Protected

We’re here to ensure two things – your skin is moisturized and protected! Our sunscreens have ingredients that are not only moisturizing, but are safe for your skin! A previous blog, What’s In Your Sunscreen? Ingredients that Protect Your Skin, talks about our ingredients and what they do to help your skin. 

 

Sunscreen Prevents Premature Aging

One of the best benefits of sunscreen is that it helps with anti-aging. Harmful UV rays can be damaging to two proteins that help with elasticity in your skin: elastin and collagen. Some early signs of aging are:

 

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Discoloration

 

Using an SPF of 30 or more daily can help slow the aging process from happening too soon. 

 

Sunscreen Decreases Risk of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can happen as a result of repeated UV and radiation exposure without adequate or any protection. It occurs when pigment-producing cells (the cells that give color to the skin) begin to grow out of control, becoming cancerous. Sometimes it’s more difficult to spot on Black skin, so it’s important to do checks for what it could look like on more melanated people. 

 

A great way to recognize abnormalities in your skin is to first become familiar with your skin. You don’t have to do super in depth checks, but you should know your skin and how it typically looks. That way, if you see a sudden spot, weirdly shaped hyperpigmentation or an inflamed part of your skin, you’ll be able to recognize it. 

 

Dermatologists say that a daily use of at least SPF 15 or higher can lessen the likelihood of getting skin cancer by at least 40-50% and that can make all the difference. 

 

How to Protect Your Skin During Winter Months

As you’re enjoying outdoor activities in the fall and winter months, it’s important to keep warm when you can and use sunscreen! In the winter, it’s important to understand what kind of skin you have – oily, combination or dry. If you have dryer skin, the winter months are the time to really hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 

 

Even if you don’t typically have dry skin, it’s important to moisturize your skin. During the winter months, harsh cold weather dehydrates the skin. Dehydration can make skin very stiff and dry, which could result in cracks and those small open cuts could make skin susceptible to infection.   

 

You may want to invest in hyaluronic acid, a popular serum ingredient that hydrates skin, or even a heavier moisturizer. Using a moisturizer that really softens and hydrates your skin can assist with your skin’s natural moisture.  To get an idea of what you could incorporate for a solid daily skincare routine, look at Skin Care Routine for Black Skin blog post. 

 

Always Protect Your Melanin

Our melanin is amazing, and to keep it that way, we have to invest in and protect it everyday. The best way to wrap up your skincare routine, no matter the weather, is to apply sunscreen. And of course you know we got you covered with plenty of options for all skin types.

 

• Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion – The perfect sunscreen for daily use that works great before heading outdoors or under your favorite makeup products. 

 

• Make It Glow™ SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray – Our lightweight, continuous sunscreen spray applies to the body evenly leaving a layer of sun protection. Infused with Glycerin, Jojoba, and Avocado to help moisturize your skin, Make It Glow™ leaves all skin tones and types with a radiant glow for on-the-go.

 

• Make It Matte™ SPF 45 Sunscreen – A lightweight, gel formula that protects against sun damage leaving no white residue and a matte finish infused with ingredients such as aloe, squalene, and shea butter that help moisturize, soothe and heal your skin.

 

• Make It Hybrid™ SPF 50 Sunscreen – Black Girl Sunscreen’s lightweight mineral and synthetic formula with zinc-oxide is designed to protect against sun damage leaving no white residue and a dewy finish. 

 

• Kids Spray & Play SPF 50 Spray – For the on-the-go parents and kids! This continuous, sticky-free mist leaves an even protective layer on your little one’s skin. Quickly spray and the kids will be protected while they play!

 

• BGS Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion – A sunscreen that’s safe for your child’s skin that soothes, moisturizes, protects, hydrates and heals your child’s skin.

 

• *Bonus* Make It Pop™ Sun Gloss – A revolutionary sun gloss for protected, glossy, and poppin’ lips. Formulated with Broad Spectrum SPF 50, hyaluronic acid, tripeptides, and jojoba. This sun gloss will make you feel good and look good while protecting your lips from the sun.

 

Don’t forget that the health and betterment of your skin is a commitment and you need to protect it 365 days a year!

Wearing sunscreen is essential for everyone and plays an important part in your daily skincare routine. No matter your skin color, sunscreen is best for everyday use to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.  

 

As wearing sunscreen is essential, you may already apply sunscreen each day as part of your skin care routine. But, to keep your skin protected, you also need to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day! The CDC experts recommend that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours, and after you have been in the water or have perspired heavily. But you may be wondering about the best way to reapply sunscreen on top of makeup without ruining your glam look. We have the answers right here to keep your makeup looking flawless and your skin protected from the sun.

 

Read on to learn how to reapply your sunscreen over your makeup to ensure your skin is protected right through the day – without the white cast!

 

First Things First – Prepping Your Skin Before Makeup

 

Whether your skin type is oily, dry, combination, or something in between, keeping up with a regular skin care routine is essential to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, while also protecting from UVA & UVB rays that can lead to skin cancer. Following an effective skin care routine will only help to keep your skin clean, protected, and healthy. 

 

A strong AM routine gets your skin off to the best start each day, ensuring that it is clean, moisturized, and protected before you apply your makeup. Starting your routine by cleansing your skin to remove any oil and dirt and then moving on to toning your skin before applying moisturizer are all staple parts of your morning skin care routine. But there is one final step that you should never skip, and that is applying sunscreen. To take the best care of your skin, sunscreen should be applied every day as part of your AM skin care routine and then regularly throughout the day.

 

Putting on sunscreen before you apply a full face of makeup is the essential final step in your morning skin care routine. Additionally, putting on your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you head outside is crucial and applying it before you start your makeup routine is important. Black Girl Sunscreen acts as the perfect primer and provides a protective moisturizing layer that leaves your skin ready for makeup.

 

Check out this Instagram reel where Chanel shows how to apply our OG Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 before creating her “Chill But Still A Big Deal” makeup look: 

 

 

The Real Question: How Do I Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup?

 

As stated, application of sunscreen every two to three hours is essential to continued sun protection, but after perfecting your foundation and flawless makeup routine, you may be reluctant to smother sunscreen over your face. You will be pleased to know that it is possible to reapply your sunscreen, protect your skin, and ensure that your makeup stays looking perfect. The answer to this skincare dilemma is to use a beauty sponge.  

 

Using a beauty sponge is the #1 method to reapply sunscreen over your full face makeup. Popping a beauty sponge in your bag and keeping it with you will mean you can reapply your Black Girl Sunscreen on the go and keep your skin protected wherever you are. 

 

Check out this Instagram reel to see a demo showing how to reapply sunscreen over your makeup without ruining your look, starting by putting your Black Girl Sunscreen to the back of your hand:

 

 

Tips & Takeaway

 

Making sunscreen a part of your regular skin care and beauty routine is a great choice for overall your beauty and skin care health. Sunscreen and beauty go hand in hand. Using sunscreen maximizes your overall beauty and makeup routine to ensure that you are always safe (and moisturized!) in the sun.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen not only keeps your skin protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays but can also enhance your beauty routine. Black Girl Sunscreen provides an ideal protective base for your makeup and is available in a choice of formulas. Depending on the look you are trying to create, you can take your pick from our versatile Black Girl Sunscreen formulations for maximum protection of all skin types, including Make it Matte SPF 45 and Make it Hybrid SPF 50. Whether you want to create a glowing natural makeup look or a matte look with full-on glam, we have the perfect sunscreen lotion to make it happen.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen has the high level of protection you need to keep your skin safe in the sun. Making Black Girl Sunscreen a part of your everyday skin care and beauty routine will help guard your skin against sun damage. Get the perfect base for your makeup with Black Girl Sunscreen, and then reapply your daily SPF as often as you need throughout the day without spoiling your makeup look.

Everyone needs to use sunscreen. Sunscreen is a vital part of anyone’s skincare routine because it has a lot of preventative and helpful benefits that can make all the difference in your skin health. Sunscreen is that final layer in a skincare routine that protects your skin from harmful UV rays throughout the day, but it does so much more than that. 

 

Why You Should Wear Sunscreen Daily

Daily sunscreen use helps with various aspects of your skin health, appearance, and assists with preventative measures.

 

Decrease the Risk of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. It occurs when pigment-producing cells (the cells that give color to the skin) begin to grow out of control, becoming cancerous. 

 

Melanoma may not be the easiest to spot on darker skin, but Medical News Today gives some signs to look for, such as:

• New or changing growth under the nails or on the soles of the feet.
• Flat dark brown or tan spot(s) with irregular borders. 
• Growing spot(s) that may eventually develop into sores.

 

The Skin Care Foundation advises, “Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.” UV rays can be very harmful and if exposed excessively without any or a proper amount of protection, it can increase the risk of skin cancer. However, daily use of sunscreen can significantly decrease your chances of developing melanoma.

 

Protect from Damaging UVA & UVB Rays 

There are two different kinds of UV rays: UVA and UVB. 

 

UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are associated with skin aging; these types of rays are year-round. UVA rays can be more dangerous because they penetrate the skin more deeply and are not filtered through glass, which means UVA rays are apparent all day. 

 

• Fast fact – UVA rays are emitted while using tanning beds, so be conscious of that if that’s something you do. 

 

UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are associated with skin burning. UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be damaging. These rays are more likely to cause problems with the top layers of your skin, and these rays play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, like melanoma.

 

For the best protection from both, it’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reach for a  chemical sunscreen, that is water-resistant, which is a great option for outdoor days or when you may be sweating.

 

Prevent Signs of Premature Aging 

Consistent exposure to UV rays without protection can damage the cells in your skin that contribute to aging. Sun rays can break  down the two main proteins that contribute to elasticity in your skin: elastin and collagen. This can lead to early signs of aging like:

 

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Discoloration 

 

Using an SPF of 30 or higher can protect the skin well enough to stop this from happening too early. 

 

Maintain an Even Skin Tone & Texture  

While sun exposure is great for the skin, too much of it can cause hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation  is when part(s) of the skin appear darker than others, and uneven skin tone. Using sunscreen consistently can reduce the chances of the above happening, and ensure that your skin stays as healthy and happy as possible!

 

Black Girl Sunscreen Is for Everyone 

At Black Girl Sunscreen, we pride ourselves on creating quality sun protection formulas products that are made for all skin tones! One of the best aspects of our sunscreens is that they don’t leave the unwanted white or purple cast that’s unappealing on the skin of color. Our products also contain moisturizing ingredients that work together to contribute to your skin’s health and protection, such as:

 

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 

•  Avocado Oil
•  Jojoba Oil

 

Make It Matte™ SPF 45

•  Aloe Vera Leaf Extract
•  Shea Butter

 

BGS Kids Spray & Play SPF 50

• Chamomile
• Carrot Seed Oil

 

 

All of our sunscreens are paraben, oxybenzone, and octinoxate-free, which means they are reef-friendly and won’t contribute to hormonal disruption. Parabens and octinoxate are both linked to ecological harm (like disrupting coral reefs) and hormonal disruption and oxybenzone has been known to cause allergic reactions and can produce symptoms similar to eczema.

 

Remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Whether you’re on vacation and on the beach, or working from home and looking at screens most of the day, you need sunscreen!