Sunscreen for brown skin
The sunscreens commonly found in drug stores can be thick, difficult to apply and most notably, leave a dull and unappealing ashy sheen on black and brown skin. Thankfully, recognising a need for high SPF, easy to apply, comfortable to wear and dark skin tone appropriate sunscreen, a number of companies have produced sun protection lotions that work well on south Asian skin. Below are some of the best.
Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
This is created by the company Drunk Elephant, which aims to create products that help desensitise skin and return it to a healthy and balanced state by not using six ingredients commonly found in skincare products which they believe irritate and sensitise skin unnecessarily. The lotion is sheer, provides UVA and UVB protection and helps aid in the prevention of free radical and oxidative damage. It also moisturises, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is lightweight so as to prevent any greasy residue.
City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++
Created by Murad, a brand of clinical skincare products whose ethos is ‘skincare is healthcare and self care’, this sunscreen blocks UVA and UVB light, blue light from screens and pollution and infrared radiation, all of which the company says cause visible signs of ageing. Made 100% of minerals, the lotion forms a polymer matrix which acts as a second skin and blocks toxic pollutants. Full of antioxidants, the cream colour-corrects to even skin tone, reduces dullness and leaves a luminous glow on the skin. However at £60.00, it is steep.
Invisible Shield
This sunscreen by Instagram-famous brand, Glossier, which believes in communicating with its costumers to create the products they wish existed, is an SPF 30 daily sunscreen. Made of a water gel formula, it feels like a lightweight serum that melts into the skin, is transparent and non-greasy. Alcohol-free, it is also non drying, has an antioxidant complex that neutralises free radicals and a fermented yeast and vegetal extract that creates a protective matrix on top of skin, to keep out pollutants. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Created by Supergoop!, a company setup to create sun protection products, this lotion is invisible, lightweight and oil free, which helps control shin and leaves the skin with a velvety finish. It protects against UVA and UVB rays and blue light from electronic devices. It also works great as a primer for makeup and is octinoxate-free meaning it’s reef-safe. Containing meadowfoam seed oil, it provides hydration to create a more even skin tone. The company is cruelty-free and try to use as environmentally-friendly packaging as possible.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream
This sunscreen is made by La Roche-Posay, a skincare company that partners with dermatologists to create products that suit sensitive skin. Containing the company’s patented Cell-Ox Shield technology, it provides protection against UVA and UVB light and infrared radiation. The cream also has antioxidants that help protect skin from free radicals. It is strongly resistant to water, sweat and sand and non-greasy and non-sticky, it stays put and does not budge. The sunscreen, which contains thermal spring water, is also hypoallergenic