Black Girls Wear Sunscreen, Too

The myth that's been costing us our glow — and how to protect your melanated skin this

summer.

The myth that's been costing us our glow — and how to protect your melanated skin this summer.

Let's settle this once and for all — yes, sis, you need sunscreen.

There's a myth that has followed women of color for generations: that our melanin protects us

from the sun. And listen, I understand where it comes from. Melanin DOES offer some natural

protection. But here's the truth in love: it is nowhere near enough. The sun is still doing damage

— and that damage is more serious than most of us were ever taught.

This July, as we celebrate freedom and head out to pools, beaches, cookouts, and cruises,

we're talking about one of the most overlooked acts of self-care in our community: sunscreen.

Because protecting your skin? That's an act of love. That's stewardship. That's you, free and

radiant and here for the long haul.

The Myth — Lovingly Debunked

The idea that Black women don't need sunscreen comes from the fact that darker skin tones

have more melanin, which offers a natural SPF of roughly 13. Sounds decent, right? Here's the

catch: dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30 — and SPF 50 for serious outdoor

exposure. So that natural protection still leaves us significantly exposed.

Here's what unprotected sun exposure actually does to melanated skin:

• Hyperpigmentation — dark spots, uneven tone, and that stubborn discoloration we work

SO hard to fade

• Premature aging — fine lines, loss of elasticity, and dullness

• Skin cancer — yes, we get melanoma too, and too often it's caught late because no one

told us to look for it

• Scalp and hairline damage — the sun affects your crown, too, especially with parts and

loose protective styles

Melanin is a gift. But it is not armor. And you, sis, deserve the full protection sunscreen

provides.

The Right SPF for Melanated Skin

Not all sunscreens are created equal — and let's be honest, some of them leave us looking

ashy and gray. That's why so many of us skipped it for years. But the game has changed.

Here's what to look for:

• SPF 30–50+ for daily wear; SPF 50+ for beach, pool, and all-day outdoor events

• Broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays)

• Mineral-based options (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) — gentle and less likely to irritate

• Tinted formulas — designed to blend into deeper skin tones with NO white cast

• Water-resistant formulas — essential for pool days, beach trips, and cruises

My Product Recommendations for Women of Color

⭐ MY TOP PICK

Black Girl Sunscreen (SPF 30)

This one is my heart. Made by us, for us — a cult-favorite, no white cast, moisturizing

formula that absorbs beautifully into melanated skin. If you only grab one thing before your

next vacation, let it be this.

Shop it here https://a.co/d/0gTLbSDq

A few more editor- and dermatologist-loved options that work beautifully on our skin:

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — lightweight, great for acne-prone skin

• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 — invisible finish, primes the skin like a dream

• CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 — budget-friendly, gentle, fragrance-free

• Kinlò Golden Rays SPF 40 (by Naomi Osaka) — formulated specifically for deeper skin

tones

Sun Care on Vacation — Your Non-Negotiables

Whether you're poolside, beachside, or boarding a cruise ship — the sun does not take a

vacation just because you do. Keep these rules close:

• Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes BEFORE going outside

• Reapply every 2 hours — and immediately after swimming or sweating

• Don't forget your neck, ears, chest, hands, and scalp (especially at the part)

• Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-protective sunglasses for backup

• Hydrate — inside and out. Drink your water, and restore your skin afterward with a good

body butter

And your hair, sis? Protect it before you hit the water. Salt and chlorine are no joke. A good

leave-in conditioner and a UV-protectant spray before you head out will save your strands.

THE IVIBE TIP

After a long day in the sun, replenish your skin with Unrefined Bodycare's Raw Unrefined

Body Butter. Packed with skin-loving moisture, it's the perfect after-sun treat for your

melanated glow. Be Unrefined. Be protected. Be radiant.

You are free, sis. Free to live boldly, travel far, and soak up every bit of this beautiful

summer — with your skin protected and your glow intact. Now go enjoy it.

With love and good vibes,

Cece Sillemon Williams

“The Vibeologist”

The IVIBE Experience | theivibeexperience.com