As the sun lingers longer and the days heat up, we shift into the season of glow —skin out, shoulders kissed by sunlight, and natural radiance at full power. But while summer is a time for movement, joy, and celebration, it’s also a time to take our skincare more seriously. For Black and brown communities, sunscreen isn’t just about looks —it’s about health, preservation, and reclaiming a space we were often left out of.
For decades, sun protection has been treated as something optional for darker skin tones, an afterthought in both marketing and formulation. But the truth is clear: melanin may be magical, but it still needs care.
Why Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
There’s a persistent myth that deeper skin tone doesn’t burn or suffer sun damage. In reality, people of color can and do experience:
- Sunburn
- Uneven skin tone and dark spots
- Premature aging
- Skin cancer, often diagnosed at later stages due to lack of awareness
Sunscreen protects against UVA rays (which cause pre-mature aging and long-term damage) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn and immediate skin damage). It also prevents hyperpigmentation, which many of us are more prone to—especially after acne or inflammation.
Sun protection is more than skin-deep. It’s a daily ritual that affirms our right to wellness, beauty, and longevity.
What to Look For in a Sunscreen
The new generation of sun care is built with melanin in mind. Look for:
- Broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher
- No white cast or grey residue
- Hydrating, lightweight textures
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Natural oils and botanicals that nourish, not irritate
Sidebar: Busting 4 Common Myths About Sunscreen & Melanin
MYTH 1: “Black people don’t need sunscreen.”
TRUTH: Melanin offers some protection, but not enough. Everyone is at risk of sun damage.
MYTH 2: “You only need sunscreen when it’s sunny.”
TRUTH: UV rays penetrate clouds. Wear SPF every day—even when it’s overcast.
MYTH 3: “Sunscreen causes breakouts.”
TRUTH: Heavy, greasy formulas might—but there are oil-free, acne-safe options available now, especially from Black-owned brands.
MYTH 4: “Sunscreen leaves a white cast on dark skin.”
TRUTH: Many newer mineral and chemical SPFs are specifically formulated to disappear into melanin-rich skin.
Sunscreens to Know and Glow With
Here are a few standout brands creating sunscreen for melanated skin:
Bolden SPF 30 (Black-owned, USA)
Founded by Nigerian-American sisters, Bolden offers a daily moisturizer with SPF that fades dark spots while protecting your glow. Ultra-sheer and silky smooth.
Black Girl Sunscreen (Black-owned, USA)
Made for melanin-rich skin, this moisturizing SPF 30 blends in clear—no white cast. Infused with avocado and jojoba oils, it protects and hydrates in one smooth step.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF 30 (Black-owned, USA)
Founded by Rihanna, Fenty Skin brings the same inclusivity to skincare. This oil-free, invisible SPF 30 hydrates, brightens, and plumps with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid—no white cast, just glow. Bonus: it’s refillable and planet-friendly.
Uncover Skincare SPF 50+ (Kenya)
This Nairobi-based beauty brand, co-founded by women, is made for African skin types. Their “Glow” sunscreen is light, non-sticky, and perfect for everyday wear.
South Africa’s first 100% organic, reef-safe sunscreen. Suitable for all skin types, including children. Offers SPF50 protection and is water-resistant.
Protecting the Glow Is Part of the Glow
Wearing sunscreen isn’t about denying melanin’s power—it’s about honoring it. When we protect our skin, we’re investing in long-term health and breaking cycles of invisibility in the beauty and wellness space.
This summer, choose care over myths. Let your skincare reflect your power. Whether you’re poolside in Lagos, biking through Nairobi, or dancing through the streets of Johannesburg, let your glow be bold, protected, and completely yours.
Want more skincare inspo this summer? Stay tuned for our full Summer Skincare Series coming soon.
