YES, YOU NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN

Hey y’all!

How are things?? I was on a little vacay last week hence my absence. How was your weekend? I hope you all had a good one!

I am here to say that sunscreen changed my life and it may change yours too! Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria (where it is CRAZY hot pretty much all year round), I spent a great deal of time in the sun. From after-school activities to birthday parties, I was always outside. And once I started going to school in England, the moment I landed back in Lagos for the holidays, I was out in the sun 24/7. Not to mention that my family and I LOVEEEE to go to the beach. When I was younger, as much as twice a week! So naturally, this meant that I spent a great deal of time in the sun growing up.

I’ve noticed that a lot of people of colour say they don’t need sunscreen because “we don’t burn in the sun”. I feel like this is because it just takes longer for us to burn because of the higher levels of melanin in our skin. But that’s not the case – everyone needs sunscreen. From the darkest ebony to the palest ivory. I learnt this hard way. I never ever used to wear sunscreen. Even when I went to the beach all day in 35 degrees celsius. Due to too much sun exposure, I started to get really light spots all over my face. Sounds weird because the sun is meant to makes you darker but I guess everyone’s skin is different. But I basically had spots on my face that were like 5 shades lighter than my skin so it became very noticeable. Anyway, when it started to look really bad, my mum recommended I start wearing sunscreen. And this really really helped! My skin tone started to even out. Without a doubt, allowing this ‘skin abuse’ has had lasting impacts and till today, I still have some lighter spots but we’re getting there. Constant use of sunscreen has probably been the number one key (shoutout Dj Khaled) to repairing my blotchy skin.

But why is the sun so damaging to the skin?? Without giving you a whole science lesson, the sun emits UV (ultraviolet) rays. While these may give you a beautiful tan, they are also pretty damaging to the skin, ESPECIALLY YOUR FACE. Long-term exposure to high levels of UV rays (this includes tanning beds) can lead to wrinkles, sun burn, skin discolouration and, in really extreme cases, skin cancer.

Find yourself a hat to protect your skin!

I personally wear sunscreen on my face everyday and you should too! Even when it’s cold (yes sometimes it’s still sunny in winter lol!). The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you should use a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, has an SPF 30 or higher and is water resistant. Personally, I wear SPF 50-55 on my face and if I’m going to the beach or somewhere hot, I’ll wear SPF 30 or 40 on my body. I also try to wear a hat if I can.

My favourite sunscreen is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen: Broad Spectrum SPF 55. If you’re looking for a more natural alternative, try the Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 Face Cream – I like this one for when I’m not wearing make up because it’s more oily and you have to let it soak in for about 5-10 minutes but it’s still really good! When I want light coverage, I use my Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (in the shade, Cuba). It has SPF 30 and gives a nice light coverage. If you wear foundation during the day, you might want to get one with SPF as well. I use the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Make Up Foundation (in the shade, 460 Suede (W)). It has SPF 15 and is broad spectrum. (Click on the products to find out where to buy them!)

Neutrogena and Lavanila Sunscreens

Nars Tinted Moisturiser and Lancome Foundation

I hope this was helpful to you guys! Ladies and gents, slather on that sunscreen and flourish!

What are some of your favourite sunscreens?

Have a fabulous week! Email me or comment below with any questions! Share this post on social media! Like on Facebook and add me on Snapchat! Follow me on Instagram and Twitter!! Follow me on Bloglovin.