This All-in-1 Sunscreen Was Made Especially for Dark Skin Tones
We’ve all heard about the damage the sun can wreak on your skin, but currently, a lot of the offerings on the sunblock market are less-than-ideal solutions for those with darker toned skin. Thanks to the most common active ingredients in sunblock, a lot of moisturizers with SPF tend to leave an icky white cast. But one brand is saying, no more.
Meet Bolden’s SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer ($28). The all-in-one product has antioxidants, hydrating ingredients, AND suncare, so it not only protects; it also improves the look and feel of your skin. Plus, it was formulated specifically for people of color — this means it was created without some of the ingredients we’re used to seeing in “traditional” sunscreen that leave the ghostly residue. Instead, the Brightening Moisturizer trades zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for octinoxate and avobenzone.
Dr. Joyce Park, dermatology resident in NYC and health/beauty blogger at Tea With MD, tells Brit + Co, “Octinoxate and avobenzone are both considered chemical blockers, which work by absorbing UV radiation and turning it into heat energy. This is in contrast to physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as a shield on top of the skin deflecting UV rays.”
Physical blockers are the ones that leave your skin chalky-looking even after they’re rubbed in, although this isn’t nearly as noticeable on people with fair skin. A word of warning though: Chemical blockers can sometimes cause problems for those with sensitive skin.
Park also dispels the myth that folks with darker tones don’t need protection from the sun. “While people with dark skin have more melanin, which helps to protect their skin from UV rays, they are still at risk for developing different types of skin cancer, including melanomas,” she tell us, “UV rays also contribute to photoaging, and regular use of sunscreen can help prevent the formation of wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging leathery skin.” So always make sure you’re covered!
Bolden’s new product hasn’t dropped just yet, but you can sign up here to be notified of its release.
What’s your favorite SPF product? Tell us @BritandCo!
(h/t Teen Vogue; photos via Bolden + Getty)
