6 sunscreens for people with dark skin — that won't leave behind a white residue, according to a dermatologist
- Dr. Adeline Kikam is a dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm.
- She told Insider that many sunscreens don't cater to people with darker skin.
Sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect against skin damage, but many brands weren't created with darker skin tones in mind, Dr. Adeline Kikam, a Texas based dermatologist, told Insider.
Kikam, who is also the founder of the skin care platform Brown Skin Derm, said some sunscreens don't blend well with darker skin and leave behind a white cast, which may deter people from using it.
She told Insider that although skin with more melanin does offer some protection against the sun's UV rays, it's not totally protective and overexposure can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
She recommended 6 tinted and non-tinted sunscreens that have SPF levels above 30 to protect people with dark skin from sun damage without the white residue.
Sunscreens with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30, and water resistance are best
Kikam said she looks for three few key factors when choosing a sunscreen. The first is broad spectrum protection, which protects against both UVA and UVB: the two main UV rays which can affect skin cancer and aging. She also said sunscreen should have a minimum of SPF 30, which is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Water resistance is also an important element of sunscreen, she said, so it doesn't sweat off your body or wash off in the pool or ocean.
As an added bonus, a sunscreen that includes antioxidants like vitamin C and E in their formula can boost protection by neutralizing free radical atoms that can damage skin cells, Kikam said.
For people with darker skin, there are tinted and non-tinted sunscreens that are made to blend into skin without leaving behind a white cast. Kikam recommends the following:
1. EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Kikam said the tinted version of the EltaMD UV sunscreen is great for dark skin and includes hyaluronic acid for moisture and vitamin C for antioxidant protection.
2. CoTZ Flawless Protection SPF 50 Tinted
CoTZ Flawless Protection is a 100% mineral sunscreen with a greasier finish, which Kikam recommends for people with dry or sensitive skin.
3. Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 by Venus Willams
Unrivaled Sun Serum is lightweight, making it great for the heat and humidity of summer, Kikam said. It also blends very well with darker skin and makeup.
4. Game Set Match Body Lotion SPF 50 by Venus Williams
There are not too many options for tinted body sunscreens, according to Kikam, which makes Venus Williams' brand stand out. She said she wishes there was a bigger size, though.
5. Ava Isa Sun-è-Serum Drops SPF 35
Kikam said the Ava Isa Sun-è-Serum is another great lightweight option that is moisturizing and great for sensitive skin.
6. TIZO Photoceutical AM Replenish Lightly Tinted SPF 40
The TIZO Photoceutical AM Replenish comes with antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which makes it great for people with conditions like melasma who need extra protection, according to Kikam.