To my Type V and above clients, friends and family, you too need to use sunscreen

There is a scale called the Fitzpatrick Scale that grades individuals skin types. This scale is used to measure the skin type's ability to tolerate sun exposure. Dermatologist Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick developed the scale in 1975 at Harvard University. African Americans, Caribbeans, Hispanics and Indians fall in the skin type of Type V and VI. Click on the link to to the Skin Cancer Foundation's Quiz and confirm what your skin type is. There is also lots of information on their website about skin cancer and prevention.http://www.skincancer.org/fitzpatrick-skin-quiz.html


While we do not burn easily our complexion will easily become uneven, requiring us to use a sunscreen to provide a barrier between our skin and the sun. Because we have lots of Melanin in our skin the sun can trigger an over production of these cells that cause hyper-pigmentation (over production of melanocyte cells, causing dark spots on the body). Skin Types V and above only needs 45 minutes of direct sun exposure to produce enough vitamin D. After 45 minutes you are over exposed to the sun and at risk for hyper-pigmentation and skin cell damage.

Regardless of your skin type or complexion, the sun's energy can penetrate deep into the skin damaging the skin's DNA. This can cause skin cancer, Yes even for darker complexioned individuals. Typically the skin cancer is formed on the palms of the hands, fingers or lighter pigmented areas of the body of a darker complexioned individual. So again, we too have to use sunscreen to protect our skin. Some of the reasons are a little different, but no less important.

There are many good options out there that are light and oil free (for the face). I personally like Cetaphil's facial moisturizer with a SPF of 15. It's light, oil free and is absorbed quickly into my skin. If you don't like the white color the sunscreen leaves, try using a light weight formula and do not dispense too much out of the container. Use a dime size amount and massage the sunscreen into your face thoroughly to allow your skin to absorb it well. This should reduce that ashy look.

For the body there are light weight lotions on the market with a sunscreen in them. If you plan to stay out in the direct sun for more than one hour you may want to use a sun block on your body instead, especially if you are working in the direct sun or on the beach. I just want to let you know so you can continue to enjoy your beautiful skin for years to come.

Til next time, Love the skin you're in

Skinchick'-)