Hey beautiful! With summer in full swing, it's essential to prioritize sun protection. There's a common misconception that people with darker skin don't need sunscreen, but this couldn't be further from the truth. While melanin does offer some protection against UV radiation, it doesn't make you immune to sun damage or skin cancer. Here are some essential sunscreen tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long.
1. Choose the Right SPF When selecting a sunscreen, aim for one with an SPF of at least 30. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. For Black women, an SPF 30 is generally adequate for daily use, but if you plan on spending extended time outdoors, consider a higher SPF for added protection. 2. Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection Ensure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburn and are a major factor in skin cancer, while UVA rays penetrate more deeply and are primarily responsible for premature aging and can also contribute to skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide comprehensive protection, keeping your skin safe from the harmful effects of both types of UV rays. 3. Opt for Non-Comedogenic Formulas Many Black women are prone to acne and hyperpigmentation, so it's important to choose a sunscreen that won't clog pores. Look for non-comedogenic formulas that are specifically designed to avoid causing breakouts. Gel-based sunscreens or those labeled as oil-free can be excellent choices. They provide the necessary protection without the heavy, greasy feel that can exacerbate acne. 4. Consider Mineral Sunscreens Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. They are less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays. However, finding a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast can be challenging for darker skin tones. Look for formulations that are tinted or designed specifically for darker skin to avoid that ashy look. 5. Reapply Regularly One of the most critical aspects of effective sun protection is reapplying sunscreen regularly. Even if your sunscreen is water-resistant, it’s crucial to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming, sweating, or spending a lot of time outdoors. Carry a small bottle of sunscreen in your bag to make reapplication easy and convenient. 6. Don’t Forget Your Lips and Eyes The delicate skin on your lips and around your eyes needs protection too. Use a lip balm with SPF to shield your lips from the sun’s rays. For the skin around your eyes, look for sunscreens that are safe for use on sensitive areas or consider wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection to further safeguard your eyes and the surrounding skin. 7. Moisturize and Protect Many sunscreens now come combined with moisturizing ingredients, making it easier to keep your skin hydrated and protected simultaneously. Look for sunscreens that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or natural oils that cater to the unique needs of Black skin. These ingredients can help maintain your skin’s moisture balance, preventing dryness and flakiness that can be exacerbated by sun exposure. 8. Incorporate Antioxidants Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide can boost your sunscreen’s effectiveness by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV exposure. These ingredients can help to prevent and repair sun-induced damage, keeping your skin healthy and radiant. You can use a serum with these antioxidants underneath your sunscreen or find a sunscreen that includes them in its formula. 9. Test for Skin Sensitivity Before committing to a new sunscreen, especially if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on your inner wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 hours to see if you have any adverse reactions. This step is crucial to avoid irritation or allergic reactions, ensuring the product is safe for your skin. 10. Stay Consistent Consistency is key when it comes to sun protection. Make applying sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine, even on cloudy days or when you’re spending most of your time indoors. UV rays can penetrate through windows and affect your skin, so daily protection is a must. By following these sunscreen tips, you can enjoy the summer sun while keeping your skin protected and healthy. Remember, beautiful skin is protected skin, and taking these steps will help you maintain your natural glow all year round. Stay radiant and sun-safe, ladies!
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Dubai is a dream Staying at Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai transported me to Old Dubai with a modern feel + amenities. The hotel shares other amenities with its other Hilton properties and I was able to go to the rooftop pool/restaurant, on the water front restaurant, workout center and more. The hotel itself has 10 buildings for guest to stay in. I love that they have a cart service to pick you up from your room/building to take you to the front desk, other hotel to go the other amenities (pool, workout center, restaurants, etc) that is available 24/7. The rooms itself are super cute and fit right into the theme of Old Dubai with a modern twist. I love staying at a good boutique hotel because sometimes you want to change up your scenery. The room was large, clean and a true oasis for my stay. They also offer room service, so you can enjoy breakfast in bed in a robe (which they also supply). I feel like a lot hotels don’t offer robes anymore, I personally love that classic touch when hotels do. I mean, who doesn’t like to relax in a good plush robe? The location was perfect as it is close to the airport, surrounding attractions and of course the MALL :) You can get around with catching a taxi or Uber. Both which the hotel can help assist you with. Some days I didn’t feel the need to go far because the hotel sits right on the banks of Dubai Creek, across the way by water taxi you can visit spice & gold souks. Even on the property itself it has various stores, authentic foods, a Circle K and even a Starbucks! Restaurants I Enjoyed: Sabaa Sabaa Cafe offers authentic, oriental cuisine, celebrating the 'unforgotten' traditional flavors of the region. Translating from the Arabic word for seven, Sabaa restaurant is open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a contemporary way with traditional ingredients. SOL SKY RESTAURANT & BAR SOL sky bar menu, packed with healthy treats, is perfect for lounging by the pool. Soak up the sun and take in jaw-dropping views. For daytime relaxation, you can spend hours floating in our infinity pool. Skafos Set on the banks of the Dubai Creek, Skafos is perfect for relaxing and watching the world drift by. Dine on traditional Greek, Italian & Spanish dishes, made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, I highly recommend you staying at Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai A Monday mental health reset is a great way to start the week on a positive note and set yourself up for success. Here are some tips for a Monday mental health reset:
Please also for more resources check out my friends at the Black Women's Health Movement Ally Shoes are known for their comfort and versatility, making them ideal for traveling. Here are some reasons why Ally Shoes are comfortable for traveling:
Use my discount code Morgan10 for 10% off! Shop Here The weather is warming up and seasons are changing. That means it’s time to take more flights, be outside and do water activities. Protecting your hair while traveling is important, especially when exposed to various environmental factors such as sun, wind, humidity, and water. Here are three ways to protect your hair while traveling:
Use Protective Hairstyles: Opt for protective hairstyles that minimize exposure to damaging elements and keep your hair secure and protected during travel. Styles such as braids, twists, buns, or ponytails can help prevent tangles, breakage, and frizz caused by wind or friction against clothing and accessories. Additionally, wearing a silk or satin scarf or bonnet while sleeping can help protect your hair from friction and moisture loss. Pack Haircare Essentials: Bring travel-sized or portable haircare products to maintain your hair's health and hydration while on the go. Pack a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type to cleanse and nourish your hair, as well as a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to moisturize and protect against dryness. Consider bringing a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently remove knots and tangles without causing damage. Shield Hair from Sun and Water: Protect your hair from sun damage by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using a UV-protective hair spray or leave-in conditioner with SPF. This helps prevent dryness, color fading, and brittleness caused by UV radiation. When swimming in pools or the ocean, wet your hair with clean water before entering to minimize absorption of chlorinated or salty water. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly and apply a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration and prevent damage from chlorine or salt. Safe travels and protect that hair honey! Maintaining a skincare routine while traveling is important to keep your skin healthy and radiant, especially when exposed to different environments and stressors. Here's a simple travel skincare routine to follow:
Cleanse: Start your skincare routine by cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, and impurities that may have accumulated throughout the day. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser suitable for your skin type. If you're traveling with limited space, consider using cleansing wipes or micellar water for a quick and convenient cleanse. Treat: After cleansing, apply any treatment products or serums targeted towards your specific skincare concerns. This could include products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, or niacinamide for balancing and soothing the skin. Choose travel-sized or sample-sized versions of your favorite products to save space in your luggage. Moisturize: Hydrate your skin by applying a lightweight, nourishing moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple. Look for a moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or squalane to help restore and strengthen your skin's natural barrier. Consider using a moisturizer with SPF during the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Protect: Don't forget to apply sunscreen every day, even if you're not spending much time outdoors. UV exposure can occur through windows and even on cloudy days, so it's essential to protect your skin from sun damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially if you're spending time outdoors. Hydrate: Stay hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout your travels. Dehydration can affect your skin's appearance and contribute to dryness and dullness, so make sure to drink enough water to keep your skin and body hydrated. Optional: Masking: Consider incorporating sheet masks or travel-friendly mask treatments into your skincare routine for an extra boost of hydration or targeted treatment. Sheet masks are convenient to use while traveling and can help revive tired, stressed-out skin after a long day of exploring. Cleanse Again: End your day by cleansing your face again to remove sunscreen, makeup, and any impurities accumulated throughout the day. Double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser can ensure a thorough cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils. By following this travel skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking healthy, hydrated, and glowing while on the go. Adjust the products and steps based on your skin type, concerns, and the specific needs of your destination. Dealing with saggy skin can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can incorporate into your skincare routine and lifestyle to help improve its firmness and elasticity. Here are three tips:
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet: Hydration is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and overall health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support collagen production and protect against free radical damage, which can contribute to saggy skin. Incorporate Firming Ingredients into Your Skincare Routine: Look for skincare products containing ingredients known for their firming and tightening properties. Retinoids, such as retinol or prescription-strength retinoids, stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal, which can improve skin firmness over time. Peptides are another beneficial ingredient that can help support collagen synthesis and enhance skin elasticity. Additionally, consider using products containing hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, giving it a firmer appearance. Practice Facial Exercises and Massage: Facial exercises and massage techniques can help strengthen facial muscles and improve blood circulation, which may contribute to firmer, more toned skin. Incorporate facial exercises into your daily routine, focusing on areas prone to sagging, such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Additionally, incorporate facial massage into your skincare routine using gentle, upward strokes to help lift and firm the skin. You can use your fingers or a facial roller or gua sha tool to perform the massage. While these tips can help improve the appearance of saggy skin, it's essential to manage your expectations and understand that results may vary depending on factors such as age, genetics, and the severity of sagging. For more dramatic results, you may consider consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional to explore additional treatment options, such as radiofrequency therapy, ultrasound therapy, or cosmetic procedures like laser skin tightening or surgical interventions. Maintaining mental wellness is crucial for overall well-being and quality of life. Here are three tips to promote mental wellness:
By prioritizing self-care, cultivating supportive relationships, and developing healthy coping strategies, you can promote mental wellness and resilience in your daily life. Remember that mental wellness is a journey, and it's okay to seek professional support from therapists, counselors, or other mental health professionals if you're struggling to manage your mental health on your own. For more resources check out Black Women's Health Movement. Taking care of your skin at night is essential for maintaining its health and promoting regeneration while you sleep. Here are three nighttime skincare tips:
My Picks:Packing efficiently and effectively can save you time, space, and hassle while traveling. Here are some packing hacks to help you make the most out of your luggage space:
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AuthorMorgan Angelique Owens is the author of "Finding My Sparkle" and Founder & CEO of the MAO Brand, Professional Pretty, and Curvy Cardio, LLC. Archives
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