Fun in the Sun! Melanated Tanning and Sun Protection
Welcome back to another #BeautyTuesday! As I round up my first round of July vacationing, I wanted to share some products that I use to maintain a healthy glow as well as protect my skin from the heat and sun rays!
So you may be thinking: "Jazz, you're Native Black. Your skin has already been sunkissed to a golden honey brown. Why would you need to tan? and do Black people really need sunscreen?"
Well I'm glad you asked! Yes, I do tan (kinda) and I need sun protection more than you can imagine. All of us melanated folks need sun protection. We do have a natural defense with melanin, but melanin cannot prevent burns or skin cancer.
I use a gradual sun-less tanning lotion for my legs because I'm not outside enough, I don't like having a farmer's tan, and my lower half is 3M reflective. So to keep from looking like an oddbody, I have to get creative with getting toasty the healthy way.
Due to my sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin, I have to wear sunscreen so that 1) my acne scars don't get darker, making them harder to fade; and 2) I don't tan naturally because my sensitive skin cracks and burns. Here is the regimen that I am working with at the moment that keeps my skin smooth, glowy and protected at the same damn time!
Before going outside:
When I'm on top of my schedule instead of being dragged by it, i start my skin routine before I go to bed.
- Shower - make sure that your wash is moisturizing. Keeping the skin hydrated and locking in that moisture is what keeps the skin protected and elastic. One of my favorite shower gels is the Volcanic Clay gel from Alba Botanica. I got mine for $12.97 and it lasted me for months!
- Exfoliation: if we don't want dull, ashy skin, we have to help our bodies slough off the dead skin cells. At least 3 times a week, i will use three techniques for getting my skin soft and ready to qulp in the moisture.
- Everyday exfoliation: when I first hop in the shower, I wet all of my skin, and then with my hands, I gently exfoliate by rubbing my hands in circular motions all along my body. Its refreshing and it helps to break the body's protective layer of sebum so that the moisture you are adding while you cleanse is not being stacked and packed onto old skin and old sebum. Afterwards, I take my sea sponge with 2-3 pumps of my moisturizing cleanser and use circular motions to rub a dub dub.
- 2-3 times a week exfoliation: i use my more intense exfoliation methods often but not every day. When its exfoliation day, I use my cleanser on my exfoliating gloves first before going in normally with my sea sponge. Then I seal in my scent and initial dose of moisturizing with a body sugar scrub (make sure you're spending a little TLC on the elbows, knees and ankles with the gloves and scrubs)
my favorite sponge gently exfoliates and does not hold on to bacteria like hand towels or loofahs.
who doesn't like a scrubbing hug?!
shea butter locks in the moisture, while lychee and plum keep you smelling incredible and edible.
- Moisturize with your favorite lotion or oil, and then seal all that hydrated goodness in with a light oil, like coconut oil or sesame oil. My go-to is Neutrogena Moisturizing Body Oil:
- Time to go night-night and get ready for fun in the sun! First step in my sunless tanning is Jergens Natural Glow Lotion. I target my thighs (front and back) and between the knee and ankle (you want to avoid using this product on your knees and ankles as these joints tend to hyperpigment)
I was ready for the sunny Las Vegas strip with this little guy. I could see results after one use!
- Sun protectant: Neutrogena strikes again with their 100+ SPF sunscreen lotion and spray. If I'm glowing with my Jergens, then I use the spray sunscreen. If I'm golden enough, I'll rub down with the lotion
This is the #GOAT in sun protection products. I don't burn and I even feel less hot when I wear it! It's my sun forcefield!
Once You're Outside:
- Protect ya neck (literally): You can ensure this by wearing hats or using towels around your neck to keep from getting burned.
- Eyes need protection too: Don't hurt and strain those beautiful eyeballs. Wear some sunglasses or go old school with a visor
- Reapply sunscreen: this is where the sunscreen spray has an advantage over the lotion application. if you're outside for an extended period of time, or if you're indulging in water play, you have to reapply your sunscreen (this includes your face and hands). Sweat and water will wash away the protective barrier so make sure you carry a sport sunscreen with you while you're out and about
Once You're Back Home:
- Don't max and relax without exfoliating the sun products off your skin.
- Follow up your scrubbing session with a buttery and intense hydration session. Pick your favorite lotions, oils and creams.
Let me see how you all have fun in the sun! Tag me in your pics and posts everywhere @jazzmynblu
Fun in the Sun! Melanated Tanning and Sun Protection is an original post and appeared first on BYNKradio.com by Jazzmyn Blu.