Hey, They Call Me Connie…

Let’s have a little heart-to-heart, ladies, because I know there’s this unspoken rule in our community: Sunscreen isn’t really for us, right? Growing up, I was right there with you, thinking my melanin-rich skin was some kind of natural shield, deflecting all the sun’s drama. Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong. And my skin… well, let’s just say it had some thoughts on the matter too.

I’ve been on a skincare journey (and I know some of you are too) trying to keep things clean and safe for my skin—because let’s be real, some of these beauty products out here might as well come with a side of toxins. So, I’ve been leaning hard into EWG verified skincare. If you’re not familiar with the Environmental Working Group, they basically make it their mission to weed out all the questionable ingredients in your products and bless you with the best of the best.

That brings me to the unsung hero of my skincare routine: sunscreen. And not just any sunscreen—Supergoop! Mineral Sunscreen. Before you roll your eyes and think, “Sunscreen, really? Isn’t that for, like, pale skin?” Let me tell you—sunscreen is for everyone. And if you’re a woman of color, like me, it can be the ultimate game-changer.

The Magic of Sunscreen on Melanin-Rich Skin

First of all, yes, melanin offers us some natural protection, but it’s not a free pass to skip SPF. UV rays don’t discriminate, and over time, they can do their damage on even the most beautifully melanated skin. The result? Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and worse—sun damage that can lead to skin cancer.

I used to think sunscreen was pointless for me. But when I started using it consistently, especially a mineral-based sunscreen like Supergoop!, I started noticing something: My skin tone was evening out. No more random dark spots, no more uneven patches that had me reaching for extra concealer. That’s when it hit me. Sunscreen wasn’t just protecting me from future sun damage; it was actively helping me correct the damage I didn’t even realize I had.

EWG Verified Skincare: Protect and Perfect

If you’re like me and you care about what goes on your skin (because let’s face it, it all gets absorbed into our bodies), EWG verified products are the way to go. The Supergoop! Mineral Sunscreen, with its clean formula, was an easy pick for me. It’s free of all the nasties and heavy metals that can irritate sensitive skin or clog pores.

And listen, it’s not just about aesthetics or vanity here—it’s about protection and preservation. Sun exposure accelerates the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. So, if we’re talking long-term skin health (and staying as youthful as possible), adding SPF to your routine is a no-brainer.

Why Sunscreen Should Be a Staple for Women of Color

Here’s the deal: Skin cancer doesn’t get talked about enough in our community. We might not be as high-risk as fairer skin tones, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune. And when skin cancer does show up in Black women or other women of color, it’s often more aggressive because we tend to catch it later. Yikes, right?

Beyond that, wearing sunscreen daily can help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by acne, eczema, or just regular sun exposure. It’s the hidden gem in maintaining an even, smooth complexion. Since adding Supergoop! to my morning routine, I’ve seen firsthand how consistent protection can fade stubborn hyperpigmentation and give me that glow-up I’ve been chasing.

My Pro Tip for the Best Results

If you’re worried about flashbacks or white casts from mineral sunscreens, let me put your mind at ease: Go mineral but go tinted. Supergoop! has a great formula that (with a bit of elbow grease) blends into deeper skin tones. It can give you a cremation #5 cast on the skin, but a tiny bit of oil or moisturizer will even it out. You get the coverage and it layers beautifully under makeup, so no excuses about it messingp with your beat!

Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine (rain or shine, yes, even in the winter) is the ultimate skin investment. You’re preventing future damage, evening out your skin tone, and keeping your complexion looking radiant.

The Takeaway

Don’t sleep on sunscreen, especially if you’ve been battling uneven skin tone like I was. There’s power in prevention, and the sooner we start giving our skin the love it deserves, the better. EWG-verified products like Supergoop! Mineral Sunscreen are about more than just protection; they’re about creating a foundation for healthier, more resilient skin. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

And remember, melanin or not, we all deserve to be glowing and protected!

What’s your go-to SPF? Let’s talk skin protection in the comments!