Call me naive, but I always thought that it was nearly impossible for people of color to get skin problems from being out in the sun. So much to the point that I used to go lay out in the sun, completely unprotected, because I liked the color it gave my skin! I could probably count on my fingers and toes the number of times I’ve worn sunscreen in my life. It just wasn’t something that I thought I, as a black woman, needed to worry about. But according to the doctors I spoke with recently, that was incorrect.

 

 

A few weeks back, I went to a blogger meet-up at Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics. While there, the doctors spoke about how important it was that people, of all shades, wear sunscreen and protect their skin. They were telling me so many things that were completely new to my ears. I was asking questions left and right – like that annoying kid in college that makes the lesson drag on longer than it should. I knew I was being that person, but I was SHOCKED! Shocked that I’d never heard any of this before. And shocked that this wasn’t made to be common knowledge. Today, I’m aiming to fix that.

 

things I didn’t know

• Melanoma is one of the leading cause of cancer in young adults.
• People with darker skin tones tend to get dark spots from acne.
  • These spots are easily prevented by simply wearing sunscreen.
• Sunscreen should be applied once or twice per day on average.
• When spending hours in the sun, refer to the bottle for how often you should reapply.
• Its okay to apply cocoa butter and oils after applying sunscreen.
• You should wait 15 minutes before going outside after applying sunscreen.
• New or changing moles should be checked out by a doctor.
• Eating vitamin c (such as oranges) doesn’t really absorb into skin.

 

 

avoiding skin cancer

 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a dermatologist. In my mind, I don’t have serious skin problems so there is no need. But I’ve learned that, if for no other reason, we should be getting our moles check out! I know what you’re thinking. “Things like that don’t really happen to people my age.” Well my millennial friend, I beg to differ. One of my blogging buddies spoke about her battle with skin cancer in a recent Cosmopolitan article. Mind you, she’s only 33.

The moral of this story is to wear sunscreen, regardless of the shade of your skin. Even doing things as simple as driving can make you vulnerable to skin damage (click here for evidence). Not only should we be using sunscreen, but we should be visiting dermatologists regularly.

 

revision skincare

 

While at Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, the doctors gave us products from the Revision Skincare line to try out. While it is available in offices all over the US, it is based here in Dallas (yay for supporting local businesses). After all I’d just learned, I was eager to start using the products. Some of them I loved, some I wasn’t so crazy about. Here’s what I would suggest!

 

 

Papaya Enzyme Cleanser – This stuff I absolutely love. It smells great and makes my skin feel really soft. Thanks to the papaya extract, it nourishes the skin with vitamins and minerals.

Hydrating Serum – I absolutely LOVE this stuff! My skin feels so smooth and moisturized after applying it! I use it when I wake up and before I go to bed! It even reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Plus, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky like some other serums do.

Intellishade – The #Intellishade products were pretty impressive. They are basically sunscreen for your face that leaves your skin looking smooth. Not only do they moisturize your face and provide UV protection – they also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

There are two types of Intellishade, the Matte and the Original. While I tried both, I would have to recommend the Original for darker skin tones. It is much easier to blend and much less visible than the Matte, which left a lighter color on my face. I will say, however, that if you are wearing makeup over the Intellishade, then you would probably be fine with each. But if you’re wearing the Intellishade alone, I would suggest the Original.

Bonus: Intellishade is perfectly fine to wear when working out. Because it is so light, it doesn’t seep into pores like some other products.

I hope that after reading this post, everyone runs out and stocks up on sunscreen. Honestly, its way more important than I’ve given it credit for in the past. I know we’re young and full of energy, but  we should still be taking care of ourselves – inside and out!

 

Do you wear sunscreen regularly? Which of the Revision products are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below!

 

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In full disclosure, I am NOT a doctor! The things written in this post are my opinion. You should consult a real doctor before doing anything differently.

Also, this post was sponsored by Revision Skincare. But again, all opinions are my own. I learned a lot while researching for this post. I truly care for everyone who reads this blog and I hope that everyone applies sunscreen from now on.