Frank Ocean's Mom Founded This Sunscreen Brand For Dark Skin

That thing about people with dark skin not being able to develop skin cancer? A myth.

Though dark skin is less susceptible to sunburns and UV-induced melanoma thanks to the concentration of melanin, that doesn’t make it impossible, says Oma Agbai, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the University of California, Davis. In fact, there are even complexion-specific reasons someone with a rich skin tone might opt for sunscreen. “Dark skin is more susceptible to developing dark spots, or hyperpigmentation-caused UV exposure,” says Dr. Agbai. “And those hyperpigmentation disorders worsened by UV exposure include melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and solar lentigos (patches of darkened skin)."

And if even skin tone wasn’t enough to convince you, a coating of at least SPF 30 helps to ward off photo-aging: leathery skin, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, says Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Ohio.

Now, when it comes to finding a sunscreen that protects and actually flatters dark skin—a.k.a. sparing you that chalky white cast after application—things can get a bit tricky.

Board-certified dermatologist, Sophia Reid, MD, says chemical sunscreens are less likely to leave behind residue, but still she typically recommends mineral sunscreens because they lie on top of the skin to shield it rather than seep into the skin the way chemical sunscreens do. Tola Oyesanya, MD, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente in Lutherville, also points out that mineral sunscreens are best for people who have sensitive skin or those dealing with rosacea or acne. And, if you've had trouble with sunscreen clogging your pores, look for a brand that's noncomedogenic, she adds.

You might also look out for micronized zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens, says Dr. Mitchell, that's how you'll know your skin will have an easier time absorbing it. And if you want to avoid that white cast, check the deets on the container for titanium dioxide. That's the stuff that leaves residue behind, she says.

Ultimately, the best sunblock is the one that you'll wear, so pick which ever you’d be inclined to use regularly and reapply.

Now, before you start adding a bunch of sunscreen for dark skin to your cart to put each to the test, save yourself all the legwork and take a look at these recs ahead.