The Trilogy-The Final Page

Part two of the interview with Senior Sunscreen.

Senior Sunscreen: (Still angry from the last question) I think it’s a fallacy when people think that way. Dark skin people not needing sunscreen? Ridiculous! 😤

But on second thought, I won’t blame them. We mostly see adverts and commercials tailored towards people of lighter skin tone, plus there’s this myth that our dark skin gives us adequate protection from the sun.

Agent Jay: But the myth has to be true? That our darker skin cells do offer some form of protection from the sun?

SS: Yes and No. While our melanin cells (the cells that give the dark colour) provide a lesser risk of skin cancer, it still suffers some damage from the sun. Sun damage is universal.

AJ: What do you mean ‘Universal’? 🤔

SS: Be like say you no go school. 😐

Universal in the sense that anybody and everybody can suffer from sun damage, no matter what colour of skin you have!

And even though the whites are at higher risk of skin cancer, it’s more difficult to detect skin cancer on darker skin, and when it is detected, it’s usually found at a late stage.

Yunno, these things are cellular level. You can’t see the cells, so you’d think nothing is happening. Meanwhile, the cells are getting destroyed inside.

And even if you prove that you’re a bigger cultist than cancer, you still can’t escape wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging.

That’s why dark people should also wear sunscreens. To protect you from all these effects of UV rays.

AJ: Okay. So how do we know which Sunscreen to get?

SS: First, you’ve got to understand that I’ve got 2 types, the mineral (inorganic) and the chemical (organic) sunscreens.

The chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into your skin and converting the UV rays into heat so that it doesn’t harm you.

Physical sunscreen also works similarly to its counterpart, with the exception that 5% of the work is done by reflecting the rays.

The mainstay ingredients of a physical sunscreen are always Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

All other active sunscreen ingredients fall under chemical sunscreens and these include ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, etc.

AJ: This is getting confusing. With all these different ingredients, how do we know the right one to pick?

SS: Do you know your skin type? Beause it’s going to matter when picking out a sunscreen.

If you don’t know your skin type, you can always find how to figure it out here.

Now that that’s settled, if you know say true true your face dey on the oily or acne side, make sure that your sunscreen is labelled ‘non-comedogenic’ meaning that it won’t block the pores of your skin.

Trust me, you do not want your pores to block. 💀

But if your face is dry skin, then look out for sunscreens that have moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.

But I have a particular concern about those with sensitive skin. Some ingredients in chemical sunscreen might be irritating for some of them, so I’d advise they stick to physical sunscreen.

The only issue is that physical sunscreens tend to leave a white cast on the face while chemical doesn’t.

But if you get your hands on some tinted sunscreens, sunscreens that contain iron oxide, it might prove a better choice, especially if you have a darker skin tone.

In the end, it all boils down to a bit of trial and finding what is comfortable on your face, be it chemical or physical.

AJ: Wow, Mr Sunscreen. That is really enlightening.

SS: I’m glad I could help. 😌

AJ: Yes, you’ve really been helpful. Thank you so much. Applying is the easy part, but now I’m sure picking will be quite easier as well.

SS: Say wetin? Applying, easy?

You’d be surprised how many people don’t know how to apply their sunscreen in the right manner!

Always forgetting their ears and neck! 🙄

I’m going to be a real darling now and link a video showing you how to properly apply your sunscreen here.

And for those that swear by the 2-finger rule, that is spreading 2 strips of sunscreen along the length of the index and middle finger before applying.

You must understand that sunscreens have different textures.

But regardless of that, it must be able to fill a quarter teaspoon to the brim before you can say it is adequate.

I linked another video here explaining how to calculate the right amount of sunscreen to use. I believe that would explain better.

AJ: Thank you so much for this advice Mr Sunscreen. They’re wonderful, I must say. But I have another question to ask.

SS: Which is?

AJ: Some say that they already have enough SPF in their moisturizers, so they see no need in having a separate sunscreen. What are your thoughts on that?

SS: Well, the truth is majority of people don’t apply enough sunscreen. This is why we have sunscreens and also moisturisers containing SPF.

However, if you follow the correct way of applying sunscreen, then using moisturizers with SPF in them alone would be effective as well.

Don’t just use one small drop and apply it down to your chest.🌚

Again, make sure you measure how much covers a quarter teaspoon and use that daily for your face, neck and ears.

AJ: That actually does make sense. Well, Mr Sunscreen, I think we’ve covered the lot! 🥳 Are there any last words you’d like to leave for the readers?

SS: Make it a habit to use sunscreen every day, whether it’s sunny or cloudy.

Whether rain wants to comot the roof of your house or the harmattan/winter season is turning you to ice block.

And also to reapply it every 2–4 hours for maximum effect.

Even if it says water-resistant, still reapply it after swimming or if rain has beaten you woto woto.

And if you want to up your protection from the sun, you can combine me with some sun shades or sun hats, long sleeves and hiding from the sun whenever it’s 10 am to 2 pm.

And never skip me!🤨

I may be the last step, but I’m the most important step. 👑

The evening drawing to a close, I thank Senior man Sunscreen for his time and invaluable lessons learnt today. In response, he offers me a bag of skincare products, of course, including sunscreen.

"And make sure more folks know the truth about me!", he says as I drive away from his lovely beach house.

Did you enjoy the interview? Make sure to leave a comment on what you learned, and share this post to the ends of the earth! 😇

No, I did not forget the claps, leave 50 of it. 🌚

Till next post!