• Sun causes premature aging. Women of color are less susceptible to the signs of aging (wrinkles, sun spots), but we still age with at least some wrinkles, especially those of us with lighter skin tones.



• Sun causes sunburn. We are not immune to sunburns that damage the skin. Despite what many of us think, our skin can and will burn whether we go on a trip to the Caribbean, Mexico, or a local beach.

• Sun can contribute to skin discoloration. When stimulated by sun rays, our melanocyte cells can produce more melanin, triggering hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin in uneven patches. If you already have dark marks on your face or body, the discoloration may become more pronounced.

• Sun suppresses the immune system. This effect probably weakens the body's ability to fight infection, cancer, and other conditions.

Sunscreens work by absorbing the harmful ultraviolet A (UV A) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays before they can affect the skin. Sunblocks create a protective barrier that reflects UV rays, causing them to bounce off the skin. Like other skin-care products, sunscreens are formulated for different skin types. For most Brown women, a sunscreen with SPF 15 (which means you can stay in the sun fifteen times longer without burning) is sufficient, but if you have certain medical conditions, such as lupus, or take certain medications, you may need a sunscreen with SPF 30. Look for broad spectrum products containing ingredients that protect the skin from both UV A and UVB rays. (Although women of color tend to avoid sunblocks that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide because they leave a white coating on the skin, these agents provide the most complete protection from the sun.) Here's what more you need to know.

For oily Skin. Choose a light sunscreen gel or spray such as Ombrelle Spray or Presun 30 gel. If you use moisturizer in cold weather months, look for one that contains SPF 15 sunscreen.

For Normal/Combination Skin. Apply a sunscreen gel with SPF 15 or a sunscreen containing moisturizer such as Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 15.

For Dry Skin. You can use just about any lotion or cream sunscreen they stay on longer than gels. One I recommend is Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. Your best bet may be a rich moisturizer containing sunscreen.

For Sensitive Skin. Shop for PABA free, chemical free sunscreens. (Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide do make the skin look white, but newer products contain finer ingredients that fade into skin after several minutes.)