Sunscreens for Black Skin - Seoul of Tokyo Review

You may have picked up from my choice of destinations for my Gophari Travel group trips that I have a thing for African Islands. I also find joy in travelling South Africa’s diverse landscapes. This type of adventure travel results in many hours under the harsh African sun. That is why the one product that I never leave behind is SUNSCREEN.

Being exposed to varying environments in different destinations puts your skin through so much. Though we can’t control the elements, we must do our best to protect our skin from the sun’s UV rays.

I’ve recently tried out sunscreen products from Seoul of Tokyo – more on that later. First, let’s unpack the reasons that make sunscreen the most important step in any skin care routine.

I must mention that I am not a skin expert or medically qualified in any way about skin. I’ve shared my experience with sunscreens and my honest review of the sunscreen products I have recently tried.

The importance of wearing sunscreen

Since developing adult acne two years ago, I have become extremely selective about the products that I use on my skin. It took me two years to clear up my skin, there’s no way I’m being careless with it.

Through my product trials and diet changes in my fight against acne, sunscreen remained a non-negotioable requirement in my skin care routine.

That’s because sunscreen is arguably the most crucial step in any skincare routine. You can have the most intricate, well-thought-out skin care routine and it can still all be for naught if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun. UV rays do not discriminate! All skin tones are at risk for sun damage.

UV rays do not discriminate!

The adverse impacts of not wearing sunscreen

Sunscreen provides protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you do not apply sunscreen, your skin is more susceptible to the following issues:

– premature wrinkles

– new hyperpigmentation (such as melasma and sun spots.)

– worsening of existing hyperpigmentation.

– increased chance of developing skin cancer

It is clear that protecting your skin from the sun is important for both health and as an anti-aging precaution. The hurdle as a black woman is finding a sunscreen that is suitable for my skin.

Challenges with Sunscreen as a Black Woman

As important as sunscreen is, it has been a challenge finding brands that are suitable for black skin. Typically, sunscreens are oily and leave a white cast on black skin. It’s the biggest frustration.

To avoid buying sunscreen that leaves white cast, I usually look out for labels that mention that the sunscreen is “clear.” Unfortunately, even with these promises, I am still often left with a white layer on my skin.

Sunscreen does not need to be such a struggle. It can be free of white cast, it can be moisturising without being greasy AND it must be comfortable to wear.

I was gifted a range of sunscreen products that work well on all skin tones and skin types. These sunscreens are from Seoul of Tokyo, a supplier of Korean and Japanese skin care products in South Africa. I was excited to put these products to the test while travelling in sunny Western Cape, South Africa.

Understanding the Differences Between Physical and Chemical Sunscreens

Before we dive into my review of the sunscreens from Seoul of Tokyo, let’s talk about a key sunscreen differentiator. Sunscreens are either physical or chemical.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin when applied and work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat. The benefits of using chemical sunscreens include water resistance and quick absorption.

Physical sunscreens sit on the skin when applied and work by deflecting UV rays away from the skin. Physical sunscreens are more suited for sensitive skin. However, they are also notorious for leaving white cast.

Review of Sunscreens from Seoul of Tokyo

-Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++

This Japanese sunscreen is light and fast absorbing. I particularly loved that it left my skin feeling mositurised with a glow. It leaves no white cast at all – yay! In the photo below I’ve applied this product to my whole face and spread some on my cheek for you to see how it looks before it’s blended in.

This is a 100% chemical sunscreen which makes it water resistant. I will be taking it with me to stay protected the next time I’m doing water activities in Mauritius.

-COSRX ALOE SOOTHING SUN SCREEN

This sunscreen is from a cult favourite Korean brand called COSRX. It needs to be rubbed in quite a bit to become clear. This may be because it is a combination physical & chemical sunscreen. Once rubbed in, it leaves no white cast.

This sunscreen can be used as dual moisturiser & sunscreen if you have normal to oily skin. I felt that I would need to apply additional moisturiser when using this sunscreen.

-Keep cool Soothe bamboo sun essence spf50+ PA++++

The unique packaging of this sunscreen caught my eye so I was hopeful that the product inside would match up with its cool exterior.

I was so happy to find that this sunscreen also passed the white cast test with ease – check out my skin in the photo below. It absorbed into my skin so quickly and left it feeling moisturised but not oily.

I love sunscreens like this one that also serve as really good moisturisers.

-Purito comfy water sun block

Even though this is a 100% physical sunscreen it does not leave any white cast. This sunscreen does however leave more of a matte finish on your skin than a glow.

It’s great to know that Seoul of Tokyo stock sunscreens like this that are suitable for very sensitive skin.

Shop Seoul of Tokyo

More than ever, I am very selective about what I put on my skin. I’ve learnt that that there is NO MAGIC POTION that will save my skin if I don’t take care of it.

Wear sunscreen and give Seoul of Tokyo’s sunscreens a try if you’re looking for sunscreen options that are not greasy and leave no white cast. My favourites are Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence and Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence because of how light they felt on my skin.

Browse Seoul of Tokyo‘s products to discover those that fit your skin type and skin requirements. I will certainly continue to use their sunscreens during my travels and for everyday use.

Remember to patch test the products on either the inside of your wrist or under your ears or on your neck to check for any possible adverse reactions that your skin may have to the products.