I love. Love. LOVE. The Sun. I love heat and humidity. Needless to say, this past week it has not been above 40 degrees and it is currently snowing here in lovely Pennsylvania. Winter is my least favorite time of year and I am looking forward to warmer weather - asap. I decided waiting doesn't have to be an option. Since vitamin D is not coming to me, I might as well go get it! MINI-VACATION plans are in full effect.
I'm already picking a destination and setting aside which sundresses I want to wear. I don't want to hide under an umbrella or a floppy hat. I want to soak up the warmth of the sun and these stretchmarks deserve to see the sun too!! I don't have to worry too much about my skin because Black Girl Sunscreen has me covered - literally.
Developed for us and by boss lady Shontay Lundy, Black Girl Sunscreen is here to moisturize and protect our darker skin tones without the thick white or gray paste like other sunscreens. Shontay shares what inspired her to develop BGS, laid aside some sunscreen lies, and points us to her favorite warm weather hot spots! Keep on readin'!
MRTV: Tell me about your background and what sparked the idea to create Black Girl Sunscreen?
SL, BGS: My name is Shontay Lundy, the creator and founder of Black Girl Sunscreen. I am a New York-raised entrepreneur that has lived off and on in Los Angeles and Miami. I have always had a diverse set of friends from different ethnicities, backgrounds and skin complexions that came along with my many adventures of life. Whenever I would go to the beach or the pool with them, they were fortunate enough to have a plethora of sunscreen products catered to them.
Meanwhile, I would immediately look for shade or a pricey umbrella for the fear of burning or changing complexion. I thought to myself, why don’t I have those same options? That’s when I realized that women of color are in an underserved demographic for skin care. From my journeys across the stunning landscape of upstate New York to the sprawling diversity of Miami and Los Angeles, I had yet to find a product that catered to my skin; hence, the evolution of Black Girl Sunscreen.
MRTV: What are some sunscreen myths you would like to dispel?
SL, BGS: It is a myth that people of color don’t need to wear sunscreen. This misconception may come from the upbringing of people of color (i.e. home remedies, old school mentality) as well as advertising and public awareness campaigns being geared towards fair-skinned individuals. However, people of color are at risk of getting damage to the skin despite the presence of melanin especially in light of changes to the ozone layer, pollution and the environment itself.
Research shows African Americans have the highest rate of mortality in the U.S. population after receiving a melanoma diagnosis. In response to this dire need and necessary public education, a revolutionary new SPF moisturizer, has been developed specifically designed for woman of color using natural ingredients while protecting against UVA/UVB rays. BGS does not leave a chalky paste or white residue on the skin while being free of oxybenzone, parabens and fragrance. Being fragrance free allows BGS to be used as an everyday moisturizer on the face.
BGS ignites a healthy debate of whether women of color need and should protect their skin against the sun. We would love to bring to the forefront of discussion to address concerns and myths that people of color don’t need to protect their skin from the sun.
MRTV: Health care disparities in the African American community continues to be a major concern. Using sunscreen as a proactive measure against melanoma can reduce the risk of cancer. Tell us, what ingredients are in Black Girl Sunscreen that are specific to skin with more melanin aka Black folks?
SL, BGS: Black Girl Sunscreen uses natural ingredients including carrot seed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocado and shea butter to boost melanin and rub in completely.
MRTV: I love products that have ingredients I can pronounce! If it is simple, I want it. BGS is made of e everything I already have in my skin care arsenal. What else sets Black Girl Sunscreen apart from other sunscreen brands?
SL, BGS: Black Girl Sunscreen is a new concept; black people don’t normally wear sunscreen. Our approach for BGS is to use natural ingredients that moisturize the skin without leaving a white residue or as we know it being ashy. BGS should be used as an everyday facial moisturizer as it addresses protection against UVA/UVB rays, damage to the skin and premature aging. Black Girl Sunscreen wants you to be smart, come out from the shade and protect your skin.
MRTV: Black Girl Sunscreen will have my skin looking flawless while I'm on vacation. I might find me a boo too <wink>. Tell us which beach has the flyest guys!
SL, BGS: Oh that’s a really good question…
Venice Beach because there is outdoor gym, basketball court and skate park-so you can watch all the men get their workout on!
South Beach-mostly every dude is walking around with no shirt, so there is plenty of eye candy.
Queens Beach in Cape Town, South Africa-low key beach. So any man that knows about this beach has good taste.
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