The Challenges of Brown Skin- Large Pores Edition

The Truth About Sunscreen, Pores, and Skincare: A Journey to Self-Care

I’m pretty sure the lack of sunscreen in my life has led to pores that are not just large — they could probably rival a black hole in size and mystery. Seriously, these things could suck in all the questions about skincare and never give an answer back. But here’s the thing: I didn’t always know that not wearing sunscreen could lead to this. Growing up, I didn’t even understand what it meant to take care of my skin — let alone the fact that the sun, while warm and friendly, wasn’t exactly my best friend.

I remember when I was younger, seeing girls at school cover up head-to-toe in summer — full sleeves, scarves, the whole nine yards — just to shield themselves from the sun. And I? I used to judge them silently. In my head, I called them vain and a little silly. I mean, it was just the sun, right? Little did I know, the consequences of that thinking were going to catch up with me.

Fast forward to my late teens, and I, too, started pulling out the long sleeves, the scarves, trying to protect my skin, not because I wanted to, but because the world around me — the beauty standards, the social pressures — told me that lighter skin was the key to beauty. It was the message that had been drilled into my brain from every direction. So, I covered up. I hid from the sun. And I thought it was the way to go.

But here's the kicker: Beauty standards are constantly changing, and they've messed with our heads in so many ways. Growing up with the idea that a certain kind of skin tone, a certain type of beauty, was the ideal… it leaves a mark. It leads to so much frustration, confusion, and, let's be real, deep psychological issues for women. That’s one of the reasons I’m here talking to you about skincare and how we can create a space to talk openly about it — because we deserve it.

Skincare Should Be for Everyone, Not Just the Rich

You know what drives me mad? The way skincare is treated like a luxury. It’s as if taking care of yourself is only for the elite, for those with endless budgets. But self-care? Hygiene? That should be a basic right for all of us, no matter our income.

If I had known what the sun was actually doing to my skin — if I had been educated about sun damage and the harmful effects of UV rays — maybe I wouldn’t have spent years fighting with my skin, trying to fix things that could have been prevented in the first place. If I had understood that my darker skin wasn’t immune to sun damage, things might have turned out differently. We all know UV rays are harmful, but sometimes it feels like there’s a misconception that darker skin doesn’t need protection. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The sun doesn’t discriminate. UV A and UV B rays are just as damaging to melanin-rich skin as they are to lighter skin. We need to protect ourselves.

The Battle with Pores

Now, let’s talk about my pores — or as I like to call them, the black holes on my face. When I look at my skin sometimes, I wonder how I ended up here. But here's a little truth bomb: skincare is a journey, not a destination. If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, it would be this: moisturizer, moisturizer, moisturizer. It’s the key to keeping those pores in check. The other secret? A cooling shock to the face first thing in the morning. It works wonders. You can either ice your face or wash it with ice-cold rose water. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Sunscreen and cooling treatments are my secret weapons. They’ve helped me keep my pores together and maintain some semblance of skin sanity. SPF is non-negotiable. And if you’re dealing with large pores or any skincare issues, a solid routine with moisturizer and cooling techniques can work wonders.

So, What’s Your Story?

I’m curious to know — what’s your skincare story? Have you had your own struggles with pores, sun damage, or beauty standards? Let's start a conversation about it. Because skincare isn’t just about what you put on your face; it’s about feeling confident in your own skin, no matter what color, shape, or size it comes in.

Remember, skincare is self-care, and it’s for everyone. Let’s break the myths, share the truths, and support each other in our journeys toward healthier, happier skin.

With love,
Bibi Nour