CelebHomes – We hear a lot about sunscreen and how important it is, but not everyone understands. Are there any common myths about sun protection?
KB: Many people are so shocked and disappointed that they don’t understand the value of sunscreen. Many people believe they don’t have to use sunscreen. They say their skin is too dark or that it’s not necessary. My answer would be “Do you drive?” I wonder how you got here. Driving means you get sun exposure through your windows.

It can be so difficult to conceal from the sun. Most people are unaware of how difficult it can be to hide from sunlight. It’s impossible to hide from the sun and this is something melanated individuals need to understand. These myths have been perpetuated throughout history. As a child, I participated in Girl Scouts and Brownies. I also did lots of outdoor activities and camping. I was one of the few little girls who got sunscreen. It was not something my mom bought. Sunscreen was never in our house. 

CelebHomes. Your position on sun protection clearly has changed. Did you experience a change in your thinking that was specific?
KB:  Yes, I started getting hyperpigmentation around my mouth, these little black moles and I just thought they were genetic because all of the older people in my family have them. They started appearing in my 40s and I was shocked to find out that I had them. He chuckled and replied, “Honey! This isn’t genetic.” Sun damage is the cause. It was total shock.

She explained everything to me, and I thought I was going to cry. I went to Walgreens for sunscreen. My first time I tried to apply sunscreen, it left a white residue or got in my eyes. I was just making a mess. It was a long time before I discovered mineral sunscreen. It didn’t bother me at all, but I didn’t like how it felt on my skin. There weren’t any tinted options for mineral that would work well. They either left me purple or gray. After looking for sunscreens, but failing to find any, my 20-year-old construction experience left me with little knowledge in the area.

For many years, companies didn’t consider us and made products only for us. Everybody is now on board. It’s great to see sunscreen ads featuring black and brown girls. It’s the reason I began it. No one had done it before. This was what I did.