As I write this, my skin is a scaly mess because I decided I wanted to get the best tan possible while laying naked on Negril's Seven Mile beach. Mind you, this is weeks later. Now, I know that belief that black women can't get sun cancer is a myth even with our built-in melanin protection. Luckily, I was smart enough to apply Supergoop's Glow Stick Sunscreen to my face. But, I hadn't accounted for the sunburn I got on my boobs or the peeling alligator skin I am now trying to figure out how to manage because I didn't apply any SPF to my body.
Which is what brought me to writing this round-up — ya girl needed soothing, healing options fast, and I figured I am not the lone brown girl out there in need of giving their skin a little TLC from the summer sun. With that, I've rounded up a list of products you can use from head to toe (including your scalp) after a day (or days) of fun in the sun.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, xoNecole may earn a small commission.
Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Sheet Mask
Eau Thermale Avene
I am a huge fan of Avene. Their products are made with sensitive skin in mind. When I saw their sheet masks, I knew I had to give them a try. They do not only lend themselves to self-care, but their hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free masks soothe red, irritated skin in no time.
Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly
Base Butter
Aloe is always a must-have after you've overdone it in the sunshine, and Base Butter's holy grail moisturizer is made with aloe as a key ingredient along alongside lavender and witch hazel which balance and soothe distressed skin.
Aspen Kay Oatmeal Soap Bar
Amazon
One of the best ways to cool your body down and ease sunburn is a cold shower. Using a bar of soap or body wash with oatmeal can calm and nourish the skin, think about how oatmeal can soothe the stomach; the same applies to our skin.
FRESH Brown Sugar Body Polish
Nordstrom
FRESH is one of my favorite beauty brands because their products are made with good ingredients that warrant an elevated price point. Now, I wouldn't recommend scrubbing blistered, or skin that is broken as that would make things worse. Once the pain subsides, you'll want to get the damaged layer(s) of skin off with a gentle scrub. Made with brown sugar crystals and jojoba oils, this scrub will help revive troubled skin.
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Skin Renewal Recipe Body Scrub
I would like to personally thank this scrub for soothing and getting my flakey skin together. This scrub feels more like a yogurt and honey creme with a hint of exfoliation, which was just what my skin needed.
Hanahana Beauty Eucalyptus Shea Body Butter
Eucalyptus Shea Body Butter
With shea butter and eucalyptus as ingredients, your skin will thank you. If your scalp got burned, you could use this to oil it as well.
Ceramedx Restoring Body Lotion
Ceramedx comes highly rated by skincare professionals. Thanks to its blend of plant-based ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it helps soothe everything from allergic reactions to eczema.
One word of advice. Don't be like me. Be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen daily.
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Despite Washington and Asomugha choosing to live a relatively private life for the most part by not sharing images of their family on social media and occasionally attending events together. The rare glimpses they provide to the public showcase that Washington and Asomugha have much in common regarding essential topics.
For example, Washington is highly involved in politics and encourages others to participate by spreading information about various issues and how everyone would be affected.
As for Asomugha, the 41-year-old officially founded the Asomugha Foundation in 2010, years after doing other charity work in Nigeria. According to its site, the organization was created to help "disadvantaged youth and women by providing educational opportunities and mentorship."
Washington's public remarks regarding her relationship with Asomugha and their family may be rare, but when she does speak about their family, it's all positive.
Kerry On Why She Keeps Her Relationship Private
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bronx Children's Museum
In March 2016, the UnPrisioned actress revealed during a discussion panel at SXSW Festival that one of the reasons why she is adamant about remaining private about her union with Asomugha is because she doesn't want the public to make any narratives regarding her marriage.
At the time, it was reported that Washington and the former NFL player were experiencing marital troubles and were allegedly planning on getting a divorce. Washington would shut down those allegations by saying she hasn't and will not share any information about her private life.
"Social media has actually been great for [other celebrities'] relationships with the weeklies or the gossip sites because people say things and they say, 'That's not true!' So I'm thinking in some ways, it's been great because people are able to maintain their voice," she explained.
"It's a little different for me because I don't talk about my personal life. That means not only did I not tell you when I was getting married, it also means if somebody has rumors about what's going on in my marriage, I don't refute them, because I don't talk about my personal life."
Kerry On How She Met Nnamdi And What A Normal Day Looks Like for Their Family
Fast forward to October 2018, the Scandal star gave insight into how she met Asomugha and their family life. During an interview with Marie Claire, Washington shared that she and Asomugha met in 2009 while she was working on the Broadway play Race.
The mother of two told the publication that her life has "completely transformed" since their encounter. "The last time I did theater, it completely transformed my life. That's where I met my husband. I love being with my family. My days off look like homework, reading, and watching stuff. Just hanging out, doing things we love to do," she stated.
Kerry On Nnamdi's Accomplishment
Photo by Jeffrey Camarati/Getty Images
But as time progressed, Washington began speaking a little more openly about her man. In October 2022, Washington gushed over Asomugha and his Netflix project, The Good Nurse, which came out around the same time her film, The School for Good and Evil, was released. While talking to Entertainment Tonight, the star expressed how "proud" she was of her husband.
"I'm really proud of him, I think he's doing amazing work. I'm really excited for his film, The Good Nurse," she said. "It's really exciting to both have really important films at Netflix right now, we feel really blessed.”
Kerry On Why Nnamdi Is Her Soulmate
Washington shared how her love with Asomugha goes beyond the surface after spending over a decade together.
In a March 2023 interview with Marie Claire, Washington explained that she and Asomugha are perfectly aligned because she's allowed to be her authentic self with him.
"I'm in my immediate truth with [him]," Washington said. "Those mirrors are important because they help me get back to myself."
Kerry On The Couple's Upcoming 10-Year Wedding Anniversary
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
That same month, Washington expressed that in addition to the many years the couple has been together, and their personal and professional accomplishments, she still finds Asomugha "incredible."
Washington shared this revelation while promoting her latest project, UnPrisioned, in an Entertainment Tonight interview.
"I do have an incredible husband," the actress told ET host Kevin Frazier as she disclosed little to no details about their upcoming plans for their tenth wedding anniversary. "Do you remember how secret my wedding was? How private and secretive it was? That's how the anniversary is gonna be too!"
Kerry On Why She Thinks Nnamdi And Their Children Are A Gift From God
Washington's love and admiration for Asomugha and their family grow increasingly each day, so much so that she uses it as inspiration to share positive messages with her fans.
The 46-year-old revealed during a panel with Al Sharpton at National Action Network Convention on April 12 that she sees her husband and their children as "proof" that God exists and loves her because of the great joy they bring to her life.
"Well, you've met my husband, my husband's amazing. I got a good one. We have three beautiful children. And I think, you know, when I look at my marriage, and I look at my kids, fundamentally, they are proof of God to me,” she said. "Because I know that God loves me to have put those people in my life. And that sense of like, knowing that God loves me. That, to me, is so much of how I make the decisions about the activism that I do and the content that I make."
Regardless of what the public may think about Washington and Asomugha's private union, they are proving with each moment that love can conquer all.
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Feature image by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
