Melanin is the pigment that gives color to your skin, hair and eyes. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin.
Here are some myths and facts that black people (and anyone with darker skin) should know about sun protection.
1. Myth: People with darker skin don’t have to worry about sunburn
Some black people may not use sunscreen because they believe their melanin provides them with sufficient protection from the sun and they will not get sunburned.
“Dark skin is less prone to sunburn than lighter skin, but it is not immune,” says Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City. “Sunburn on darker skin can cause pain, peeling and long-term damage, but protecting the skin with sunscreen and seeking shade can prevent these problems,” she adds.
2. Fact: Black people and people with darker skin need sun protection
For people with darker skin, applying sunscreen is an important way to protect against sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. But protecting against cancer is not the only reason to apply sunscreen.
3. Myth: Skin cancer in dark skin is not caused by the sun
Although some skin cancers in darker skin are not caused by sun exposure, Dr. Kopelman explains that UV radiation is still a risk and increases the risk of cancer, reiterating the need for everyone to protect themselves.
4. Fact: People of all skin colors can get skin cancer – and sun exposure increases this risk
5. Myth: Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency in people with darker skin
More melanin in the skin may make it harder for black people to absorb vitamin D from sunlight because it can prevent the skin’s natural synthesis of vitamin D from UVB sunlight exposure, says Susan Massick, M.D., a dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Westerville, Ohio. “For some people with darker skin, this may put them at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency,” she adds.
If you’re concerned you’re not getting enough vitamin D, talk to your doctor about checking your vitamin D levels and asking if they can prescribe you a vitamin D supplement. This may be a safer alternative than relying on the sun for your daily vitamin D intake.
6. Fact: People with darker skin are more prone to hyperpigmentation due to excessive sun exposure
Hyperpigmentation occurs when excessive melanin is produced in certain areas of the skin, resulting in dark spots or patches.
It bears repeating: for people of all skin colors, sunscreen and avoiding or limiting sun exposure are the best ways to prevent this.
7. Myth: Black people can get by with low-factor sunscreens
SPF stands for sun protection factor and measures protection from UVB rays, not UVA rays. “It tells you how long it takes for protected skin to burn compared to unprotected skin, and the higher the SPF number, the better the protection from burns,” adds Massick.
Her recommendation for choosing sunscreen is to opt for broad-spectrum products with an SPF of at least 30 and to apply the product 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. She also suggests using waterproof, tinted sunscreens for extra protection, reapplying every two hours and incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. And it’s a good idea to not Don’t rely on the SPF in makeup or moisturizers as you may not apply enough to ensure full coverage.
The conclusion
People with darker skin have more melanin, which provides some protection from UV rays. However, melanin alone does not provide complete protection against sunburn and skin cancer, so it is important for people of all skin types to apply sunscreen before sunbathing. This reduces the risk of skin cancer and protects against other types of damage, such as premature aging and hyperpigmentation.
