Many have this assumption and belief that people with darker complexions do not need to use any precautions in protecting their skin against the sun.
Many are also still having doubts as to whether sunscreen is necessary and healthy for black people. In this brief article, we will analyse if black people need to wear sunscreen (SPF) or not.
As a black person, I have always been told that I did not need sunscreen since my skin was already protecting me from the sun and was told nothing more.
During my childhood and early teenage life, I have heard for so long these phrases: “black don’t burn, we don’t crack, our skin is too strong to get sunburn” and so on.
Because of that belief that was installed in me from such a young age, I personally never worried about protecting my skin from the sun until recently.
I should say that medicine is definitely to be blamed. Throughout history, medicine did not give black people appropriate medical care and dermatology is no exclusion to it.
Experts view:
Dr Chesahna Kindred (vice-chair of NMA dermatology) agrees that there’s different attention given to black skin in practice (and from personal experience I can honestly agree on that). She also once told Healthline that much of the funding and awareness research on the effect of the sun usually excludes those that have darker complexions.
Moreover, a study conducted in 2014 discovered that white people were prescribed sunscreen after ER visits 9 times more than black people, even in cases of pigment-related skin diseases where sun sensitivity was a concern. And this is because black people were told that they had natural protection.
Are black people naturally protected?
To some extent, it might be true that black people have natural protection on their skin. Indeed, it has been proven that melanin provides a natural SPF that can reach up to 13 on the level of protection.
It is important to note that although it might give extra protection from the sun rays, this is not as strong as SPF 30. This creates the right amount of skin protection.
Furthermore, while dark complexions do not burn as easily as someone with a lighter complexion, it’s the damage that we cannot see immediately that is scary. The damage can come in many forms such as hyperpigmentation (which I can relate to), dark spots, sunburn, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
When it comes to skin cancer black people are certainly not immune to it.
According to experts, Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of cancer that develops on skin that has been exposed for so long in the sun. And although it’s less prevalent within the black community, it’s being disregarded and if diagnosed in a more advanced stage, it can be hard to cure.
Unfortunately, many black people believe that just because they do not burn like white people, that they do not get sun damage. All skin types can burn and if they do not protect their skin with sunscreen, no one is exempt from sunburn or skin cancer.
Is ‘melanin’ enough?
According to DR Meena when it comes to the sun’s damaging effects, melanin is overvalued. Indeed, many think and believe that black skin melanin provides full protection from the sun UV rays. Unfortunately, it does not.
According to Dr Meena melanin can only protect some of the UV radiation damage in darker skin. This means that it will not protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Check this article here to know more about these terms.
In addition, melanin is not always consistent throughout the body which means that it will not provide the protection that the skin requires from UV radiation.
To cut it short, no one is immune to sun damage even the ‘melanin’.
Should black people then wear sunscreen?
YES! Black people and anyone with a darker complexion must wear their SPF, even when it is rainy or cloudy! This means that in winter you should put on sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays/radiations! They’re our worst enemies!
In addition, many think that wearing sunscreen prevents the body from absorbing its Vitamin D. Experts however confirmed that even if you do wear sunscreen on a darker complexion, sunscreen will still let the good stuff in like vitamin D from the sun! What it does is that it absorbs UV radiations.
Also, according to experts, black people tend to suffer from painful sunburns that cause the skin to peel. And when the skin is exposed too much to the sun, just like everyone else, people with a darker complexion can suffer from hyperpigmentation and visible signs of ageing.
And we should know that black skin comes in many shades, and some might be more sensitive to sun exposure than others. Experts say that everyone should protect their skin from the sun. Check this article here for sunscreen recommendations for dry sensitive skin.
You should check out this website where they offer tools tips and products for dark skins! You should also check this sunscreen which was mainly produced for black people! The latter is believed to be the best one for dark skin!
In conclusion, all people, including those with darker complexions, need to take precautions by wearing SPF. As much as white people, black people can be prone to skin conditions that are caused by the sun. Black people must wear SPF sunscreen to be fully protected from UV rays! It is necessary and healthy guys!
So, remember that if you have a darker complexion or have a friend that it is, remind them or yourself to always protect the skin by wearing sunscreen (SPF)!!
