Yes, Black People Need Sunscreen too.
Unprotected exposure to the sun adds up over time, which leads to skin cancer and premature aging. So if you don’t want your Black to crack, wear sunscreen daily.
I’ve got a secret to share with y’all so come close… a little closer so you can hear me…Okay, are you ready?
Black people need to wear sunscreen.
Yes I know, it’s a shocker, right? But it’s true, us melanated folks need daily protection from the sun just as much as our unseasoned brethren.
There’s a common misconception that Black people don’t need sunscreen because our melanin already protects us from the sun. But the truth is, Black people, and everyone else, should wear sunscreen daily.
So while y’all are only reserving sunscreen for 90-degree pool days, let me debunk some common myths about sunscreen that’ll convince you to start using SPF daily.
Myth 1: Black people don’t need sunscreen because our melanin gives us enough protection
Baby, lemme tell you something. The sun doesn’t care if you’re Black, white, pink, or purple.
Melanin might put us at an advantage in protecting us from UV rays, but we need at least an SPF of 30 for proper sun protection. According to Maritza Perez, MD, “even the darkest Black skin provides only about an SPF of 13.” This means that using melanin as natural sun protection is not enough.
Not only is daily sunscreen use great for preventing long-term skin damage, but it also protects us against skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkling, sunburn, and even dark spots.
So don’t set yourself back by thinking your melanin is enough to protect you from the sun.
Myth 2: You only need sunscreen when it’s hot outside
You can get sun damage in any type of weather, this is because sun damage is caused by ultraviolet light, not temperature. So whether it’s windy or sunny, there’s a possibility of sun damage if your skin is not adequately protected.
Myth 3: Black people can’t get skin cancer
People of color are at a lower risk of developing skin cancer, but the outcomes are more severe.
When skin cancer develops in Black people, it is often diagnosed at a later stage. This means that Black people are at a higher risk of death if diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer that spreads quickly.
In the later stages of skin cancer, treatment can be difficult.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer, the main one being wearing sunscreen daily.
How to protect melanated skin from sun exposure
Protecting your skin from sun damage is an easy task that can be added to your daily skincare routine. After washing your face and applying moisturizer (and/or makeup), apply your sunscreen. It’s that simple! To make sure you’re getting maximum sun protection, keep these tips in mind:
Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum coverage (UVA and UVB protection).
Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing.
If outside, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
