It is a myth that those with darker skin do not need to protect themselves from the sun. After all, everyone is vulnerable to harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The fact of the matter is that all skin types are at risk of conditions like skin cancer – knowing how to look after different skin tones is vital for good skin health.
Statistics suggest that skin cancer accounts for 1-2% of cancers in Black people, 4-5% in those of Hispanic ethnicity and 2-4% of Asian people. These numbers might be lower than for those with white skin.
However, the diagnosis of skin cancer in those with darker skin tends to be much later on and with a worse prognosis.
Unprotected exposure to the sun can also lead to other skin issues such as unsightly sun damage.
Know your sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the single most important ways in which you can protect your skin from the sun. What many people don’t realise or choose to ignore is that sunscreen has an expiration date on it.
Once a bottle has been opened it should only be used for the amount of time indicated.
After this it becomes much less effective, and you may think you are protecting your skin when in reality you are not.
So, if this is you, ditch that bottle and read on.
What types of sunscreen are there?
Sunscreen comes in two different types; chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen. The chemical type is normally more resistant to sweat and water and works by absorbing both UVA and UVB rays into the skin and then releasing this back into the atmosphere.
This type will have (hard-to-pronounce) active ingredients in it, like oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate.
A physical AKA mineral sunscreen works by blocking the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin. This type of sunscreen contains ingredients like titanium oxide and zinc oxide.
These are gentler on the pores and much better for those with sensitive skin. They do unfortunately leave a white tint on the skin, making them less than aesthetically ideal for those with darker skin.
Finding a good sunscreen for darker skin is harder than it should be but there are some good brands on the market.
It’s wise to look out for a good product that has been specifically formulated for darker skin, before being applied according to recommendations for the best protection.
Do you need more than sunscreen?
Reapplying sunscreen frequently can make it feel like you are setting yourself up to sweat and feel unpleasant, but the benefits of regular sunscreen application outweigh the negatives.
Remember the saying “Slip, Slop, Slap”? Well, this is still great advice when it comes to protecting your skin.
- Slip – slip on a shirt, or better still UV protective clothing
- Slop – slop on some sunscreen, use one with a good SPF(30+)
- Slap – slap on a hat, one with a broad brim if possible
This advice was updated recently to include the advice to seek shade at the hottest parts of the day and slide on some sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Check your skin regularly
The other thing you should do to protect darker skin from the sun is to check it regularly for melanoma.
This is unfortunately caught all too late in people with darker skin, and left untreated can be fatal. Check using the ABCDE’s. If you are worried about anything that looks different, seek the advice of your GP.
Taking care of your skin isn’t to be skimped on. Look for products that are specifically formulated for your type of skin and use them.
Covering up or staying out of the sun in the hottest parts of the day will be beneficial and if you notice any concerning changes in your skin seek medical advice.