Cite this Response
Alice! Health Promotion. "Is sunscreen necessary for dark skin?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 08 Aug. 2024, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/sunscreen-and-dark-skin. Accessed 30, Dec. 2024.
Alice! Health Promotion. (2024, August 08). Is sunscreen necessary for dark skin?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/sunscreen-and-dark-skin.
Dear Alice,
I am African-American, but my skin is not that dark. I was never told that I needed sunscreen and when I worked in a daycare I was told in a very delicate manner that only the paler children needed sunscreen. I've been out in the sun for extended periods of time and was wondering if sunscreen is necessary for someone of my complexion. If so, what strength?
Dear Reader,
Exposure to the sun’s rays causes skin aging, sunburn, and skin cancer, no matter how pale or dark your skin is. People of color have some natural protection against the sun due to their high amounts of melanin, a pigment responsible for skin coloration. But on its own, melanin isn’t enough to fully protect the skin. Ways to protect your skin include wearing sunscreen, wearing full-coverage clothing during peak sun hours, and scheduling yearly visits with a dermatologist (skin doctor). These strategies can prevent sun damage and reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. To find out more about sunscreen, feel free to read on!
How does sun exposure affect the skin?
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are two types of UV rays that cause sun damage. UVA rays penetrate the inner layers of your skin and can lead to wrinkling. UVB rays reach the outer layers of the skin and are responsible for causing sunburns and skin cancer.
How does melanin protect the skin from sun exposure?
Melanin is a pigment in the inner layers of your skin responsible for your skin's complexion—the more melanin your body produces, the darker your skin. Melanin absorbs some UV rays before they can damage the skin cells, resulting in less skin aging. However, melanin only provides minimal protection from the sun. So, even people with darker skin still need to use sunscreen for protection.
Do people with darker skin need to wear sunscreen?
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone, regardless of skin color, wear around two tablespoons-worth of sunscreen that contains at least SPF 30 every day. To get the best protection, reapply once every two to three hours. Contrary to what some may believe, people with darker skin can get sunburnt, even though you may not be able to see visible redness. People of color also aren’t immune to skin cancers.
What are the best types of sunscreens for darker skin?
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UV rays can still penetrate clouds and window glass. That said, if you’re going to be near a window for an extended period of time it might be helpful to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
Many dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen. Its active ingredients don’t leach into the skin and ’is gentler on sensitive and acne-prone skin. That said, mineral sunscreen can leave a white cast, which can be undesirable for most people of color. The good news is that there are tinted mineral sunscreens which blend into your skin tone, keeping you protected and not looking like a ghost.
What are other forms of sun protection?
If possible, avoid being outside from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest. If you do happen to be out during these peak hours, try seeking out a shady spot to minimize the time you spend in the direct sun. In addition to sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and darker full-coverage clothing can provide extra sun protection.
Even if you have a darker complexion, lather on some sunscreen and you can still have fun in the sun!