Too much ultraviolet exposure from the sun can lead to sunburn, dark spots and wrinkles, and increased risk of skin cancer. People with all skin tones need to wear sunscreen — for more reasons than one.
Although, the melanin in darker skin offers some extra protection from the sun, but dermatologists say that isn’t enough on its own, reports AP.
“Everyone needs sunscreen. But the reasons that one might be reaching for sunscreen may differ depending on your skin tone,” said Dr. Jenna Lester, who founded the Skin of Color Clinic at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dar-skin toned people more commonly get melanoma on their hands and feet — places that are more shielded from the sun. Still, sunscreen is an additional protective layer that helps prevent a host of other problems including sunburns, hyperpigmentation after acne, rosacea and dark patches on the face.
Dr. Oyetewa Asempa at Baylor College of Medicine often reminds her darker-skinned patients: “All of the problems that you’re coming to see me for are caused or worsened by the sun.”
To stay safe in the sun, it’s important to grab sunscreen with a sun protection factor or SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours.
Most people don’t wear enough sunscreen when they apply, Lester said. Make sure to put two long fingers’ worth on the face and a hefty blob for the body.
Look for chemical-based sunscreens to avoid ashy white cast. Two key ingredients in mineral-based products — zinc oxide and titanium oxide — are the culprits for that pesky discoloration on dark skin.
Tinted sunscreens contain pigments that block visible light from the sun, offering additional protection against dark spots. And wearing a hat or sun-protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor or UPF grading can provide an extra safety boost.
No matter what your sun protection routine is, it’s important to stick with it, Lester said. UV rays can pass through car and house windows and still damage your skin, even when you're indoors.
“It’s about making it a daily habit,” she said. “Being consistent matters more than doing a lot once in a while.”
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
