Individuals of All Skin Colors Need Protection from the Sun

Being in the sun, especially at the beach or at the park, is an extremely enjoyable experience. There is something that is relaxing about laying in the warmth of the sun and feeling the sun’s warm embrace. As fun as playing in the sun is, everyone realizes that they must take precautions in order to prevent the sun from damaging their skin. Overexposure to the sun can result in sunspots and in worst case scenarios sun cancer.

Everyone should wear sunscreen when they are going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, a misconception that many people have is that individuals with darker skin can be out in the sun for extended periods of time without protection and have no ill effects. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Sunscreen is a must for everyone regardless of their skin color.

While it is true that individuals with a higher level of melanin in their skin are able to endure slightly more sun exposure than individuals with lighter colored skin, individuals with darker skin are also more prone to hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is dark spots that appear on the skin normally as a result of sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation can be completely avoided if a person uses sunscreen. When a person with dark skin gets sunspots, it can be difficult to get rid of them.

Many doctors comment that they have patients with darker colored skin who have melanoma. The percentage is smaller than the individuals with light skin, but it does happen. And while it is true that different skin types react to sun exposure differently, regardless of a person skin type, the energy from the sun is able to penetrate into the skin and this will eventually negatively affect the DNA of skin cells. This is what leads to skin cancer. Additionally, individuals who have darker skin can still get skin cancer on parts of the body that have a lighter pigment. This would include the soles of their feet and the palms of their hands.

This underscores why it is so important for everyone, regardless of their skin color, to purchase and use high-quality reef friendly sunscreen if they are going to be on the beach, swimming in the ocean, playing in the park, or in any circumstance that requires them to spend a large amount of time in the sun.