Do People With Darker Skin Tones Actually Need Sunscreen?

CalendarWednesday, September 7th, 2022
UserJeff Chiarelli
View2 Min READ
sunscreen for all skin tones
denis_vermenko –

Sunscreen is an important part of staying safe and healthy. It doesn鈥檛 matter if you鈥檙e an aspiring beauty guru or you鈥檝e never actually applied makeup. Most people know that sunscreen is an important part of staying safe. However, many people also believe that if you have darker skin, you don鈥檛 need sunscreen, or that your skin protects itself. This is a complete myth, and darker skin tones do need UV protection. Not convinced? Here are some pieces of information to keep in mind.

Melanin Protects, But Not Entirely

Melanin is the molecule that gives skin its color, and the basis for this myth is that melanin does absorb some UV rays. Even when it comes to fair-skinned people, those with lighter skin burn more quickly than those with darker skin, and those with warm skin tones may burn less than those with cool skin tones. However, melanin doesn鈥檛 protect completely, and even those with the absolute darkest skin tones can still burn. It can even be more difficult to notice, as the red tint that shows up on lighter skin may not show up on darker skin, but indications of a sunburn can include your skin feeling hot, tight, and itchy.

Even Small Amounts of UV Rays Can Increase Cancer Risk

Additionally, anyone can develop skin cancer from UV rays, no matter how few of those UV rays actually get into the skin. You need to use sunscreen to absorb all of those rays. Additionally, people with darker skin who do develop skin cancer may actually be at higher risk of death, as they might not pay attention to the warning signs due to their beliefs about skin cancer. You鈥檒l keep yourself much safer if you鈥檙e willing to put on sunscreen every day.

Sun Exposure Causes Aging in All Skin Tones

One of the less-deadly impacts of sun exposure is that it can cause, even darker tones. If you鈥檙e interested in keeping your skin looking as great as possible for years to come, prioritize avoidance of UV rays. UV exposure can cause sagging and wrinkle development, as well as irregular skin tone and liver spots. These can be difficult and expensive to fix, and in some cases may be permanent.

You Can Find a Sunscreen for Any Skin Tone

Dark-skinned people sometimes shy away from sunscreen due to an ashy or pale residue on their skin. If you鈥檙e fair-skinned, you might not notice this residue, as your skin already has this light tone. However, much darker skin can have a very apparent difference. This has led to a rise in sunscreen manufacturers who market their sunscreens, avoiding that ashy residue entirely. This makes it easier for all people to stay protected from the sun.

Conclusion

sunscreen for darker skin tones
insta_photos –

Regardless of your skin color, it鈥檚 important to use sunscreen. It doesn鈥檛 matter if you have incredibly pale skin that burns within minutes of going outside or very dark skin that doesn鈥檛 seem to ever burn, sunscreen can protect your skin from aging, skin cancer, and other problems. Plus, there are many sunscreens out there, including ones available to you. If you鈥檝e noticed that you鈥檙e interested in skin care for underserved populations, the esthetics program from 17吃瓜在线 might be the right choice for you. This program helps you learn more about creative and scientific skin care, giving you more opportunities to pass on your knowledge.

About the Author

Jeff Chiarelli
Jeff Chiarelli is the Head of Marketing for 17吃瓜在线. His responsibilities include leading 17吃瓜在线's marketing and branding strategy to amplify 17吃瓜在线's passion for helping create future beauty professionals in the communities 17吃瓜在线 serves.

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A BEAUTIFUL CAREER STARTS HERE

Hi future beauty professional! We can鈥檛 wait to speak you. Fill out the form below and we鈥檒l get you the information you need.
By submitting this form, I am providing my consent to be called, texted, and/or emailed by 17吃瓜在线 at the number and/or email provided. This consent is not a condition of purchase.
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