Sunscreen Essential for Black People: Misconceptions About Melanin, Skin Cancer, and the Dangers of UV Exposure

By Dr. Patrise Holden

Contrary to popular myths, Black people are not immune to the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and should do all they can to protect their skin year-round. 

Health experts emphasize that individuals with darker skin tones remain vulnerable to sun-related health risks, including skin cancer, premature aging, and even suppression of the immune system.​

“The belief that Black skin is immune to skin cancer is not only false but dangerous,” Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen, emphatically stated.  

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“While skin cancer is less common in darker skin tones, studies show that Black individuals are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages,” Lundy explained. “This delay in diagnosis often leads to poorer outcomes. Regular sunscreen use and early detection are vital for prevention.”

Although there are benefits of the sun for mental and physical health, Black Girl Sunscreen has made it their mission to educate people of color about protecting themselves from the harmful effects of UV rays, including sunburn, skin cancer, aging, and a decreased functioning of the immune system.

“The UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface is mostly UVA and some UVB. Almost half the daytime total of the more harmful UVB radiation is received between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” Lundy said. “Even on a cloudy day, you can be sunburned by UVB radiation.”

Heightened Risk from UV Rays for Vulnerable Populations and People of Color

Vulnerable populations, such as children, seniors, and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, face heightened risks of overexposure to harmful UV rays. 

The CDC highlights that “less than half of older adults protect their skin from the sun when outside for an hour or more,” which may raise their risk of getting skin cancer. Furthermore, according to the CDC, “more than 1 in 10 older adults had been sunburned in the past year, and sunburn was nearly twice as high among sun-sensitive older adults.”

Determined to educate about UV exposure and skin cancer, raise awareness, and help people, Lundy created Black Girl Sunscreen in 2016. 

“Our community matters, and when it comes to melanoma, Black people have a lower survival rate due to late diagnosis compared to other races,” she said. “ Decreasing the risk of melanoma is just as important as decreasing the number of people who die from it. Wearing sunscreen is essential.”

Dr. Yolanda Holmes, a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon based in Washington, D.C., works to combat misconceptions through health care and education.

“I think the perception that [Black people] don’t need sunscreen is because we have a very low incidence of skin cancer,” Holmes told The Informer. “It’s not impossible, and a lot of the cancers that we develop are in non sun-exposed areas, but because of that, they can be very advanced when they’re detected,”

Like Lundy, Holmes encourages sunscreen use to combat against aging and promote overall wellness. 

“Not only does the sun cause fine lines and wrinkles on our skin, it also causes dark spots,” said Holmes, “and it makes us look older than we are if our skin is exposed to the sun and not protected.”

History of Racism and Colorism Bolsters Misconceptions About Sunscreen, Enjoying Sun Inspires Lundy‘s Vision

Racism and colorism has long influenced how people of color view themselves and their relationship with the sun.

A commonly echoed sentiment within communities of color is that the sun is for getting darker, a sentiment steeped in a complicated history of preferential treatment for those of lighter skin.

“Darker skin has historically not been perceived as beautiful, so sunscreen psychologically, for many, taps into long-rooted fears about complexion issues,” Lundy told The Informer.  “Sunscreen was always geared and marketed towards lighter skin, as a result, most people of color don’t understand the value of sunscreen. The misconception is that sunscreen prevents you from getting darker, but if I’m not going into direct sun, why do I need to use it?”

While these misconceptions have led to generations of people of color treating sun-based activities as something to be avoided rather than celebrated, Lundy was just the opposite. 

Originally from upstate New York, Lundy moved to Miami after graduate school and spent significant time outside: at the beach, roller skating on the boardwalk, walking around in the Florida breeze. 

Later, after moving to Los Angeles, her love for the outdoors only grew. Participating in outside yoga, hiking, and being present in nature became critical to her peace of mind and mental health.

“Embracing outdoor life became a source of healing for me,” Lundy said. “I became a woman of the sun.”

Still, sunscreen didn’t become part of the routine. 

“Even during times in the sun, I still failed to wear sunscreen. During an era of Black girl magic, I just embraced it.”

Eventually, frustrated by failed internet searches for sunscreen specifically formulated for darker skin tones and determined to protect people of color from the dangers of UV exposure, Lundy founded Black Girl Sunscreen nine years ago.

“We were left out of the conversation surrounding sun protection for decades,” Lundy explained, “so we don’t even know what the benefits are.”

Sun Protection Promotes Health and Beauty

Education for children and adults is crucial to change the narrative about sunscreen and promote all around skin health and wellness, Lundy told The Informer.

“We’ve been taught the sun is associated with tanning, not skincare,” the Black Girl Sunscreen founder said. “We were also taught ‘Black don’t crack,’ but what if we knew that sunscreen prevents fine lines and can make you look younger?”

Black Girl Sunscreen recommends the following tips on incorporating sun protection into one’s daily routine:

• Use sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher.
• Ensure sunscreen reads “blocks UVA and UVB” or “broad spectrum” on the label.
• Apply sunscreen to create a thick layer on the skin at least 20 minutes before you are put in the sun. Sunscreen made for brown skin tones can be applied generously and will still blend in with no white residue or ashy film left on the skin.
• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.  Wear clear or colored sungloss with SPF 50, as lips also need to be protected.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
• Reapply sunscreen each time you get out of water or sweat heavily.
• If you are also using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
• Throw away containers of sunscreen after 1–2 years. Follow the expiration dates on the bottom of containers.

Lundy encourages people of color to recognize that protection from even indirect sun exposure is necessary. 

“As soon as you step outside, you are exposed to the sun. You can get sunburned from simply driving in the car,” she said. “Sitting at your computer with the blinds open, there’s still sun exposure.”

She also implores the use of technology as a protective tool.

“On our smartphones, we all have a weather app. If you scroll down, there’s a daily UV index. It tells you if the UV index is high, medium, or if people are advised to stay indoors, and during which time of the day,” said Lundy. “Use your smartphone as a tool to protect against sun damage.”

Considering the benefits of outdoor activities on her own mental and physical health, Lundy wants all people of color to tap into the pros of embracing the sun, but she emphasizes the importance of doing so responsibly.

“Black Girl Sunscreen wants Black and brown people to stop being afraid of the sun,” Lundy said,  “and live their lives free and protected.”

The post Sunscreen Essential for People of Color: Misconceptions About Melanin, Skin Cancer and the Dangers of UV Exposure appeared first on The Washington Informer.

The post Sunscreen Essential for People of Color: Misconceptions About Melanin, Skin Cancer, and the Dangers of UV Exposure appeared first on Word In Black.