Yes, Black people should wear sunscreen. While those of us with darker skin have more melanin, which provides some natural protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays, it does not make us immune to the harmful effects of sun exposure. There are some important reasons why sunscreen is essential for people of colour which we want to cover in today's diary entry.
Numero 1 - Preventing Sunburn
Contrary to popular belief, Black people can get sunburned. Sunburn damages the skin, causing pain, redness, and peeling, and can increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
Numero 2 - Preventing Skin Cancer
Although the risk of skin cancer is lower in people with darker skin, when it does occur, it is often diagnosed at a later, more dangerous stage. Sunscreen helps protect against all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, which can be particularly aggressive.
Numero 3 - Avoiding Hyper-pigmentation
UV exposure can lead to hyper-pigmentation, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone. Sunscreen helps prevent these issues, maintaining a more even complexion.
Numero 4 - Slowing Skin Ageing
UV rays accelerate the ageing process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of premature aging. Sunscreen helps to slow this process, keeping the skin looking younger for longer.
Numero 5 - Overall Skin Health
Sunscreen helps maintain overall skin health by protecting against UV-induced damage that can weaken the skin barrier, cause irritation, and lead to other skin conditions.
Ultimately...
It is recommended that we use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and to re-apply it every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Look for sunscreens formulated to avoid leaving a white cast, as these are more cosmetically elegant and comfortable to wear. All of our oils except Extra Virgin Coconut Oil contain SPF below 10, so they cannot be used on their own, but can compliment any good sunscreen.