Though we blacks and darker-skinned individuals are less sensitive to the sun, this doesn’t mean we’re immune to getting a sunburn, skin damage, or even skin cancer.
Darker skin tones originate in parts of the world closest to the equator where UV exposure is highest. Melanin absorbs and scatters UV energy in a similar fashion to sunscreen providing some individuals with a baseline estimated SPF of 7-10. This natural SPF allows darker skin tones to tolerate UV exposure and typically tan without burning. However, darker skin tones can still develop sunburns with high sun exposure, use of treatments that make the skin more sensitive to the sun and/or rapid changes in UV exposure.
Sunburn typically occurs in areas that were missed by sunscreen and/or received higher amounts of sun exposure and the most common areas for sun burns include the nose, chest, shoulders, and back, however, a sunburn can occur anywhere and may be difficult to discern. In order to avoid the risk of getting a sunburn, you have to protect yourself from sun exposure by seeking shade, wearing SPF daily, avoiding the sun at peak hours, checking your skin usually for any changes and finally, do not forget to make regular visits to your dermatologist.
