Whoever said black people don’t burn from the sun, obviously haven’t sat in hot heat with dark skin tones. Let me tell you, African Americans turn colors too, and the results from sunburn can be quite long lasting and painful . Why risk it? The use of sunscreen is necessary. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends routine use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater for all people regardless of skin color.
Skin color is determined by the number, distribution and type of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. Dermatologists refer to the degrees of pigmentation in skin as “skin types.” Skin types range from very little pigment (type 1) to very darkly pigmented (type 6).
It is true that dark skin provides some protection against sun damage. People with light skin types have a much higher incidence of skin cancer than do people with dark skin types. But dark skin is not a guarantee against skin cancer. People with dark skin, hair and eyes can, and do, get skin cancer. Particularly vulnerable areas include under the fingernails and toenails, on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet where skin is lighter.
Like those with light skin, people with dark skin are also at risk of premature skin aging from excessive exposure to the sun. This includes wrinkles and mottled or uneven skin pigment.
DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE
|
Skin Type |
I
|
II
|
III
|
IV
|
V
|
VI
|
|
Hair
|
Red, Blonde
|
Blonde, Red, Light Brown
|
Chestnut, Dark Blonde
|
Dark Brown
|
Dark Brown
|
Black
|
|
Eyes
|
Blue, Gray, Green
|
Blue, Gray, Green, Hazel
|
Brown, Blue, Gray, Green, Hazel
|
Brown
|
Brown
|
Brown
|
|
Skin
|
Very Pale, Reddish
|
Pale
|
White, Light Brown
|
Dark Brown
|
Dark Brown
|
Black
|
|
Tanning Ability
|
Burns Easily, Never Tans
|
Burns Easily, Tans Minimally
|
Sometimes Burns, Gradually Tans
|
Tans Easily
|
Tans Easily and Dark
|
Tans Easily and Gets Darker
|
Sunscreen should be applied daily to dry skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Products that are most resistant to being washed off by sweating or bathing should be selected. Water-resistant sunscreens protect skin for 40 minutes of water exposure whereas waterproof sunscreens protect for 80 minutes. Gels work well for oily skin or when sweating. Lotions help dry skin and sprays work best on the body. Stick-type sunscreens that are formulated for use on the lips can also be applied around the eyes to avoid the eye irritation that often occurs when other products are applied to this area. Stick-type sunscreens can also be used to gain maximum sun protection to the ears.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SUNSCREEN TO USE?
It is said that SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 92% of UVB rays while an SPF 30 product blocks 96% of the UVB rays. The chart below will help you determine your skin type and the SPF sunscreen protection that you need. Take a look at how long you think you will out in the sun. Then match up the columns with your skin type.
|
Skin Type |
I
|
II
|
III
|
IV
|
V
|
VI
|
|
1 hour in sun
|
SPF 15 or higher
|
SPF 8 or higher
|
SPF 8 or higher
|
SPF 6 or higher
|
SPF 4 or higher
|
SPF 4 or higher
|
|
2 hours in sun
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 15 or higher
|
SPF 15 or higher
|
SPF 8 or higher
|
SPF 6 or higher
|
SPF 4 or higher
|
|
3 hours in sun
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 15 or higher
|
SPF 15 or higher
|
SPF 8 or higher
|
SPF 6 or higher
|
|
4 hours in sun
|
SPF 40 or higher
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 15 or higher
|
SPF 8 or higher
|
|
5 or more hours in sun
|
SPF 50 or higher
|
SPF 40 or higher
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 30 or higher
|
SPF 15 or higher
|
Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different. This is only meant to be a general guideline. You should determine your own skin type and choose products accordingly. Use common sense and try products for brief periods of time in the sun to avoid over exposure and/or sunburn.
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