Yes, You Need Sunscreen To Protect Your Brown Skin

Brown skin needs sun protection. To think otherwise is a dangerous myth.

From beach days and backyard asados to afternoons helping abuela in the garden, Latinos spend a lot of time outdoors. While melanin offers some natural protection, it doesn’t block the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Every skin tone can experience sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

The myth needs to be debunked. 

Not all sun rays hit the same

UVA and UVB rays don’t care how much melanin you have or lack; they are working overtime to break past the skin’s barriers. And they are to blame for the visible signs of sun damage and manchas that appear later on in life. 

Both are invisible forms of electromagnetic radiation from the sun.

UVA makes up 95% of radiation reaching Earth and penetrates deeply, causing premature aging and some cancers.

UVB comprises the remaining 5%, is more potent, and while less deeply penetrating, can damage skin cells and cause mutations like melanoma.

Both can damage skin unnoticed, hence the need for sun protection even on cloudy days.

Dr. Bertha Baum, a board-certified dermatologist, tells Healthy Vibras, “UVA and UVB rays don’t just cause sunburn; they deeply impact skin structure over time. UVA rays, in particular, penetrate deeper and break down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and premature aging.”

Dark Spots Are Harder To Treat in Dark Skin

“It’s a widespread myth, but the truth is all skin tones need sun protection,” Baum explains.

“People with darker skin can still develop skin cancer, and it’s often diagnosed later, when it’s more serious, because of this false sense of protection.”

Beyond cancer, UV rays can trigger hyperpigmentation and dark spots that are harder to treat in melanin-rich skin. So sunscreen is just as important for darker skin, not only to protect health but also to maintain even skin tone, she added.

Hyperpigmentation and melasma are concerns within the Latinx community. We may have seen our tías or abuelas’ dark patches of skin later in life due to the lack of sun protection over the years, which are preventable when you take proper precautions.  

“For Latino/Latinx individuals, hyperpigmentation and melasma are common struggles, and sun exposure worsens both significantly. Even a few minutes of unprotected sun can make discoloration darker and harder to treat,” Baum said.

SPF Is The MVP Against UVA and UVB, However…

For many, grabbing a bottle of sunscreen is the extent of sun protection methodology. Baum explains that it’s not enough, especially if you’re not reading the sunscreen label.

“While SPF is important, it only measures protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. To be fully protected, especially in intense sun you want to look for ‘broad-spectrum’ coverage on the label, which means it also blocks UVA rays that penetrate deeper and accelerate aging and skin damage,” Baum explains.

Water-resistant formulas are a good choice against sweating, swimming, or spending extended time outdoors.

How To Protect Children From Sun Damage

Dr. Baum suggests using “mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium” as they can be effective and gentle. She’s also big on reapplying every two hours, especially “after sweating or swimming.”

In addition to using the right kind of sunscreen and reapplying it, she suggests looking into clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) and other items that will block out the sun.

“Sunscreen is essential, but daily habits make a big difference, too. In many Latino households there’s already a tradition of using wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas, and staying in the shade during peak sun hours; those are great practices to continue and pass on,” Baum said. 

Quick Recap

Protecting the skin from the sun is crucial to our health. Here are some takeaways from our conversation with Dr. Daum.

• Brown skin needs protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF lotions and sprays should protect against both.
• Water-resistant products are best against sweat and swimming.
• Kids need specialized formulas with zinc or titanuim.
• Clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF, hats and umbrellas are ideal for intense sun.

SOURCES:

– Dr. Bertha Baum, Florida based board certified dermatologist & cosmetic surgeon.

– “Why Sunscreen Is an Important Tool for People of Color.”– Cleveland Clinic.