Black, tanned, and mixed-race skin is rich in melanin . However, they are not immune to the sun's UV rays as one might think. People with dark skin can also suffer from sunburn , although it may seem less obvious than on lighter skin. But how can you avoid sunburn and how can you protect your skin ?
Black skin: characteristics
Black skin, like all skin, is made up of 3 layers : the epidermis, the dermis, and the epidermis. However, there are different phototypes (classified from I to VI) that determine skin types. For example, for phototype V: very dark skin, black hair, black eyes: you tan quickly and deeply, you very rarely get sunburned.
Melanin , a natural pigment present in many living beings, gives the skin its color depending on its concentration and its production by melanocytes. The concentration of melanin is therefore lower in white skin.
We are mainly talking about eumelanin , which is responsible for the coloring of the skin but also of the hair and eyes!
We often hear the phrase “Yes, but black skin is immune to the sun.” This is false ! Even though melanin offers greater natural protection than Caucasian skin, dark skin is not immune to damage that can be caused by the sun.
Additionally, dark skin is more prone to skin problems like hyperpigmentation , melasma, or depigmentation .
Why protect your black skin?
Protecting your skin should come naturally to everyone, regardless of skin color. However, it is sometimes misunderstood that black skin also requires sun protection and proper care.
Protecting your skin with sunscreen, for example, helps prevent sunburn. It also helps prevent premature skin aging , as excessive sun exposure leads to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigment spots .
Hyperpigmentation, characterized by dark spots or darker areas on the skin, is a common problem among people with black skin. Unprotected sun exposure can worsen existing hyperpigmentation and create new ones.
Finally, skin exposed to the sun without protection has a greater risk of developing skin cancer. The sun's UV rays attack skin cells and can damage their DNA. Skin cancer, also known as melanoma, accounts for between 2 and 3% of all cancer cases in France.
How to prevent sunburn?
To prevent sunburn, here are some recommendations:
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours, or after sweating or swimming. Sunscreen will filter out UVA and UVB rays. Focus on applying it to the most exposed areas, such as the face and décolleté.
- Avoid direct sunlight during the hours when UV rays are strongest (usually in the afternoon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Wear protective clothing , a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. There are swimsuits made of UV-protective fabric designed specifically for swimming.
- Prefer shady spots.
- Monitor your skin regularly for any suspicious changes, such as new moles , spots, or sores that don't heal.
- Consult a dermatologist if you notice any worrying changes in your skin.
How to treat sunburn on black skin?
Sunburn can happen quickly and is very painful! So if you've been exposed to the sun without protection, here's what to do:
- Apply cool water to the affected areas until the pain subsides.
- Apply cold compresses to your skin to relieve heat and inflammation. Do not use ice cubes, as this can further damage your skin.
- After sunburn, skin needs moisture to promote healing and relieve discomfort. Use a gentle, unscented moisturizer to soothe skin. Products with aloe vera , chamomile, or oatmeal can be especially soothing.
- Avoid sun exposure until the burn has healed.
