WHY YOU SHOULD USE SUNSCREEN EVEN AS A DARK-SKINNED PERSON

BY DANIELLE ANENE

You might think that being a dark-skinned person exempts you from using sunscreen or so the popular belief goes, but this is very far from the truth as your skin is also prone to several skin problems.

Unlike the light skin or fair individuals, sunburn on a dark skin is manifested by a burning sensation long after you are no longer exposed to the sun. Although it is more prominent on a light skin as their face or exposed body part turns red, you will most likely experience patches of different colors on your skin, followed by dryness and scab and eventually a peel in the following days.

As Nigerians, we are well aware of the scorching heat and unpredictable climate that we experience. Unfortunately, the commonly used phrase "Black don't crack" does not hold true when it comes to sun damage on unprotected skin. In this edition, we aim to emphasize the importance of wearing sunscreen and provide insights on why it should be an essential part of your daily routine.

UNNECESSARY DISCOLORATION & HYPERPIGMENTATION

Black skin may offer some protection from the sun, but it is also susceptible to discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, sun exposure can exacerbate these issues. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin production goes into overdrive, which can be triggered by a variety of factors including inflammation due to acne or eczema, use of harsh skincare products, genetics, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. If you are currently experiencing hyperpigmentation, it's important to take steps to protect your skin from further damage and to seek out targeted treatments to address the issue.

SUNBURN & SUN DAMAGE

If your skin appears darker than its usual complexion, it's likely that you are experiencing a sunburn. Sunburn occurs when your skin is damaged due to excessive exposure to the sun. To protect the previous outer layer of skin, your body produces more melanin. Therefore, if you don't protect your skin with sunscreen, you are more susceptible to sunburn which results in a darker, flaky and peeled skin.

PRONE TO SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer is primarily caused by exposure to the sun. Although melanin provides black skin with double the protection, studies indicate that black populations are highly susceptible to skin cancer. One contributing factor to this vulnerability is the belief that sunscreen is unnecessary for individuals with darker skin tones. Consequently, many fail to take the necessary precautions to prevent skin cancer.

PREMATURE AGING & WRINKLES

As we age, our skin loses collagen, which is responsible for providing volume and maintaining a plump, firm appearance while keeping fine lines at bay. However, prolonged exposure to the sun can accelerate this natural process, leading to undesirable effects such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and the formation of fine lines. It's essential to protect your skin to maintain its suppleness and youthful appearance.

We know that applying sunscreen can sometimes be a hassle, but the benefits of wearing it before going outside far outweigh any drawbacks. To determine which type of sunscreen will work best for you, we recommend conducting research or consulting with a dermatologist.