Sunscreen seems like an obvious skin protector as extreme weather heats up the world with record temperatures. But according to a survey by Consumer Reports, 61 percent of black people and 23 percent of Latinos said they never wear sunscreen, believing melanin provides natural protection.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects your skin from the sun’s UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. This type of sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging. The sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher — and yes, you still need sunscreen on a cloudy day to protect against ultraviolet rays that penetrate the clouds.
“UV is a known carcinogen,” Dr. Ali Hendi, a dermatologist, surgeon and clinical assistant professor at Georgetown University Hospital, told Yahoo News. “We need the sun to survive, and our planet needs it. But it increases my risk of skin cancer, and as much as I want to be outside, I have to protect myself.”
Although black people are less likely to develop skin cancer, a new study from the American Academy of Dermatology found that black men, who had a 52 percent survival rate, were more likely to die from it than any other racial group. But Dr. Andrew Alexis, a clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and president of the Skin of Color Society, pointed out that sun exposure isn’t the only factor in skin cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
“One of the potential factors that contribute to the higher mortality rates from melanoma, particularly in black men, and one of the reasons we see lower five-year survival rates and a tendency to be diagnosed at later stages, is that melanomas in fairly pigmented skin types tend to be in places that are less commonly evaluated and looked at, like the sole of the foot or the palm of the hand, or the nail bed,” Alexis told Yahoo News.
Hendi stressed that melanoma is not always on the radar of African-American and Latino communities and the physicians who treat them, resulting in late diagnosis.
“Often their melanoma is discovered at a much later stage than in someone who is white. And their doctors know that [Caucasians are] “They are at greater risk, so they are more likely to use sunscreen,” Hendi continued.
Below are a few myths that dermatologists hope to debunk for people with darker skin tones, as millions of people deal with the effects of dangerous heat.
Myth: People with dark skin don’t get skin cancer
“Regardless of our natural skin tone or skin color, everyone is susceptible to skin cancer, including skin cancers that may have a risk factor from exposure to UV radiation from the sun,” says Alexis.
“There is little public awareness about the risk of skin cancer in people of color, and there is little public awareness about the tendency for skin cancer to appear in a variety of areas, not just areas that are frequently exposed to the sun.”
The dermatologists said that while melanin does provide protection, it is not absolute.
“It doesn’t make you completely immune to the damaging effects of the sun, but it does reduce your risk somewhat,” says Alexis.
“You are still at risk, and the more UV exposure you have, the greater the chance,” Hendi added.
Myth: Dark skin tones don’t need sunscreen or sun protection
Hendi stressed that people of all skin types should protect their skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and that this contributes to the overall health of their skin.
“Everyone would benefit from sunscreen, not only for skin cancer prevention, but also from an anti-aging perspective,” he said.
In addition to applying sunscreen, Hendi advises people to seek shade during peak sun hours. He also advises people to wear protective clothing and sunglasses with UV protection to protect their skin.
Alexis emphasized the importance of finding the right sunscreen for someone’s skin that leaves a white cast, as this can be a barrier to wearing sunscreen.
“For years, the options were limited for cosmetically elegant formulas that would work for people with highly pigmented skin,” he said. “But many of the newer formulas today are suitable for all skin types. The options we have now are suitable for the vast majority of complexions.”
Myth: Sunscreen causes cancer
Hendi says we apply such small amounts of sunscreen that the risk is ‘theoretical’.
“If there are concerns about the carcinogens and chemicals in sunscreen, you can always use mineral sunscreens. Those mineral sunscreens are made up of zinc or titanium dioxide. So those are physical sunscreens that don’t get absorbed into your skin and they’re not carcinogens. They stay on the surface of your skin.”
Myth: People with dark skin don’t get sunburned
“A history of intense sun exposure, including sunburn, is associated with a higher risk of skin cancer in general,” Alexis said. “I’ve seen all different types of skin cancer, whether it’s basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, in patients with all different backgrounds and skin types. Basal cell carcinoma in particular is strongly associated with sun exposure, regardless of a person’s skin type.”
