The Sun Doesn’t Discriminate: Debunking Myths About Sunburn In Black Skin  

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Rookmini Tewari

Beauty

6 Mins Read

November 25, 2023

can black people get sunburn

If it is unpredictable weather, it only sometimes means summer is here. When the Sun is intense, you have to stay safe. There is a lot of misinformation out there, but one thing that you should know is about damaging the skin from the Sun.

If you don’t take protection to keep your skin safe, then in the future, you might suffer from Melanoma, called skin cancer. In this article, I will discuss the top five debunking myths and can black people get sunburn.

What Are The Five Debunking Myths About Sun Protection?

What Are The Five Debunking Myths About Sun Protection?

After researching the fact, it has been seen that melanoma skin cancer cases have risen to an all-time high in the UK. That is why, to prevent this disease, people are seeking several ways. Below, I will discuss the top five debunking myths about Sun protection.  

1) The Sun Is The Strongest When It Is The Hottest

UV rays from the Sun cause skin damage, leading to cancer. But that doesn’t mean UV rays are hot, and you will feel them. People believe that the heat of the Sun comes from several types of rays, which are known as infrared.

On the other hand, when UV rays are strongest, it means the Sun is at its highest in the sky. For example, in the UK, the Sun stays stronger between 11 AM to 3 PM. However, this can be challenging in other countries.

The UV index tells people how strong the UV rays of the Sun are. You will also be able to find the UV index on most weather forecasts. In this case, you can use multiple weather forecasting applications like the Met Office website. This starts at 1 when the UV rays are low, and this theory has no upper limit.

Temperature is slightly higher later in the afternoon, and this varies more than the UV level across the entire day. Thus, if you are lucky enough to see and enjoy the warm weather, consider getting out and enjoying the nice weather later in the day.

2) I Need To Get As Much As Possible To Get Enough Vitamin D

Another myth about sun protection in black skin is the Sun’s vitamin D. In this case, vitamin D will help to keep bones healthy. How much Sun is required varies from person to person.

People with lighter skin complexion also require brief sun exposure, while people with darker skin tones might need more time to get more vitamin D to their body.

People believe that whatever skin tone you have, you aren’t required to sunbathe or even Sunburn to get vitamin D. Thus if you are spending a more extended time breaking down vitamin D, then your extra vitamin D will start breaking down. People sometimes wonder whether black people need sunscreen.

The United Kingdom’s government recommends that everyone consider that if you are taking Vitamin D daily in autumn or winter, then it might be useful.

As per NSH recommendations, people with darker skin tones are always likely to have low Vitamin D, which you can take as your daily supplement across the year. This recommendation also applies to all children within four years of age and all babies unless they have more than 500 ml throughout the day.

3) People Won’t Get Sunburned On Cloudy Days

Do you know about the myth that skin-damaging UV rays don’t pass through clouds? In this case, you can check the UV index even if it is cloudy outside. Always remember if it is about three or more, then the Sun can burn your skin.

4) After Using Sunburn Products It Repairs Damage Done By Sunburn

After using the sun products, which might soothe the unpleasant symptoms, they won’t be able to fix any damage to the DNA inside the cells. Thus, if you notice the signs of burning, make sure you have covered up immediately. That is why relying on aftersun products that fix the damage won’t.

5) The Sun In The UK Is Not Much Stronger To Give People Sunburn

People believe that between mid-March and mid-October, the Sun in the UK doesn’t feel warm or even cloudy. It is easy to understand how vital the Sun can be and can get caught out. That is why I remember to check the UV index. Another tip is the “Shadow rule,” especially when the Sun is strong.

What Are The Best Sunscreens That Will Help You To Protect Your Skin All Summer Long?

What Are The Best Sunscreens That Will Help You To Protect Your Skin All Summer Long

No matter if you are camping or even laying out to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing this is one of the crucial parts. Below, I am going to discuss the best sunscreens that you should use.

1) EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen
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If you always love to visit the outdoors, then using EltaMD UV sunscreen is one of the most valuable sunscreens. This cream is made of a combination of zinc oxide and octisalate. Do you have any idea should black people wear sunscreen?

The pros and cons of this brand’s sunscreen

Pros

  • It won’t affect your eyes and nose.
  • The combined ingredients are safe.

Cons

  • This sunscreen is not reef-safe

2) Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant sunscreen
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If you want an affordable sunscreen, you can buy Hawaii Tropic antiOxidant sunscreen. If you want to keep your skin protected, then you can buy this budget sunscreen.

The pros and cons of this brand’s sunscreen

Pros

  • This is no animal testing.
  • This is a light tropical scent.

Cons

  • This will take longer to blend thoroughly.

3) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen
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When it is to a light sunscreen lotion, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen would be one of the great options. This lotion is more accessible, and you can rub it seamlessly onto your skin. Apart from that, this is an 80-minute water-resistant sunscreen, so you will feel comfortable using it.

The pros and cons of this brand’s sunscreen

Pros

  • It gives you a dry finishing feel.
  • The lightweight formula is really interesting for this sunscreen.

Cons

  • The floral scent will be getting unscented after a few times.

4) La Roche-Posay Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Sunscreen
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Another one of the best facial sunscreens that you can buy for both protection and even comfort, La Roche-Posay sunscreen would be one of the great options. This sunscreen uses silica powder, which helps to reduce skin sensitivity and gives your face a fresh matte finish.

The Pros and Cons of La Roche-Posay Sunscreen

Pros

  • The Silica powder will remove the excess shine-ness and oiliness.
  • This is suitable to wear even under make-up.

Cons

  • It may affect your eyes if you are getting too close to it.

5) CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen

CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen
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Another convenient sunscreen that can’t be competed with is CeraVe mineral sunscreen. Dermatologists designed this. Whenever you want to apply, just spread this through the entire stick directly on your face.

The pros and cons of CeraVE Mineral sunscreen

Pros

  • This has a stick application
  • The hyaluronic acids are also added.

Cons

  • This has a lower water resistance.

In Conclusion

I have discussed a lot of sunburnt myths and can black people get sunburn in this article. Yes, it is true that if you stay for a long time in the Sun, then it might burn your skin. But this doesn’t mean completely blocking the transmission of UV radiation. In recent times, getting sunburnt means it can even cause skin cancer. That is why make sure whenever you are going outside, you are wearing full sleeves along with sunscreen. I hope you liked this article. In case you have doubts, then do comment below!

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