While darker skin tones have more melanin, which offers some protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, it's not entirely immune. The sun can still cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer in people with darker skin.
Here's a breakdown of why:
- Melanin is not a complete shield: While melanin does absorb UV radiation, it doesn't block all of it. Darker skin is better protected against sunburn but can still experience it, especially with prolonged sun exposure.
- Pigmentation issues: Sun exposure can worsen pigmentation problems like melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks from acne) in people with darker skin.
- Vitamin D production: While darker skin can produce vitamin D from sunlight, it requires more exposure than lighter skin.
Therefore, people with darker skin still need sun protection. Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours are essential practices for maintaining healthy skin.
