Sun protection for dark skin: Is that really necessary?!

Sun protection in dark skin is essential, even though skin cancer is less common in people with these skin types. However, when skin cancer does occur, it can turn out to be more severe. It is therefore crucial to take preventive measures to maintain skin health and reduce the risk of skin cancer. In this article, we will discuss some important steps that can contribute to the prevention of skin cancer in people with dark skin.

In case of skin cancer, you should pay attention to:

Even with dark skin, it is important to be vigilant about changes to the skin. Here are some specific warning signs to keep an eye on:

1. New or changing moles: It’s important to regularly check your skin for new moles or changes in existing moles. Pay specific attention to changes in size, shape, color, or height. A mole that is getting bigger, changing shape, developing different colors, or starting to protrude above the skin, could be an early sign of melanoma.
2. Non-healing ulcers: Ulcers or wounds that do not heal within a few weeks may indicate skin cancer. Normal cuts or scratches should heal within a short period under healthy conditions. If you notice that an ulcer persistently does not heal and possibly even worsens, it is advisable to have it examined by a doctor.
3. Dark lines under the nail: A dark streak or line beneath a nail, which is not caused by an injury, could be a symptom of subungual melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer that occurs under the nail. These dark lines can sometimes be overlooked or mistaken for a bruise.
4. Asymmetric spots: Moles or skin spots that are asymmetrical, where one half of the spot is different from the other, can also be a cause for concern. Symmetry in moles is common; asymmetry, however, can indicate abnormal growth.

Sun Protection for Dark Skin

Regardless of skin color, the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 20 is important to minimize the harmful effects of UV radiation. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and indicates how well the sunscreen blocks UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburn. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to skin aging and the development of skin cancer.

Recent research has shown that UVA protection is important for all Fitzpatrick skin types. The Fitzpatrick skin types range from type I (very light skin, often red-haired) to type VI (very dark skin). Regardless of your skin color, your skin itself does not adequately protect against UVA radiation and visible daylight. Therefore, it is crucial to use a sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA.

New is HEV-light

High Energy Visible (HEV) light, also known as blue light, is part of the light spectrum visible to the human eye. This light is emitted by the sun, but also by artificial sources such as computer screens, smartphones, tablets, and LED lighting. While UV light is the most well-known culprit when it comes to skin damage, there are increasing indications that HEV light can also have adverse effects on the skin.

Effects of HEV Light on the Skin

HEV light penetrates deeper into the skin than UV light and can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. This can result in:

• Skin aging: HEV light can increase the production of free radicals, leading to damage to skin cells and collagen breakdown. This can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging of the skin.
• Hyperpigmentation: In people with dark skin, exposure to HEV light can lead to an increase in pigment spots and uneven skin tone. This is because HEV light can stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin.

People with dark skin naturally have more melanin, which offers them some protection against UV radiation. However, this protection is not entirely effective against HEV light. HEV light can penetrate deeply and have harmful effects, regardless of the higher melanin content. Therefore, it is important for people with dark skin to take measures to protect themselves from the harmful effects of HEV light.

The best cosmetic sun protection ingredients

The best cosmetic sun protection ingredients, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide, function as mineral filters that serve as a physical barrier on the skin. They largely reflect and disperse UV rays before they can damage the skin. Unlike chemical filters, which absorb and convert UV rays, these mineral filters provide immediate protection and are non-comedogenic, which means they do not clog pores. This makes them extremely suitable for sensitive skin types and individuals with acne-prone skin. Moreover, they are more environmentally friendly as they are free from harmful chemicals that can end up in aquatic environments.

More about: Grase Sunscreen, Grase is an acronym from the American FDA (similar to the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate in the Netherlands) and stands for Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective.

Zinc Oxide: Effective Protection Against UVA Radiation

Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen filter known for its broad-spectrum protection. It offers excellent protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, but is particularly effective at blocking UVA radiation. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and are responsible for premature skin aging and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer. Studies have shown that zinc oxide is one of the most stable and safe sunscreen filters, making it an essential ingredient in sunscreens.

Titanium Dioxide: Blocks UVB and Shortwave UVA Radiation

Titanium dioxide is another mineral sun filter that is primarily effective in blocking UVB radiation and shortwave UVA radiation. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and play a role in the development of skin cancer. Titanium dioxide is photostable and causes less skin irritation, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. Scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of titanium dioxide in preventing sunburn and skin damage from UV radiation.

Iron Oxide: Protection against Visible Light (HEV)

Iron oxide offers protection against visible light, also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light. HEV light can penetrate deep into the skin and is capable of causing oxidative stress and inflammation, which contributes to skin aging and pigmentation problems. This is especially important for people with dark skin from Fitzpatrick skin type 3, as they are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation and other skin problems caused by HEV light. Research has shown that iron oxide is effective in protecting the skin against the harmful effects of visible light, making it a valuable addition to sunscreens.

Broad Protection: SPF, UVA, and HEV

When choosing a sunscreen, it is essential to check the packaging to see if it mentions protection against UVA and HEV radiation in addition to SPF (Sun Protection Factor). SPF indicates how well a product protects against UVB radiation, but does not provide information about protection against UVA or HEV light. Since both types of radiation are harmful to the skin, a sunscreen with broad protection is necessary to fully protect the skin from all harmful effects of sun and visible light.

Public Information

There should be increased awareness about skin cancer in people with dark skin. Educational campaigns can help in spreading information about the risks and the need for preventive measures. This can assist in early detection and treatment, which is crucial for improving the prognosis of skin cancer in this population group.

More about Skin cancer, what now?

A skin check – how do you do that?

For effective self-examination of the skin, especially in people with dark skin, it is important to proceed systematically and thoroughly. Skin cancer can occur in unusual places in people with dark skin, so extra attention to certain areas is essential.

Requirements: a standing mirror, a hand mirror, and a smartphone for notes or photos.

Step 1 – The Face

• Order: Start at the forehead and work your way down: the temples, the nose, the lips, the cheeks, and the neck.
• Oren: Check both the front and back of the ears with the hand mirror.
• Inside of the lips and cheek mucosa: Carefully observe these areas, especially in people with dark skin because melanoma often occurs here.

Step 2 – Arms and Hands

• Order: First the left arm, then the right arm.
• Details: Check the fingers, back of the hand and palm, then the forearm and the upper arm. Do not forget the extensor side and the flexor side.

Step 3 – Shoulders, Chest and Abdomen

• In Women: Do not forget to check the underside of the breasts and the crease under the breasts.

Step 4 – Armpits and Flanks

• Carefully check the armpits and the sides of the body.

Step 5 – Neck and Back

• Use the handheld mirror to inspect the back of the neck and the back.

Step 6 – Buttocks and Back of Legs

• Thoroughly check the buttocks and the back of the legs.

Step 7 – The Genital Area

• Inspect the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and surrounding area using the hand mirror. Look out for unusual spots or changes.

Step 8 – Lower Legs and Feet

• Sitting Position: Sit on a chair and place the left foot on an elevation.
• Inspection: Check the front side of the lower leg, the top of the foot, the nails, between the toes, and the sole of the foot. Repeat this with the right leg.
• Special Attention: Pay particular attention to the soles of the feet and the nail beds, where skin cancer often occurs in people with darker skin.

Step 9 – The Hairy Head

• Feeling and looking: Use the fingers to feel for bumps and look between the hairs. Use a hairdryer to blow the hairs aside for a better view of the scalp.
• Hand Mirror: Use the hand mirror for parts of the hairy head that are difficult to see.

Additional instructions for people with dark skin

• Unusual places: People with dark skin should pay extra attention to areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nails, and mucous membranes, as skin cancer occurs more frequently here.
• Discolorations and Stains: Watch out for dark spots or discolorations that are new or change in size, shape, or color.
• Texture Changes: Feel for changes in the skin texture, such as hardening or lumps.

So ..

Although skin cancer is less common in people with darker skin, it is essential to take preventative measures to ensure skin health. Regular skin checks, using sunscreen, and public education can help reduce the risk of skin cancer and improve overall skin health. By promoting awareness and education, we can contribute to better prevention and early detection of skin cancer in people with darker skin.

Looking for a sunscreen cream?

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