If melanin protects you from the solar, then why do individuals with darkish pores and skin want sunscreen in any respect? Dr. Ife Rodney, a board-certified dermatologist and proprietor of Everlasting Dermatology in Maryland, broke down the science of melanin to clarify why individuals of colour aren’t resistant to sun-related pores and skin points.
Melanin is the “pores and skin’s protection mechanism towards the solar’s harsh ultraviolet rays,” Rodney says. “When the pores and skin is uncovered to extended daylight, melanocytes situated within the dermis improve melanin manufacturing. Nevertheless, melanin manufacturing can take a while. If you happen to’re within the solar for too lengthy, you may get sunburns and solar harm earlier than the melanin can absolutely shield your pores and skin.”
She added, “We truly all have the identical quantity of melanocytes, however melanin manufacturing is quicker in darker pores and skin tones. That nonetheless, doesn’t absolve us utterly. POC can nonetheless develop sunburns, hyperpigmentation and even pores and skin cancers.”
Actually, individuals with darkish pores and skin may even face increased charges of dying from pores and skin most cancers, since “detection could also be too late,” in response to Rodney. “These causes are sufficient to make sure that all pores and skin colours and kinds use sunscreen as usually as potential.”