Importance of Sun Protection for All Skin
Dr. Leena Ramani is a dermatology resident currently studying in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Leena grew up in South Florida, where the importance of sun protection was emphasized since childhood. She is passionate about skin cancer prevention and the unrecognized importance of sun protection for people of all skin tones. You can connect with Leena on Instagram @leenaderm.
Leena Ramani, Dermatology Resident
Q&A with Leena:
What should you look for when it comes to finding the best SPF and UPF protection?
At a minimum, for sunburn and skin cancer prevention, you want to make sure your sunscreen products are labeled as “broad spectrum” and higher than SPF 30 for adequate UVA and UVB coverage. For extra protection against hyperpigmentation, you want to reach for mineral-based sunscreens, specifically with zinc-oxide and titanium dioxide.
For UPF items, you are looking for tight woven fabrics and a lab-tested UPF label of 40-50 or higher. As a quick reminder, UPF 40-50 blocks 97-98% of UV rays.
As we know, everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, should take sun safety seriously. What are skin cancer/sun safety myths or misconceptions that harm people of color?
Myth 1: People with darker skin types don’t get skin cancer - While skin cancers are less prevalent in people of color compared to those with lighter skin types, they can and do present in all skin types.
Myth 2: Sun damage affects all skin types the same - UV radiation affects darker skin types differently than lighter types. In lighter skin types, sun damage is known to contribute to signs of aging like wrinkles and skin cancer development. In darker skin types, sun damage presents as color-related problems like uneven skin tone and melasma, which can have a significant effect on quality of life.
Myth 3: Having a darker skin type alone is enough for sun protection - The higher levels of melanin in darker skin do filter more UV radiation than lighter skin, but there are other factors in the environment that contribute to photodamage and aging.
SOURCE: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.020
Does skin cancer present the same in all skin types?
Skin cancer can present in all skin types but it does not present the same way. Classically in lighter skin types skin cancers present in sun-exposed areas, such as the head, neck, arms and back.
In comparison, melanomas in skin of color patients affect areas not typically exposed to sunlight, such as the palms and soles. These acral lentiginous melanomas are the most common type of melanomas in skin of color.
Cutaneous squamous cell skin cancers are the most commonly diagnosed type of skin cancer in certain darker skin populations and often present in non-sun-exposed areas.
Basal cell skin cancers in skin of color do typically present in sun-exposed areas, including the head and neck, and are often pigmented.
Why do some ethnic groups have longer delays in the diagnosis of skin cancer?
There are several factors including low public awareness, false beliefs that they are not at risk for skin cancer, less access to care, atypical presentations and clinician bias.
At L.U.V., we believe education is key. What are some tips readers can use to stay safe from the sun?
Seek shade during the peak UV hours of the day (10 am-2 pm)
Make wearing sunscreen a daily habit so you are never caught without it; keep a bottle next to the moisturizer in the bathroom
Teach kids at a young age about the importance of sun protection
Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
Is there anything else the audience should know? Feel free to add your own questions or insights you would like to share!
Over the last few years, there have been fantastic advancements in tinted and non-tined sunscreens for people of color that don’t leave a white cast behind! Some of my current favorites are EltaMD Tinted UV Restore, EltaMD Tinted UV Glow, TiZo Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Primer and Supergoop Unseen.