By Genesha Naidoo, Managing Director for Beiersdorf Southern Africa
There is a common misconception that people with darker skin tones do not need sunscreen because melanin provides natural protection against the sun’s harmful rays. While it is true that melanin offers some defence by absorbing and minimising UV radiation, this protection is limited. The reality is that sun protection is essential for everyone, regardless of skin tone.
Although the darkest skin tone may provide the equivalent of SPF 13, dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF of 30 for adequate sun protection. This means that people with melanin-rich skin are still at risk of sunburn, premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and, most importantly, skin cancer. Unfortunately, when skin cancer develops in darker-skinned individuals, it is often diagnosed at more advanced stages, leading to worse outcomes. Awareness and proactive sun protection are essential to decreasing these risks.
One way to reduce these risks is early detection, as skin cancer is far more treatable when caught early. Regular skin checks are therefore fundamental to supporting overall health and helping to reduce skin cancer mortality. Many people with darker skin tones may not realise that skin cancer can develop in areas not commonly exposed to the sun, such as the palms, soles of the feet and under the nails. This is why it is important to monitor any changes in the skin, including unusual moles, persistent sores or dark streaks under the nails. In addition to self-checks and dermatological screenings, prevention through daily sunscreen use, protective clothing and seeking shade when outdoors can majorly reduce UV-related damage. Understanding the importance of regular skin checks and preventative measures is vital, yet there’s still a widespread misconception about the need for sun protection across different skin tones.
Many people grow up believing that sunscreen is only necessary for lighter skin tones, a misconception that must be actively addressed through community engagement. Schools, healthcare professionals and public health initiatives should place some focus on sun safety education, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to dermatological care may be limited. Campaigns should focus on the health benefits of sunscreen rather than purely aesthetic concerns, emphasising that protection against skin cancer and UV damage is important for everyone, regardless of skin tone. Even when awareness is raised, access to sun protection remains a significant barrier for many, especially in lower-income communities.
For many individuals in these communities, access to high-quality sunscreen can be a challenge. Sunscreen is often seen as a luxury item rather than a necessity. To encourage widespread sun protection, it is important that we as an industry work towards offering affordable and accessible options, encouraging local manufacturing of cost-effective sunscreens and providing education on natural protective alternatives like wearing hats and long-sleeved clothing. Healthcare professionals, NGOs and policymakers can work together to make sure that sun safety products and information reach all communities, breaking down barriers to essential skin protection. Addressing affordability is just one part of the equation. Equally important is making sure that everyone, especially those in underserved communities, understands the full significance of sun safety.
The importance of sunscreen, regular skin checks and proactive sun protection cannot be overstated, especially in communities where sun safety is often overlooked. By educating and empowering individuals about the risks of UV damage, we can continue to make sure that people of all skin tones are equipped to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about protecting health, reducing skin cancer risk and creating a culture of care for everyone’s skin. Working together, we can make sun safety accessible, affordable and inclusive for all.
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Author: Genesha Naidoo Managing Director for Beiersdorf Southern Africa from Clockwork Media SA on behalf of Beiersdorf.
Ope Adetayo: Ope Adetayo is a Nigerian journalist who has worked for the BBC World Service and the Voice of America. He is
known for his reporting on the African continent.
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