By Janeal Downs

How does a person protect their skin from the sun? Sunscreen. Sunscreen is not an item only meant for people with pale or pasty skin tones. This summer whether you are at the beach, the river or the amusement park, it is important for people of all skin tones to protect their skin. Many now know the fact that people of color cannot get sunburned is a myth.

Sunburn on people of color:

While it may be harder for people of darker skin tones to get burned by the sun, it is possible. Cosmetologist Jen Adkins wrote in an article on About.com that sunburn appears differently on darker skin in comparison to fair skin. Not as obvious, Adkins said “tightness, pain, skin that is hot to the touch and peeling later on are all indicators that you have, or have had a sunburn,” Adkins wrote.

Skin Cancer:

Though there is a low likelihood, African Americans can get skin cancer. Blistering over sunburns can increase the chance of developing skin cancer. People who think they are unlikely to have this skin disease because of their skin color sometimes go untreated which can be deadly. If African Americans refuse to protect their skin, they are at risk for having higher death rates from a skin cancer called melanoma.

Sun Protection:

Blackdoctor.org suggests sunscreens that are spray or powders release particles in the air that can be dangerous to inhale. Some ingredients which can be dangerous in sunscreens include Retinyl palmitate which can cause tumors and lesions; and Oxybenzone which is said to be linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions. It is suggested to choose products which include ingredients such as Mexoryl S, titanium dioxide, zinc, or avobenxone.

Some sunscreens Blackdoctor.org suggests for people of darker skin tones include Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50;>Sunbow Dora the Explorer Sunscreen, Pink, SPF 30; Caribbean Solutions Sol Kid Kare Biodegradable Sunscreen, SPF 25> and Tropical Sands Broad Spectrum Sunscreen,SPF 30.