Do Black People Need Sunscreen? 4 Tips on Sunburn Prevention

Do Black People Need Sunscreen? 4 Tips on Sunburn Prevention

It’s finally Summertime! I usually share travel guides, tips, and reviews from destinations all over the world, but nothing in my own backyard. This summer I’m taking a break from going away to do more in New York. An issue I see often is going to the beach, water park or vacation is black people not applying sunscreen. I’ll be honest, sunscreen is not something I religiously wore growing up. As I became aware of the long-term effects of sun exposure, I make it my business to have a good skincare routine and wear sunscreen and facial moisturizers with SPF on a daily basis. The melanin in dark skin allows us to not need as much sunscreen, but it still is necessary. Since July is right around the corner and also UV Safety Month, here are some tips for sunburn prevention.

Sunburn prevention on Dark Skin

Use Sunscreen

Check your sunscreen labels and make sure you’re using one with an SPF of at least 30 and it is protecting you from UVA and UVB Rays. UVA rays cause you to tan while UVB ray exposure causes sunburn.

Protect Yourself

If you do plan on being outside, wear the proper gear. You can wear breathable clothing like cotton and wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

UV Protective hat

Apply and Reapply

When applying sunscreen, apply at least 15-30 min before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Most sunscreen is water-resistant for this amount of time, but if you sweat a lot or are in the water and dry off, apply more frequently.

Stay Inside

If you don’t have to be outside, stay in between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Although it isn’t recommended to be out during these times, it IS the best time to be outside for vitamin D production.

Sunburn Prevention for Dark Skin

Just because you have these tips doesn’t mean you won’t slip up. The majority of my birthday weekend in Martinique was spent on the island’s beaches and I burned and peeled for the first time when I got home. It wasn’t as bad as my cousin’s, but it was because of too much time in the sun and not reapplying. If you happen to get a sunburn, treat the area with a cool washcloth and apply some aloe vera gel to decrease stinging or itching. When it does get cool enough, make sure to keep the area moisturized as your skin begins to repair itself.

Read More Beauty Tips and Reviews

How To Use Coconut Oil for Your Hair and Skin

My Travel Toiletry Bag Essentials

COOLA Cucumber Sunscreen Moisturizer

What type of sunburn prevention do you use?

13 thoughts on “Do Black People Need Sunscreen? 4 Tips on Sunburn Prevention

  1. tiffanytravelsblog says:

    It is very true, sunscreen is very important and always forget to buy and bring it with me on my trips. I got a sun burn and peeled from my last trip to Cuba. Its been 2 months and still have the tan lines.

  2. Zuqueta says:

    Thanks for these tips. My husband learned the hard way. I’m headed out of town in a few weeks. Guess I’ll pick up some Aloe Vera ??‍♀️

  3. Tomiko says:

    I’m so bad about wearing sunscreen and I know I should. It’s like I take all of this melanin for granted. I really need to do better

  4. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says:

    This is a tip I really need to follow Joanna – I have been guilty of not protecting my skin from the sun and over the past couple of years I have been peeling away. Thanks for the important reminder!

  5. Carissa (The Green Eyed Lady) says:

    Thanks for sharing! My husband doesnt believe he is supposed to wear sunscreen because he is darker, but I still make he wear it. After I spray the kids I spray him too LOL!

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