Sun Protection Tips for BIPOC Folks
By Viv Cai
Just because we may not show early signs of sun damage doesn't mean that protection against the sun is any less important for dark-skinned folks than it is for people with light or white skin. Outdoorsy BIPOC people especially need to be mindful of the dangers of sun exposure and make a habit of adding sunscreen and protective clothing to our adventure check lists.
Many folks of color, especially darker-skinned folks, don’t think that sun protection applies to them. But melanin alone will not protect you against the sun! While we might not display the initial signs of sun damage as early as light-skinned folks — such as wrinkles, age spots, or hyperpigmentation — our skin is still being damaged by the Ultra Violet (UV) rays.
UV damage looks different on people with different skin tones. Folks with higher melanin can still get sunburned, but might not show the redness that is typical in lighter skin tones. Instead, they experience warm or even itchy patches of skin. And without visible sun damage, dark-skinned folks are less likely to take precautions against UV radiation. But it's just as important, and as we'll see later, maybe even more-so, since early detection of serious sun-related issues is less likely for people with dark skin.
Sunscreen Practice
– 30 mins before sun exposure
– Reapply every 2 hours
Visible signs of sun damage aren’t the only things that melanated folks should be aware of. Being out too long in the sun, especially in humid heat, can also lead to heat exhaustion or, even worse, heat strokes. Severe sunburns can also cause heat exhaustion. It’s important for everyone, regardless of melanin count, to utilize the pulse point cooling to help you stay healthy and at a safe body temperature while out in the sun. Apply a cold wet towel to these points to stay cool, especially if you are beginning to feel too hot or exhausted from the heat.
People can typically begin recovering after 30 minutes or so from heat exhaustion. But if symptoms, such as fever, headaches, nausea, and muscle weakness, do not improve, seek medical help.
What To Do If You're Experiencing Heatstroke
– Move out of sun exposure
– Remove excess clothes
– Lay down
– Elevate legs/feet slightly
– Utilize the pulse point cooling method
– Drink plenty of cool water
Prolonged UV damage can also lead to skin cancer, which can be undetected for longer periods of time with darker-skinned folks. Medical practitioners are less likely to do a full-body examination for skin cancer on dark-skinned people and skin cancer typically appears in more unsuspected places on folks of color.
For that reason, if you’re a person of color, you should get in the habit of regularly checking your body for sun damage, especially if you live a high UV-exposed lifestyle. Skin cancer appears more in the lower extremities and less sun-exposed areas on folks of color, such as the sole of your feet or under your nails. So, remember to check those places for anything out of the ordinary.
What To Look Our For
– Dark spots, growths, or patches that appear to be changing
– Patches that feel rough and dry
– Dark lines underneath or around fingernails and toenails
For even more on sun protection for melanated adventurers — and for her collection of cool hats — watch Tawny Newsome's video on Instagram.
Photo credit: Yuri Arcurs (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Just because we may not show early signs of sun damage doesn't mean that protection against the sun is any less important for dark-skinned folks than it is for people with light or white skin. Outdoorsy BIPOC people especially need to be mindful of the dangers of sun exposure and make a habit of adding sunscreen and protective clothing to our adventure check lists.
Many folks of color, especially darker-skinned folks, don’t think that sun protection applies to them. But melanin alone will not protect you against the sun! While we might not display the initial signs of sun damage as early as light-skinned folks — such as wrinkles, age spots, or hyperpigmentation — our skin is still being damaged by the Ultra Violet (UV) rays.
UV damage looks different on people with different skin tones. Folks with higher melanin can still get sunburned, but might not show the redness that is typical in lighter skin tones. Instead, they experience warm or even itchy patches of skin. And without visible sun damage, dark-skinned folks are less likely to take precautions against UV radiation. But it's just as important, and as we'll see later, maybe even more-so, since early detection of serious sun-related issues is less likely for people with dark skin.
Sunscreen Practice
– 30 mins before sun exposure
– Reapply every 2 hours
Visible signs of sun damage aren’t the only things that melanated folks should be aware of. Being out too long in the sun, especially in humid heat, can also lead to heat exhaustion or, even worse, heat strokes. Severe sunburns can also cause heat exhaustion. It’s important for everyone, regardless of melanin count, to utilize the pulse point cooling to help you stay healthy and at a safe body temperature while out in the sun. Apply a cold wet towel to these points to stay cool, especially if you are beginning to feel too hot or exhausted from the heat.
What To Do If You're Experiencing Heatstroke
– Move out of sun exposure
– Remove excess clothes
– Lay down
– Elevate legs/feet slightly
– Utilize the pulse point cooling method
– Drink plenty of cool water
Prolonged UV damage can also lead to skin cancer, which can be undetected for longer periods of time with darker-skinned folks. Medical practitioners are less likely to do a full-body examination for skin cancer on dark-skinned people and skin cancer typically appears in more unsuspected places on folks of color.
For that reason, if you’re a person of color, you should get in the habit of regularly checking your body for sun damage, especially if you live a high UV-exposed lifestyle. Skin cancer appears more in the lower extremities and less sun-exposed areas on folks of color, such as the sole of your feet or under your nails. So, remember to check those places for anything out of the ordinary.
What To Look Our For
– Dark spots, growths, or patches that appear to be changing
– Patches that feel rough and dry
– Dark lines underneath or around fingernails and toenails
For even more on sun protection for melanated adventurers — and for her collection of cool hats — watch Tawny Newsome's video on Instagram.
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