For the longest, we’ve been taught to think that only Caucasian people are susceptible to skin cancer. And although melanin does provide some protection against the sun, we do get it. Skin cancer is less prevalent in non-white ethnic groups, but it’s typically discovered later, leading to a worse prognosis.
According to data compiled by SkinCancer.org, skin cancer represents 1 to 2 percent of all cancers in African Americans. People of color have higher percentages of acral lentiginous melanoma, melanoma of the palms, soles and nail beds, than Caucasians.
It’s important that Black people protect themselves from the dangers of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Here are 3 sun skincare products formulated especially for people of color. Products with an SPF of 30 are sufficient for darker skin.
- Black Girl Sun Screen: a vegan sun screen infused with natural ingredients including avocado, jojoba oil and carrot juice. It’s also a black-owned company.
- Unsun Mineral Tinted sunscreen: a 100% mineral sunscreen primer and color corrector in one. It’s also a black-owned company, founded by the mother of singer Frank Ocean.
- Drunk Elephant Sun Screen: a lightweight, sheer sunscreen with zinc oxide and algae extract
