Why People with Dark Complexions Need to Wear SPF

One of the greatest myths of the skincare world is that people of color don’t need to wear sunscreen due to the elevated levels of melanin in their skin. However, the sun doesn’t discriminate between different skin tones. While it is true that people with darker skin tones experience less burning compared to people with fair skin, all skin tones experience the harmful effects of the sun. One way to think about it is this: you know how darker clothing attracts the sun’s warmth? That’s exactly how the sun reacts to darker skin tones. That’s why it’s extra important for people of color to protect their skin.  

 When people of color experience burning, it’s often harder to tell because the burn isn’t as obvious as it would be on someone with fair skin. Since you can’t see that telltale redness, you may not even notice until it’s far too late. Afterall, sunburn is an actual burn that damages your skin tissue after too much exposure to UV light. Redness, swelling, and inflammation is caused by red blood cells rushing to the skin’s surface to repair the damaged skin tissue. While the sunburn eventually heals, some of the tissue will escape repair and live on with mutations.  

 Such mutations can be responsible for Melanoma and other skin cancers. When people of color get diagnosed with skin cancer, it is often in the later stages and much more deadly. Sunspots are harder to detect on darker skin tones which is why they go undiagnosed for so long. If you have a darker complexion, it’s so important to know the ABCDE’s of skin cancer and closely inspect your skin for any abnormalities because they can easily blend in with your skin tone. Don’t know your ABCDE’s of skin cancer? Check out our blog on the ABCDE’s of skin cancer detection here!

 As makers of mineral sunscreen, we understand the aversion to the unsightly white cast that many mineral sunscreens leave, particularly on darker skin tones. TiZO created sunscreens with this in mind. We offer tinted versions of most of our products to cater to higher Fitzpatrick skin types. Our products are tinted with another mineral, iron oxide, which helps alleviate some of that white caste. For those with darker skin tones, we especially recommend our TIZO Ultra Zinc Tinted and TiZO3. Our Ultra Zinc Tinted SPF 40 is a face and body sunscreen that leaves your skin feeling hydrated with a dewy finish. It is also available non-tinted which still works great on darker complexions. Finally, TiZO3 SPF 40 is a tinted facial sunscreen with a matte finish that even doubles as a makeup primer.   

 We’re happy to be able to create products for all skin tones because we know how important SPF is in maintaining healthy, cancer-free skin. Regardless of skin tone, remember that sunscreen is a must all year round. As always, we’ve got you covered (in sunscreen).