By Dr. Hope Mitchell. MD
The Truth Contributor
Let’s talk about one of the biggest myths I still hear in my dermatology office: “Dr. Mitchell, I’m Black. I don’t need sunscreen.” I’ve heard it from teenagers, parents, athletes, and professionals who are otherwise very health-conscious. And I understand where it comes from. This belief has been passed down for generations. But the truth is, we’ve been told an incomplete story.
Yes, melanin provides some natural protection. Darker skin has a built-in SPF of about 10 to 15, compared to lighter skin, which has much less. But here’s what that means in real life: melanin reduces UV damage. It does not eliminate it. UV rays still penetrate the skin, and over time, they cause cumulative damage that can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation.
Many people assume sunscreen is only needed if you burn easily. But sun damage is not always visible right away. In darker skin tones, UV exposure often shows up differently. Instead of redness and peeling, we may experience dark spots, uneven tone, worsening melasma, and long-lasting discoloration after acne or irritation. I tell my patients regularly: if you struggle with dark marks, sunscreen is not optional. It’s essential.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: many of us didn’t grow up seeing sunscreen marketed to us. Commercials featured beach-going white families, and most products left a thick gray or purple cast on darker skin tones. That experience alone turned people away. But today, we have far better options: tinted mineral sunscreens, lightweight chemical sunscreens and formulas specifically designed for melanin-rich skin.
There’s also the misconception that sunscreen is only for summer. UV rays are present year-round, including cloudy days. UVA rays, the ones that cause aging and deeper skin damage, can penetrate windows. If you drive often, sit near windows, or work in bright indoor spaces, you may still be getting exposure.
So what sunscreen should you use? I recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it every morning to your face, neck, and ears, even if you’re not going outside for long. If you’ll be outdoors longer, reapply every two hours. Don’t forget your hands. Many people have youthful faces and sun-damaged hands because they never thought to protect them.
Parents, pay attention to this part. Children who spend long hours in the sun at sports practices or summer camps accumulate UV damage early. Sun exposure in childhood can influence skin cancer risk later in life. Sunscreen should be a habit we teach alongside brushing teeth.
Sunscreen isn’t about fear. It’s about protection and prevention. It’s about keeping your skin healthy and strong. It’s about preserving the beauty of melanin, not assuming it’s invincible.
Dr. Hope Mitchell
Board Certified Dermatologist with Over 25 Years of Experience!
419.872.HOPE
MitchellDermatology.com
815 Commerce Drive | Perrysburg
Healthy Skin Begins with HOPE!