Sunburn on Dark Skin: Risks, Appearance, and Protection

Melanin provides natural photoprotection (SPF ~13 in dark skin), but does not prevent UV damage. People of color can sunburn, develop photoaging, and get skin cancer (often diagnosed later, worse prognosis).

Sunburn Appearance on Dark Skin

• Erythema may be subtle: darkening, hyperpigmentation, ashen/grayish hue rather than bright red.
• Tenderness, heat, tightness.
• Edema (swelling) in severe cases.
• Blistering (second-degree).
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) lasting months.

Long-Term Risks

• Photoaging (wrinkles, lentigines, texture changes).
• Skin cancer: SCC, BCC, melanoma (acral lentiginous melanoma on palms/soles/nails more common).
• Exacerbation of melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Sun Protection for Dark Skin

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+: Reapply q2h, after swimming/sweating. Tinted formulas avoid white cast.
• Protective clothing: UPF-rated, wide-brim hat, sunglasses.
• Seek shade: 10 AM–4 PM peak UV.
• Sunscreen for all exposed areas: Including ears, neck, hands, feet.
• Vitamin D: Consider supplementation (dark skin synthesizes less).

Myths

"Black people don't need sunscreen" is false. UV damage is cumulative regardless of skin tone.