Sun protection and the risk of cancer Skin always needs protection from exposure to the sun, especially in our climate. Darker skin enjoys greater natural protection from the sun than lighter skin, but still remains at risk of suffering from the same problems if exposed to the sun for long periods of time. The effects of sun damage are cumulative. If you do not apply a suitable sunscreen you can expect the same effects no matter what your skin colour: early signs of ageing, rough skin, mottled or dry skin, uneven skin tone and loss of firmness. Many experts recommend that you apply broad-spectrum sunscreens every day of the year. If you are not spending protracted periods in the sun, then you should use at least an SPF 15 daily. If,however, your skin is exposed to the sun for extended periods, then you should make a habit of applying at least SPF 30 every two or three hours.
increase in skin growths in black skin, and more uneven skin tone. Preventative skin care will keep your skin looking even and healthy, and undesirable growths can be removed easily with cosmetic procedures. Unique characteristics of darker skin tones While acne is colour-blind, in black skin, it can lead to discolouration if the wrong product is used. Treatment of acne should include the regular use of leave-on
products that contain benzoyl and salicylic acid treatment. The beauty consultant will give advice, but the best option would be to ask a dermatologist who specialises in ethnic skin. Some darker skin tones have naturally curly hair shafts which can be problematic, because after shaving, the hair could curl back into the skin and cause ingrown hairs. This can be prevented by using alternative hair removal methods instead of shaving. Black skin could also form keloids, a type of scar that is larger than the original wound, and stands out from the natural skin colour. These can be removed surgically or with non-surgical processes such as steroid injection, but they do have a tendency to grow back. Generally though, the only notable difference between black and lighter skin is a certain skin thickness and the degree to which unprotected sun exposure affects the skin.
30
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs