What to Know About Summer Skin Care for People of Color
You may also want to switch up your normal skincare routine in the heat. Extra sweat and oil might increase the risk of breakouts, and using harsh products on dryness-prone skin could lead to irritation. Gentle products and good sun protection will give you a healthy summer glow without risking skin damage.
Risks from Sun Damage
All skin is vulnerable to damage caused by sun exposure. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, protects against some of the effects of the sun, but not all of them. People with all skin tones are at risk for photoaging and skin cancer.
- Wrinkling
- Pigmentation changes such as age spots, freckles, or melasma
- Decreased elasticity
- Rough, uneven skin texture
- Blotchiness
The amount of sun damage you have is correlated to how much time you spend in the sun without sun protection. Sun protection is consequently an important part of skin care for skin of color.
People with darker skin experience changes when they spend time in the sun. The UV rays trigger the skin to produce more melanin, which leads to temporary tanning, as well as freckles and patchy dark spots called melasma. People of all skin tones can get sunburned. Dark skin may not look red with a burn, but burns will still be painful, and repeated burns are very damaging to the skin.
Some people find the appearance of sun-damaged skin to be unsightly. In addition, damage from the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Sun Protection
The best way to prevent skin damage is to use sun protection. Shielding skin from harmful UV rays will slow the signs of photo damage and lower your risk of skin cancer. It will also lower the risk of painful sunburns.
Many experts recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should apply it to all areas of exposed skin before you go outdoors. Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating.
Other Summer Skincare Tips
Summer heat and humidity mean you should make some changes to your skincare routine. Combining heavy products with sweat and oil can leave skin greasy and prone to breakouts. Switch out your winter skin cream and body butter for a lighter-weight lotion in the summer.
Skin Cancer Risks for Skin of Color
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The most common types of skin cancer, in turn, are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are typically non-lethal.
Signs of possible skin cancer in darker-skinned people include:
- Dark spots, growths, or darker patches of skin that grow, bleed, or change shape
- Sores or wounds that won’t heal or return after healing
- Sores or wounds that heal very slowly.
- Sores or wounds that appear on scars or on skin that was injured in the past
- Persistent patches of rough and dry skin
- A dark line underneath or around a fingernail or toenail