Breaking Down the Myths About POC and Sunscreen

For years, the conversations around sunscreen have focused almost entirely on people with fair skin. While lighter skin tones do face a higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer, people of color are not exempt from sun damage. In fact, skin cancer still accounts for 1%–2% of cancers in Black people, 2%–4% in Asian people, and 4%–5% in Hispanic people. Yet the myth persists that darker skin does not need protection. It is time to set the record straight.

Myth: “People of color do not get sun damage.”

Fact: While fair skin is a major risk factor for sunburn and skin cancer, skin of color is not immune to sun damage.

Melanin functions as a partial shield. This means it scatters some UV light and absorbs 50%–75% of UV rays, reducing their penetration. Unfortunately, that protection has limits. Melanin in African American skin provides an SPF of 13.4, compared to 3.4 in white skin. This is still below the minimum SPF 30 recommended for adequate protection.

Every moment in the sun (walking to the car, sitting by a window, running errands) adds to cumulative UV exposure. Over time, that exposure can damage DNA, increase cancer risk, and accelerate skin aging in all skin tones.

Myth: “Darker skin does not need sunscreen.”

Fact: Everyone needs sunscreen, regardless of skin tone.

Melanin reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Even people with high levels of melanin can experience DNA damage from UV rays. It is important to note that, despite the positive connotation of tanning and having “glowing” skin, it is a sign of DNA damage in the skin, and there is no such thing as a healthy tan.

Darker skin is actually more prone to hyperpigmentation (or dark spots) triggered by UV exposure. Worsened hyperpigmentation disorders from UV exposure include melasma, post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun spots. Sunscreen helps prevent these conditions and protects against long‑term damage.

If you are concerned about a white cast, consider zinc oxide-based formulas or chemical sunscreens that blend easily into deeper skin tones, such as Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen or EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. Many dermatologists also recommend mineral sunscreens like Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Hybrid SPF50 or Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70, or a tinted option like Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Skin Tint with Mineral Zinc SPF 30, which use iron oxides to help the product blend into brown, tan, olive, and golden complexions while offering extra protection against hyperpigmentation. Since deeper skin tones can be more prone to UV-triggered dark spots, formulas with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or antioxidants can help soothe and protect the skin while preventing discoloration.

If you need help choosing the right formula, learn more about sunscreens for skin of color here.

Myth: “Skin cancer is rare in people of color.”

Fact: Skin cancer is less common in people of color, but oftentimes more deadly.

When skin cancer occurs in Black, Asian, or Hispanic individuals, it is more likely to be diagnosed at a later and more dangerous stage. This delay happens for several reasons, including:

Persistent myths that POC “do not get skin cancer.”
Lack of awareness of what skin cancer looks like on darker skin
Fewer dermatology visits and less frequent counseling on sun protection

Additionally, skin cancers appear in places people do not expect. For example, Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer and is more common in people of color. It often appears on the palms, soles, or under the nails. These are all areas not exposed to UV rays, so they are often forgotten.

Bob Marley’s fatal melanoma began under his toenail, which is a common presentation of ALM. With early detection, the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body is less likely, and the survival rate is higher.

Myth: “Skin cancer looks the same on all skin tones.”

Fact: Skin cancer can look very different on pigmented skin.

Here is how the three most common types appear:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

Most common in darker skin. It is often caused by sun exposure and human papillomavirus (HPV). It appears in areas that are typically not exposed to the sun. This includes the genital region and areas with chronic scarring (from a condition like lupus). Signs include painful bumps, warty lesions, sores that do not heal, or thick scaly patches.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

This can appear as a painless translucent bump that bleeds easily, sometimes with dark flecks or pigment globules. It is common to get these bumps on the neck and head, and they are typically caused by UV sun exposure.

Melanoma:

On White skin, it commonly appears on the back or lower legs as a dark spot that is changing color or growing. In people of color, melanoma often appears on the palms, soles, lips, or under the nails. Warning signs include new or changing dark spots, irregular borders, widening dark streaks in the nails, or spots that start flat and become raised.

Myth: “People of color do not need regular skin checks.”

Fact: Everyone benefits from routine skin exams.

Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Experts recommend:

A baseline dermatology exam around age 20 for people of color
Follow‑up exams every 2–3 years if no concerns arise
Monthly self‑checks to monitor for new or changing spots

Unfortunately, studies show that white patients are nine times more likely to receive sunscreen counseling than Black patients. It also shows that dermatology remains one of the least diverse medical specialties, which contributes to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes.

Myth: “Sunscreen is not necessary if you do not burn.”

Fact: Sunburn is not the only sign of damage.

UV exposure causes harm long before a burn appears. Even without visible redness, UV rays can:

Damage DNA
Trigger hyperpigmentation
Accelerate aging
Increase skin cancer risk

It is important to remember that UV exposure happens even on cloudy days and through windows.

Myths about sunscreen and people of color have persisted for generations, but knowledge is powerful. Understanding how melanin works and where its limits lie helps everyone make informed choices about their skin health. No matter your skin tone, sun protection is essential, and early awareness can save lives.