How does sunlight affect different skin types?
We are all different. Our tolerance for sunlight is greatly dependent on our skin type. It is important for each and everyone of us to be aware of our skin and how it withstands UV exposure.
Melanin is the pigment that makes our skin resilient and protects us against UV rays. The pigment also gives color to our skin and makes us tan when we're exposed to sunlight. Naturally, people with darker complexity in their skin have greater concentrations of melanin, and are therefore less prone to the risk of getting sunburned.
Our natural skin protection increases with the concentration of melanin. However, research has shown that this does not necessarily prevent skin cancer. "In fact, many African-Americans with skin cancer don't catch it early enough, which is why skin cancer fatality rates are higher among African-Americans than other ethnic groups" [source: National Cancer Institute].
Darker skin have both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to sun exposure. On one hand, dark skin is less likely to get sunburned and less likely to develop skin cancer. On the other hand, because dark skin naturally provides protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays, it prevents dark-skinned people from producing the necessary amount of vitamin D [source: Zelman].
Not surprisingly, fairer skin is quite the opposite. Lighter-skinned people can get enough vitamin D after only 10-15 minutes of sun exposure. But because the concentration of melanin is drastically smaller, the risk of skin damage is significantly higher.
To properly protect our skin, we need personalized recommendations for skin protection, tailored to our own skin tolerance.
Source: http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/sun-care/sun-affect-dark-complexions.htm
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