Skin Care || Black Women, The Sun, and Our Skin

Can we get sunburn?
Yes.  Whether you are fair or dark, you can get sunburned though the lighter you are the more susceptible you are.  (I'm medium-dark and have been sunburned a couple of times.)

Can we develop melanoma (a rare but dangerous skin cancer)?
Yes.  Though rare, black people can develop melanoma.  The root of Bob Marley's death was acral lentiginous melanoma (that originated under his toenail) and ultimately spread to other parts of his body.  As a matter of fact, "acral lentiginous melanoma makes up approximately 50% of diagnosed melanomas in Asians and individuals with dark skin."[1]

Should we take protective measures against sun exposure?
Yes.  Exposure to the sun can increase any risk of developing sunburn or melanoma.  Additionally, it can hasten the signs of aging in our skin.

REFERENCE
[1] MELONOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Hey, Med School: Skin Care, Please?

Our current Healthy Hair Feature also shares her skin routine:

"Wash face 2x's per day. In the morning, I use a moisturizing cleanser with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (like Glycolic Acid or Citric Acid) which everyone in there mid-20's and older should start using now to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and to protect the delicate skin on your face throughout the day. I follow this with a serum containing Vitamin C (more protection) and caffeine (increases the circulation to the face and wakes the skin up!). Lastly, I use a moisturizer with SPF 30; wearing sunblock is the single most important thing you can do now to improve the health of your skin! At night I wash my face with an exfoliating cleanser and I put on a night serum containing Retinol which will further prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing."

I can certainly attest to the wonders of a night cream containing retinol; skin renewal and repair after exposure to sun, makeup, etc. is the name of the game. Also, I second the use of a moisturizer containing sunscreen. Dermatologists highly recommend a minimum of SPF 30.