Beyond Skin Cancer: The Forgotten UV Risks in Darker Skin Tones

The idea that darker skin tones don’t need sun protection has been widely accepted for decades, but science tells a different story. Today, it's clear: sun safety is a necessity for all skin types, especially for people of colour who have been left out of the conversation far too long. This blog explores the overlooked risks, the systemic gaps in dermatology, and what needs to change to protect melanin-rich skin without compromise.

1. Lower melanoma/cancer risk ≠ immunity

Darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) does have more melanin, offering some natural UVB protection and a lower incidence of skin cancer (roughly 1–2 % in Black people, 2–4 % in Asians, 4–5 % in Hispanics vs. much higher in lighter skin tones. But that leads to a harmful assumption that “if you don’t burn, you don’t need sunscreen”, a dangerous myth still persistent in both public and clinical thinking. However, the danger lies in late-stage detection. Research consistently finds that skin cancers in people with skin of colour (SOC) are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, resulting in significantly worse prognoses and lower survival rates.

Early diagnosis in these populations remains a critical healthcare gap, emphasising the need for regular skin checks, targeted awareness campaigns, and dermatological training that specifically addresses darker skin tones.

2. Scientific Insight into the Issue

•   Melanin offers some protection, but not immunity: Darker skin reduces UVB-induced DNA damage by 7–8X compared to lighter skin, but UV rays still penetrate and cause harm.

•   UVA affects skin of colour all year round: UVA rays are present from sunrise to sunset, throughout the year, even on cloudy days and through windows. In SOC, UVA plays a major role in hyperpigmentation, oxidative stress, and photoaging. Because it penetrates deeper into the dermis, UVA causes persistent pigment darkening and can worsen conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

•   Visible light worsens pigmentation in deeper skin tones: Studies show that visible and blue light also trigger melanin production and dark spots in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides are key to defending against this layer of exposure.

•  Delayed melanoma detection is deadlier in SOC: Although melanoma is rarer in people with skin of colour, it often appears in overlooked areas such as the palms, soles, and nail beds and is detected late. This leads to worse outcomes and higher mortality.

3. Messaging has ignored dark skin for decades

Public health campaigns and dermatology guidelines have centered on skin cancer prevention in light skin tones. By ignoring darker skin, they failed to address those most vulnerable to sun damage. A recent UK YouGov survey found 44 % of people with brown/dark skin believing sun awareness messaging wasn’t relevant to them. This perception gap has led to a generation of Black and brown individuals left unprotected and uninformed.

Time to reset the narrative

Darker skin does offer some protection, but that doesn’t exempt it from sun damage. UV and visible light trigger very real issues: hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and skin cancers. Yet doctors and public health messaging have historically overlooked these risks in darker-skinned individuals.

It’s time for inclusivity in UV safety:

1. SPF ≥ 30, broad spectrum, daily use: Sun protection isn’t just about cancer, it’s about preventing hyperpigmentation and premature ageing too.
2. Include protection from UVA, visible light & blue light: Choose sunscreens that say, "broad spectrum" and contain iron oxides or are tinted. Wear hats, sunglasses, and dark, tightly woven clothing when outdoors, even in the shade. Consistent use pays off. Make sun protection part of your daily routine.
3. Educate clinicians and GPs: Encourage sun safety for every patient and discuss the risks.
4. Broaden public messaging: Campaigns should normalise sunscreen in every skin tone, tackling the myth that dark skin can't burn or get photo damage.