Thanks to melanin , mixed skin benefits from natural protection 3 to 5 times greater than that of white skin. For black skin , this protection is 30 times higher. However, even the darkest complexions are not immune to the harmful effects of the sun . In order to avoid damaging your skin, we reveal everything you need to know about sunburn on black skin .
Reactions may vary from person to person and depend on skin sensitivity as well as length of sun exposure . After spending several hours in the sun, black skin may show redness accompanied by more or less intense pain.
In the most severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to the appearance of plaques, crusts, burns and blisters. Some people may also notice darkening or lightening of the skin the same day.
If the burn affects sensitive areas such as the face and décolleté, there is a risk of aesthetic sequelae with the possibility of scarring. When the hands are affected, the thinness of the protective tissues increases the risk of infectious complications. Finally, in case of sunburn on the genitals, there may be a risk of spreading the infection to the bladder.
A person living in a very sunny area will produce a significant amount of melanin to protect against UV rays . On the other hand, when she lives in a country where it is colder, the production of melanin slows down and the skin clears up. When she returns on vacation, she is at risk of sunburn ."
To treat a sunburn on black skin , here are some tips to take into account:
In the event of a first degree burn, it is recommended to go to a pharmacy to seek advice from a health professional. They may recommend the use of a healing gel or balm, or a soothing ointment.
If the burn is second degree, it is best to see a doctor.
To relieve the pain, you can cool the burned area with cool water for about 15 minutes, until the pain subsides. If the burned area is extensive, taking a lukewarm bath may also be beneficial.
It is important to avoid sun exposure during the healing period of the skin. It is also advisable not to use scrubs, as this may aggravate the situation. Although it may be tempting, it is best not to tear off the peeling skin.
Remember that each case of sunburn can vary in severity, so it's always best to consult a medical professional if you have any particular concerns or if the burn seems more serious.
Read also: Sun protection for black, matte and mixed skin
To prevent sunburn on black skin , it is actually recommended to use sun protection products before exposing yourself to the sun.
People with phototype 6 (darkest skin) can opt for a sun protection index (SPF) between 15 and 30. For phototypes 4 and 5, it is preferable to choose an SPF 30 index.
It is important to note that even with darker skin offering natural protection against UV rays, the use of sunscreen is still essential to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of sunburn, aging premature skin and skin cancers.
Indeed, protecting your skin from the sun is important to avoid the aggravation of pigment spots .
Our anti-dark spot treatment formulated for daytime use helps fade dark spots while providing sun protection. Its formula with an SPF30 protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
In addition to the use of sun protection products, it is recommended to avoid intense sun exposure between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Wearing a hat can also provide additional protection for the face.
It is also advisable to avoid treatments based on lightening products, as they can alter the concentration of melanin and affect the natural protection of the skin. It is preferable to focus on treatments that promote the radiance and uniformity of the skin without altering its natural protection.
Also Read: Does Black Skin Need Sunscreen?
