Sunburn on black skin: causes, symptoms and solutions

Thanks to melanin , mixed skin benefits from natural protection 3 to 5 times greater than that of white skin. As for black skin , this protection is 30 times higher. However, even the darkest complexions are not immune to the harmful effects of the sun . To avoid damaging your skin, we tell you everything you need to know about sunburn on black skin .

What are the consequences of a sunburn on black skin?

Reactions may vary from person to person and depend on skin sensitivity as well as duration of exposure to the sun . After spending several hours in the sun, black skin may experience redness accompanied by more or less intense pain.

In more severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to the appearance of plaques, scabs, burns and blisters. Some people may also notice a darkening or lightening of the skin on the same day.

If the burn affects sensitive areas such as the face and neckline, there is a risk of aesthetic after-effects with the possibility of scarring. When the hands are affected, the thinness of the protective tissues increases the risk of infectious complications. Finally, in the event of sunburn on the genitals, there may be a risk of spreading the infection to the bladder.

Also read: What cosmetic active ingredients are incompatible with the sun?
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How to treat sunburn on black skin?

To treat 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 healthcare professional. They may recommend the use of a healing gel or balm, or even a soothing ointment.

• If the burn is second degree, it is best to consult 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 large, taking a lukewarm bath may also be beneficial.

• It is important to avoid all sun exposure during the skin's healing period. It is also advisable not to use scrubs as this may make the situation worse. Although it may be tempting, it is best not to pick off the peeling skin.

Remember that each case of sunburn can vary in severity, so it's always best to consult a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns or if the burn appears more serious.

Also read: Sun protection for black, dark and mixed skin

How to protect black skin from the sun?

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 factor (SPF) between 15 and 30. For phototypes 4 and 5, it is preferable to choose an SPF 30.

It is important to note that even with darker skin offering natural protection against UV rays, using sunscreen remains 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 prevent pigment spots from worsening.

Our anti-spot treatment formulated for daytime use helps fade dark spots while providing sun protection. Its formula with SPF30 protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

In addition to using 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 with lightening products, as they can alter the concentration of melanin and affect the skin's natural protection. It is best to focus on treatments that promote radiance and evenness of the skin without altering its natural protection.

Also read: do black skin need sunscreen?