Sun protection for black, matte and mixed-race skin

La protection solaire pour les peaux noires, mates et métissées

Because they are thicker, more compact and denser, Nubian skins adapt better to the sun than Caucasian skins. They also produce a greater amount of melanin (natural pigment essential to the skin to protect it from UV rays) than Caucasian skin. However, despite these advantages, they are not completely immune to the sun and its harmful effects. This is why they, too, must use sun protection in the form of cream or oil, with a protection index suitable for dark or mixed skin.

Is melanin enough to protect the skin from UV rays?

Black skin is distinguished by the fact that its melanin pigmentation is denser. Indeed, this pigment absorbs about 90% of UV rays. It should be noted that there are two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. These ultraviolet rays have a beneficial effect on the body since they are essential for the synthesis of vitamin D. This promotes, among other things, the mineralization of the bones.

However, UVA and UVB rays can also have negative effects on the skin. And even the darkest skin can be exposed to these dangers:

The sun burns

Due to too long exposure to the sun irritates the skin and can cause severe nausea, fever or chills. To stimulate the production and synthesis of melanin, you must expose yourself to the sun every day. But limit its exposure to a maximum of 15 minutes and apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Skin aging

In dark skin, the stratum corneum is denser and the dermis is thicker and more compact. Especially since the latter contains more elastin and collagen. It is for this reason that the signs of aging appear later. But repeated exposure to the sun, especially between noon and 4 p.m. (when the sun is strong) can very quickly damage the skin. It becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, which accelerates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pigmentation spots

UV rays stimulate the overproduction of melanin. This very often gives rise to hyperpigmentation spots . Pigment spots are in no way dangerous, but they remain unsightly. These brown spots or age spots appear after intense exposure to the sun.

Cancer risks

Indeed, by reaching the skin, excessive doses of UV attack the skin cells and can eventually cause irreversible damage. There are two types of cancers resulting from exposure to UV radiation: carcinomas, cancers which affect the superficial layer of the epidermis, and melanomas, malignant tumors which develop on the melanocytes. Thus, by using sun protection adapted to your phototype, you reduce the risk of skin cancer.

How to choose your sunscreen?

It is very important to use a product adapted to your skin type, and this is also valid for sunscreens. For black and mixed skin, an SPF sunscreen between 15 and 30 is largely sufficient to protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

You should also know that black skin tends to dehydrate in contact with the sun. Worse still, it very often promotes the appearance of pigment spots. Our HRB-3 Anti-Spot Care continuously moisturizes your skin while regulating melanin production. Applied every day, summer and winter, its powerful SPF 30 sunscreen will protect you against the sun's UV rays. Note, however, that in the event of long exposure to the sun, it is still necessary to renew your sun protection every 2 hours.