Protect Your Skin, Protect Your Life

Many people still believe that black people do not need sunscreen. This is a dangerous myth. While darker skin has more natural protection than lighter skin, it does not mean it is safe from sun damage or skin cancer. During SunSmart Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to share the truth and encourage simple habits that can protect lives.

Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, does help block some harmful sun rays. However, it does not block them all. Black people can and do get skin cancer. When it happens, it is often found late because many people do not expect it. Late detection makes treatment harder and more serious. Protecting your skin is not about fear. It is about care and awareness.

Sun damage does not only cause cancer. Too much sun can lead to painful burns, dark marks, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. For people who work outdoors, walk long distances or wait at taxi ranks, the sun is part of daily life. Over time, this exposure adds up and harms the skin.

The good news is that protecting your skin is simple. Wearing a wide brim hat or cap helps shield your face and neck. Long sleeves made from light fabric can protect your arms without making you too hot. Try to stand in the shade when possible, especially between late morning and mid afternoon when the sun is strongest.

Sunscreen is also important for everyone, no matter their skin colour. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it to areas that are not covered by clothing, such as the face, ears, neck, hands and feet. Put it on about twenty minutes before going outside and reapply if you are in the sun for long periods. Sunscreen is not only for the beach. It is for daily life.

Checking your skin regularly can also save your life. Look for new marks, sores that do not heal, or changes in colour or size of spots. Skin cancer in black people often appears on the hands, feet or under nails. If you notice something unusual, visit a clinic or healthcare worker as soon as possible.

Protecting your skin is protecting your life. By breaking the myth and sharing the facts, we can help our communities stay healthier and safer in the sun.