Black people have long been told that melanin is their built-in sunscreen, but dermatologists say that belief could be putting their skin at risk. While darker complexions naturally offer some protection against the sun, medical research confirms that melanin cannot completely prevent sun damage, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, or skin cancer.
The misconception that Black people do not need sunscreen has circulated for generations. For some, the reasoning is simple: If their skin rarely burns, why spend money on sunscreen? However, experts warn that the absence of visible sunburn does not mean the skin is escaping damage.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people of every complexion should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when spending time outdoors.
Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Yemi Sokumbi has directly challenged the belief that darker skin provides enough protection on its own.
“I want to be clear that that is a myth. We do need sunscreen,” Sokumbi explained in a Mayo Clinic discussion about skin cancer in people with darker complexions.
The science behind melanin helps explain why the misconception continues. Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. People with darker skin generally have higher concentrations of eumelanin, which absorbs and disperses some ultraviolet radiation.
A scientific review published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine estimated that Black epidermis has a natural sun protection factor of approximately 13.4 against UVB radiation, compared with approximately 3.4 for White epidermis. These estimates came from laboratory research and do not represent an individual’s exact SPF.
Although that difference is significant, natural pigmentation does not provide the same protection as properly applied broad-spectrum sunscreen.
One of the biggest concerns is skin cancer. While Black Americans develop melanoma less frequently than White Americans, the disease can be particularly dangerous when it goes undetected.
The AAD warns that people with darker skin are often diagnosed with skin cancer at more advanced stages, when treatment can become more difficult.
Another misconception is that skin cancer only develops on areas frequently exposed to sunlight. In Black patients, a type of melanoma called acral lentiginous melanoma can appear on the palms, soles of the feet, or underneath fingernails.
This form of melanoma is not strongly associated with sun exposure, making regular skin examinations important even for people who consistently wear sunscreen.
Warning signs can include changing moles, persistent sores, unusual dark spots, and dark streaks beneath the nails. Any suspicious changes should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Beyond cancer concerns, sunlight can also worsen one of the most common skincare frustrations among Black women and men: hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding complexion. Acne, inflammation, injuries, and hormonal changes can trigger discoloration, while sunlight can make those existing spots darker and harder to fade.
Research has also found that visible light from the sun, not just ultraviolet radiation, can worsen pigmentation in darker skin tones.
This matters for people spending hundreds of dollars on skincare products promising to fade acne scars, correct uneven skin tone, or reduce dark spots.
According to the AAD, protecting skin from sunlight is an important step in treating hyperpigmentation. Without adequate protection, new discoloration can develop even while someone is using products intended to improve their complexion.
A small randomized clinical study published in Dermatology and Therapy in 2026 also found that a sunscreen formulated with niacinamide and sclareolide significantly reduced experimentally induced pigmentation in participants with medium-to-dark skin. The findings were promising, although the study involved only 20 participants.
Sun protection also plays a role in preventing premature aging. Although darker complexions generally experience certain visible signs of photoaging later than lighter complexions, ultraviolet radiation can still damage collagen, contribute to wrinkles, and worsen uneven skin texture.
Fortunately, Black consumers have more sunscreen options than ever before.
Traditional mineral sunscreens have frequently been criticized for leaving a white or gray residue on darker skin, discouraging some people from incorporating them into their routines.
Dermatologists now recommend considering tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides, particularly for individuals concerned about hyperpigmentation. Iron oxides help protect against visible light, while appropriately formulated sunscreen ingredients provide ultraviolet protection.
@drnatashahenry Best sunscreens for skin of color. @La Roche-Posay @COSRX UK @Beauty of Joseon UK @ISDIN #sunscreen #sunscreenforblackpeople #skincaretips ♬ original sound – Dr. Natasha Henry
The ideal product should offer broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. Those with acne-prone skin may also benefit from a noncomedogenic formula that will not clog pores.
Sunscreen should be applied generously to exposed skin before going outdoors and reapplied approximately every two hours while outside, or sooner after swimming or sweating, according to the product’s directions.
Hats, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours can provide additional protection.
Ultimately, the goal is not to dismiss the natural protection that melanin provides. Darker skin genuinely has biological advantages against certain effects of ultraviolet radiation, but those advantages have limits.
For Black people who have spent their lives believing sunscreen was unnecessary, the research offers a clear reason to reconsider that skincare habit.
