Photoprotection for Skin of Color

Abstract

Photoprotection behaviors can mitigate skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, and common methods include seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak daylight hours, wearing sun-protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and using sunglasses. While the role of sun protection in preventing sunburns, photoaging, and skin cancer is well established in fair-skinned populations, individuals with skin of color (SOC) are presumed to suffer fewer negative effects from solar radiation. Thus, the importance of photoprotection in this population is understudied and may be underestimated. In SOC populations, sun exposure is known to cause pigmentary disorders, photoaging, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), highlighting the potential benefits of photoprotection. Although SOC populations tend to practice photoprotection by seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, survey and interview-based studies have consistently found relatively low use of sunscreen among these populations. Common motivators for photoprotection in individuals with SOC include preventing sunburn and pigmentation, with the prevention of skin cancer being a less important reason. As a skin cancer risk behavior, indoor tanning is relatively rare in SOC populations, but its use may increase with acculturation to US norms. While more studies are necessary to clarify whether photoprotection behaviors may decrease skin cancer-related mortality in SOC populations, regular dermatologic care and counseling on photoprotection remain essential in patients with SOC for overall skin health.