A common misperception among people with ethnic skin tones is that sunscreen is only for whtie skin. While it is true that darker skin has a lower risk for skin cancer and sun damage, direct exposure to the sun can have a significant impact on ethnic skin -- causing discoloration, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Skin color is determined mostly by the presence of a substance called melanin. Melanin is what gives skin its pigment. When skin is exposed to the sun, the body stimulates increased melanin production, leading to darkening of natural skin tone. While many perceive this "bronzing" of skin to be healthy, it is quite the opposite. The melanin can lead to pathcy discoloration which is often difficult to treat. More importantly, however, the sun leads to breakdown of the skin's DNA. These DNA mutations increase ones susceptiblity to skin cancer.
If DNA damage is not enough to encourage you to wear sunscreen, consider this: sun damage is the most preventable cause of aging. In ethnic skin, this sun damage manifests as brown spots, deep lines, and sagging of the skin.
We have all heard the cliche "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Literally, an ounce (or more) of sunscreen on a daily basis will save you pounds of money and aggravation when you look fabulous later on in life!
For further questions about sunscreen feel free to contact me via "ask the dermatologist."
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