Sunscreen Protects Darker Skin from Sun Damage.

Everyone needs sunscreen to stay healthy. Darker skin has melanin, which gives some sun protection. But melanin alone is not enough protection from the sun's strong rays.

White people get skin cancer more often than others. But Black and Hispanic people die from melanoma more often. Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer found on hands and feet of Black people.

Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and dark spots. It also helps with acne and face patches. Doctors say the sun makes many skin problems worse for dark skin.

Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for good protection. Put it on every two hours for best results. Use more sunscreen if swimming or at the beach and remember to reapply it often.

Use chemical sunscreens to avoid a white color on skin. Hats and special clothes give more protection too. Use sunscreen every day because the sun can damage skin indoors, making it a very important habit.