African American skin and the risk of too much summer sun. We all know that our bodies are designed to utilize sunlight to manufacture vitamin D, which is a key element for normal bone formation.
In addition to that, sunlight helps keep our sleep patterns on track so we can sleep soundly at night and stay awake during the day.
However, sunlight can also be responsible for most of the visible aging of your skin – far more than all other factors combined.
The outcome is usually in the form of wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity, a deteriorating skin texture, and a range of other serious signs of premature skin aging. In fact, a lot of scientists have shown that around 80 to 90 percent of how old or young you look for your age is dependent on how much sun exposure you have sustained.
Over time, the sun’s UV rays damage the skin fibers known as elastin. Upon the breaking of fibers, the skin starts to sag; stretching and losing its ability to go back into place once it has been stretched. The skin also becomes more prone to tears and bruises and takes longer to heal.
Summer Sun and African-American Skin
African American skin typically has a high melanin level, which basically gives you that beautiful dark complexion and also protects you from easily burning. In fact, as the level of melanin increases, so does the natural protection against sunburn. But even though a higher melanin concentration acts as a barrier against the sun, it still doesn’t prevent skin cancer. In fact, the majority of African-Americans who have skin cancer do not catch it early enough, which is why fatality rates related to skin cancer are higher among African-Americans as compared to other ethnic groups.
How Does the Sun Change Your Skin?Constant exposure to the sun results in:
Actinic keratosis (precancerous) and basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma due to decreases in the skin’s function.
• Benign tumors
• Freckles
• Discolored areas of the skin, known as mottled pigmentation
• Telangiectasias – the shrinkage of small blood vessels under the skin
• Sallowness – a yellow skin discoloration
• Elastosis – the deterioration of the collagen and elastic tissue, resulting in wrinkles, lines and a saggy skin
Sun Damage and Skin Cancer In African American Skin
Skin cancer is the most common forms of cancer in the US, and the number of cases continues to increase. It is defined by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that result in tumors, which are either malignant or benign. Non-melanoma skin cancers, also known as a basal cell and squamous cell cancers are relatively less serious kinds and contribute to 95% of all types of skin cancers.
Though widespread, non-melanoma skin cancers are highly curable if treated early. On the other hand, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that causes 75% of all skin cancer fatalities. If left untreated, this type of cancer can spread to other organs and is rather difficult to control.
What To Do?
As per a 2009 survey carried out by the Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology, 65 participants out of the 100 were believed to not be at a risk for developing cancer and admitted to getting unprotected sun exposure. The participants came from Asian, Hispanic and African-American descent. Many dark-skinned folks avoid seeing a dermatologist and do not get checked up regularly.
By the time the abnormalities are detected, the cancer has generally gone out of hand and becomes more difficult to treat. However, if detected early on, skin cancer can be easily cured. In addition to getting checked periodically, you can follow the summer skin care tips mentioned below to maintain the health, elasticity, and youth of your skin:
• Wear a good-quality, high-SPF sunscreen and cover all areas of your body, including feet and hands. Whether it is summer or winter, make it a point to not leave the house without lathering on sunscreen if it is daytime.
Aside from applying it properly, make sure to reapply it every two hours or so, especially if you are sweating or swimming. Also, be extra careful around sand and water, since these surfaces reflect the harmful rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of getting sunburned.
• Lastly, limit the amount of time you spend in the sun and try staying indoors during the peak hot hours (10:00 am to 4:00 pm).
That’s it for this week. As always …
Dedicated To Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel
Aesthetician/Author/Publisher
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