Skin cancer is less common in people with darker skin, but when it does occur, it can be far more deadly. The reason is that it’s often caught too late. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but for Black people, cancer signs can show up in unexpected places, and missing them can have serious consequences.”In Black patients, melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, often appears on the palms, soles of feet, or under the nails, not on sun-exposed areas where people typically check,” Brian Vines, Consumer Reports investigative reporter, said.Reggae legend Bob Marley’s death at just 36 is a powerful reminder of how dangerous skin cancer can be. What was first thought to be a soccer injury under his toenail was actually “acral lentiginous melanoma,” or ALM, the most common type of melanoma among Black people.”Experts suggest doing regular full-body skin checks, not forgetting your palms, feet and under your nails. And don’t forget sunscreen, even if your skin is dark. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30,” Vines said.Finding a sunscreen that looks natural can be challenging for people with darker skin tones. That’s why Consumer Reports evaluated its top-rated sunscreens on a range of complexions, from olive to deep brown.”Our main focus was finding sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast on darker skin. Turns out, there are some great choices out there that work well for everyone,” Vines said.Two good choices from Consumer Reports’ sunscreen study include:Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Spray & Play SPF 50Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50Remember, protection isn’t just about sunscreen. Wide-brimmed hats can shield your face, neck and ears.Finding a dermatologist familiar with darker skin can be tricky. The Skin of Color Society can help connect patients with knowledgeable doctors.
Skin cancer is less common in people with darker skin, but when it does occur, it can be far more deadly. The reason is that it’s often caught too late.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but for Black people, cancer signs can show up in unexpected places, and missing them can have serious consequences.
“In Black patients, melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, often appears on the palms, soles of feet, or under the nails, not on sun-exposed areas where people typically check,” Brian Vines, Consumer Reports investigative reporter, said.
Reggae legend Bob Marley’s death at just 36 is a powerful reminder of how dangerous skin cancer can be. What was first thought to be a soccer injury under his toenail was actually “acral lentiginous melanoma,” or ALM, the most common type of melanoma among Black people.
“Experts suggest doing regular full-body skin checks, not forgetting your palms, feet and under your nails. And don’t forget sunscreen, even if your skin is dark. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30,” Vines said.
Finding a sunscreen that looks natural can be challenging for people with darker skin tones. That’s why Consumer Reports evaluated its top-rated sunscreens on a range of complexions, from olive to deep brown.
“Our main focus was finding sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast on darker skin. Turns out, there are some great choices out there that work well for everyone,” Vines said.
Two good choices from Consumer Reports’ sunscreen study include:
- Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Spray & Play SPF 50
- Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Remember, protection isn’t just about sunscreen. Wide-brimmed hats can shield your face, neck and ears.
Finding a dermatologist familiar with darker skin can be tricky. The Skin of Color Society can help connect patients with knowledgeable doctors.
