Black kids and sunburn: 5 myths parents get wrong

As a child growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, warm weather was a year round constant, and spending hours outside was simply part of daily life. It wasn’t until moving to New York City as an adult that the writer, a 44 year old Black mother, learned how much she didn’t know about protecting melanin rich skin from the sun. Her skin tone shifted noticeably between winter and summer, and she discovered that yes, she could get sunburned.

Now a parent, she has made it her mission to teach her children proper sun care. But misinformation about sunscreen and darker skin remains widespread among caregivers, teachers, camp staff and even parents themselves. That gap in knowledge can leave children exposed to discomfort, long-term skin issues and habits that follow them into adulthood.

Research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019 found that Black people are far less likely to develop melanoma than white people, largely because melanin offers natural protection from ultraviolet rays. Still, Black patients who are diagnosed with the disease tend to have a lower five year survival rate, in part because detection can be inconsistent when providers are less familiar with how skin cancer presents in darker tones.

To separate fact from fiction, board certified dermatologist Brianna Olamiju, a Yale School of Medicine graduate and specialist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City, weighed in on five persistent myths about sun protection for Black children.

1. Melanin means sunscreen isn’t necessary

This is one of the most common misconceptions Olamiju encounters. Melanin provides some natural defense against UV rays, but it isn’t a complete barrier. Black children can still experience sunburn, changes in pigmentation, early signs of aging…