Can Black People Get Sunburn?

Higher levels of melanin means less sunburn and less skin cancer. But even the darkest-skinned person is not protected 100% from sunlight. A 2010 CDC study found that 13% of black women and 9% of black men reported getting at least one sunburn in the past year.

Can black Africans get sunburn?

Black people experience sunburn that can be painful and cause peeling. When their skin is exposed to too much sunlight, black people can suffer from hyperpigmentation and visible signs of aging, just like people with other skin types.

Can a dark-skinned person get sunburn?

One of the biggest sun myths is that darker skin tones don't need protection against the sun. It's true that darker-skinned people are less likely to experience sunburn, but the risk is still there. Plus, long-term exposure still increases the risk of skin cancer, regardless of skin tone.