By 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that half of our country’s population will be made up of Hispanics, Asians and African Americans.   Now, more than ever, it is crucial to raise awareness about sun protection regarding people of color.

Reports from around the globe give off the impression that the world is becoming more and more of a naturally unhealthy and unsafe place to live.

For instance, the destructive weather, the melting of glaciers, the oceans getting warmer, animals changing their migration patterns and the temperatures of numerous regions have risen and dropped at unforeseen, unnatural rates suggest that things are changing right before our eyes.

This brings us to sun exposure. It is a misunderstanding to assume that people of color do not get plagued by overexposure to the sun. The melanin content in the skin makes it possible for fewer fine lines to appear but with over exposure to the sun, brown skin falls prey to age spots and premature aging. Even if you have brown skin, it’s essential that you wear a sunscreen of a minimum of SPF 30. Staying sun safe has nothing to do with ethnicity.

Most women of African descent do not develop as many fine lines or sunspots as most Caucasian women do, however, that does not mean the added melanin in their skin completely protects them from the sun. Women of color can get sunburned! While treating sunburns may not top the skin care concerns for most African-Americans, getting rid of dark marks does. The pigment-creating cells in darker skin tones helped to protect against premature wrinkling but that inflammation may cause those cells to be overactive, creating dark marks on the skin. Uneven skin tone is a common result of sun damage, also many African American women are often on medications for high blood pressure or diabetes, which make them more susceptible to burn or develop darkened blemishes. Here is the truth about the sun and brown skin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opXeRBNsj1c.

The safest and less intrusive way to control hyperpigmetation and discoloration is a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Externally, exposure to pollution, ozone and UV radiation from the sun can damage cells causing a cascade of effects that hasten the aging process including hyperpigmentation and inflammation. Melanin imbalances or hyperpigmentation is probably the largest and most challenging problem for the multi-ethnic community. A multi-purpose full spectrum sunscreen with therapeutic benefits helps prevent dark spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation problems from appearing or getting worse.

If you start using sunscreen on a regular basis and don’t do anything else, over a period of time you’ll see an improvement in the health and appearance of your skin.