Glow Protected - A Summer Skin Guide for Melanated Skin
Summer brings longer days, more time outdoors, and more sun exposure. For many of my patients, it also brings a familiar frustration: dark marks that seem to linger longer, melasma that suddenly becomes more noticeable, and skin that looks less even despite a consistent skincare routine.
When I talk to patients about sunscreen, most are surprised by what I focus on. Yes, sunscreen plays an important role in reducing skin cancer risk. But for many Black and Brown patients, the concerns I hear about most often are hyperpigmentation, melasma, uneven skin tone, and signs of premature aging. These are the issues that summer sun exposure tends to worsen the fastest.
The truth is that skin of color is not immune to sun damage. While melanin provides some natural protection against ultraviolet radiation, it does not prevent the effects of chronic sun exposure. Over time, ultraviolet and visible light can worsen hyperpigmentation, trigger melasma flares, accelerate collagen breakdown, and contribute to uneven skin tone. That’s why sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products I recommend year-round.
I’m partnering with HUED and Vaseline to bring this conversation to our communities because Black and Brown patients deserve access to information that reflects their unique skin concerns and experiences.
Does Melanin Act Like Natural Sunscreen?
One of the most common questions I hear is, “I have dark skin. Do I really need sunscreen?”
The answer is yes.
Melanin does provide some natural protection from ultraviolet radiation. In fact, deeply pigmented skin has been estimated to provide the equivalent of roughly SPF 8 to 13 against UVB rays. But SPF 8 to 13 is nowhere near enough protection to prevent the long-term effects of sun exposure. While melanin may reduce the risk of sunburn, it does not fully protect against:
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks left behind after inflammation)
- Uneven skin tone
- Collagen breakdown
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Visible light-induced pigmentation
Melanin helps, but it does not replace sunscreen.
The Sunscreen Detail Most People Miss
Many people choose sunscreen based solely on the SPF number. SPF is important, but it only tells part of the story. SPF measures protection against UVB rays, the rays primarily responsible for sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are major drivers of photoaging, melasma, and persistent hyperpigmentation. They also pass through clouds and window glass, which means exposure occurs even during everyday activities. For many of my patients with skin of color, I am often more concerned about whether a sunscreen provides strong UVA protection than whether it has SPF 30 versus SPF 50.
When choosing a sunscreen, look for:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 30 or higher
- Strong UVA protection
- A formula you’ll actually wear consistently
The best sunscreen is the one you will use every day. For patients prone to melasma or hyperpigmentation, tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides may offer an additional benefit because they help protect against visible light, which can worsen discoloration in darker skin tones.
Why Daily Sunscreen Matters for Skin of Color
Even brief, everyday sun exposure adds up. Driving to work. Walking the dog. Running errands. Sitting near a sunny window. These moments may not leave you with a sunburn, but they can still contribute to pigment worsening over time.
If you struggle with melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, eczema-related discoloration, or uneven skin tone, daily sunscreen use is one of the most effective interventions available. In fact, many pigment-correcting treatments will underperform if sunscreen isn’t part of the routine.
Protecting Your Investment
Many of my patients spend significant time and money trying to improve hyperpigmentation and achieve a more even complexion. They use vitamin C. They use retinoids. They use pigment-correcting serums. Some undergo chemical peels, laser treatments, or prescription therapies. Yet one of the biggest reasons patients struggle to see the improvement they want is inconsistent sun protection.
No brightening serum, pigment corrector, peel, laser treatment, or prescription cream will outperform consistent sunscreen use. Think of sunscreen as protecting your investment. Every day you skip it, ultraviolet and visible light can undo some of the progress your skincare routine is working to achieve.
Hyperpigmentation and Summer: Getting Ahead of It
For many patients with skin of color, summer is when pigmentation concerns become most frustrating. Dark marks left behind by acne, eczema flares, bug bites, or other skin injuries often become darker and more persistent with repeated exposure to ultraviolet and visible light. The most effective approach is prevention. Daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, and maintaining a healthy skin barrier can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.
I also encourage patients to focus on consistency rather than intensity. Too many active ingredients introduced too quickly can irritate the skin and trigger inflammation, which may ultimately worsen discoloration. When it comes to hyperpigmentation, slow and steady almost always wins.
Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Skin
Sunscreen is essential, but it isn’t the entire story. Wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective clothing, sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours can all help reduce cumulative sun exposure. After spending time outdoors, support your skin barrier by cleansing gently and moisturizing while skin is still slightly damp. Consistent moisturization helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and minimizes irritation that can contribute to uneven-looking skin. Products like Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion can help replenish moisture after bathing, while Vaseline Original Healing Jelly can help reduce moisture loss in areas that feel particularly dry.
Don’t forget your lips and hands, two areas that receive significant sun exposure and often show signs of aging earlier than people expect. A lip balm with SPF and regular use of hand cream can help protect these often-overlooked areas.
Why I Still Talk About Skin Cancer
When I recommend sunscreen, my primary goal for many patients is preventing hyperpigmentation, melasma, and premature aging. Those are often the concerns that affect my patients’ daily lives the most. That said, skin cancer is still part of the conversation.
One of the biggest myths I encounter is that Black and Brown people do not get skin cancer. While skin cancer is less common in darker skin tones, it absolutely occurs. Melanoma in patients with skin of color often behaves differently than many people expect. Rather than appearing on heavily sun-exposed areas, it is more commonly found on the palms, soles, under the nails, and other less sun-exposed sites. This is one reason why sunscreen alone is not enough. Knowing your skin and paying attention to new or changing lesions is equally important.
Patients with skin of color can also develop sun-related skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Although these cancers occur less frequently in darker skin tones, they are not unheard of, particularly in areas with significant cumulative sun exposure.
The bottom line is this: melanin provides some protection, but it does not make anyone immune to skin cancer or sun damage. I encourage all of my patients to become familiar with their skin and seek evaluation for any spot that is new, changing, growing, bleeding, painful, or simply doesn’t seem right. Early detection remains one of the most important factors in successful treatment.
A Simple Summer Skin Framework
If you remember nothing else this summer, remember these five habits:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with strong UVA protection every day.
- Reapply sunscreen when spending extended time outdoors.
- Protect your results if you’re treating hyperpigmentation or melasma.
- Support your skin barrier with consistent moisturization.
- Know your skin and seek evaluation for changing lesions.
Healthy skin isn’t about having a complicated routine. It’s about building a few consistent habits that protect your skin for years to come.
Disclosure: This content was created in partnership with HUED and Vaseline. Dr. Okereke is a paid partner. All opinions and clinical recommendations reflect her honest professional judgment. This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified dermatologist for personal skin concerns.
