Sun block - Is it necessary?

Avia Ustanny, Freelance Writer

ARE THE makers of sun blocks trying to scam us? Why would God make our skin darker and place us in the tropics if we could not spend one day in the sunshine without covering ourselves in cream?

Environmentalists will verify that the world was not always as hot as it is today. However, while we might have been less susceptible at the dawn of creation the hole in the ozone layer makes it more critical for us to protect our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Black people do need protection from the sun, says dermatologist and writer of the book 'Acne in Black Women', Dr. Neil Persadsingh.

The greater levels of melanin in our skin does serve as some protection against the harmful effects of the sun, but no one is immune from the damaging effects (burns, cancer, ageing) of ultraviolet light from the sun's rays.

Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour. It should be noted that the melanin serves as a natural sun block. As a consequence, darker-skinned people do not show their age as easily or suffer as much sun damage as people with fairer skin tones, says Dr. Persadsingh.

However, he adds, this does not make dark-skinned individuals immune to cancer caused by damaging ultraviolet radiation. The dermatologist provides some advice on how to protect yourself:

(a) Cut down on the amount of time you expose your body to the sun.

(b) Use sun block.

Sun blocks are creams or lotions applied to the skin before entering sun-filled environments. Sun blocks are used according to skin type which ranges from type 1 through type 5. Type 1 skin belongs to the very fair with blond hair and blue eyes. Type 5 skin belongs to the very dark African type skin tones.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the working time of the cream. A rating of 4 (SPF) means that if it takes 10 minutes for you to go red after exposure to the sun, if you use a block with a SPF of 4 you can stay out in the sun for 10 x 4 = 40 minutes, before you start to burn. After this time has passed you will have to reapply the sun block.

The careful and correct use of sun blocks is important, says Dr. Persadsingh. Some people believe that applying a sun block once allows them enough protection to play in the sun all day. However, sun block needs to be reapplied every couple hours, particularly if you're in and out of the water.

Some substitutes for expensive sun blocks include fresh aloe vera rubbed onto the skin, coconut oil or castor oil.

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