FST is correlated with skin pigmentation, which becomes increasingly darker from FST I (pale white) to FST VI (dark brown or black). The Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) categorizes skin based on self-reported likelihood to experience sunburn and tanning with sun exposure and ranges from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (never burns, always tans). ![]() Among these molecules, melanin contributes significantly to differences in skin pigmentation between light- and dark-skinned individuals, as well as darkening of the skin (i.e., tanning) after UV exposure. Various methods have been developed to classify skin pigmentation, which arises from the interaction of external light with chromophores within the skin, such as melanin, hemoglobin, bilirubin, and β-carotene. To discuss the potential benefits of photoprotection for these populations, it is necessary to first review biological and social factors relevant to the concept of skin of color (SOC). While the role of photoprotection in preventing sunburns and the long-term consequences of sun exposure (e.g., photoaging, photocarcinogenesis) is well established in fair-skinned populations, individuals with dark skin are less likely to experience these outcomes, which may affect the perceived importance of practicing photoprotection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends practicing multiple forms of photoprotection to prevent photodamage and skin cancer, and common methods include seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak daylight hours, wearing sun-protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and using sunglasses. Photoprotection behaviors can prevent skin damage by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While more studies are necessary to clarify whether photoprotection behaviors may decrease skin cancer-related mortality in SOC populations, regular dermatologic care and counseling on photoprotection remain essential in patients with SOC for overall skin health. As a skin cancer risk behavior, indoor tanning is relatively rare in SOC populations, but its use may increase with acculturation to US norms. Common motivators for photoprotection in individuals with SOC include preventing sunburn and pigmentation, with the prevention of skin cancer being a less important reason. ![]() Although SOC populations tend to practice photoprotection by seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, survey and interview-based studies have consistently found relatively low use of sunscreen among these populations. In SOC populations, sun exposure is known to cause pigmentary disorders, photoaging, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), highlighting the potential benefits of photoprotection. Thus, the importance of photoprotection in this population is understudied and may be underestimated. While the role of sun protection in preventing sunburns, photoaging, and skin cancer is well established in fair-skinned populations, individuals with skin of color (SOC) are presumed to suffer fewer negative effects from solar radiation. Photoprotection behaviors can mitigate skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, and common methods include seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak daylight hours, wearing sun-protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and using sunglasses.
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