All human beings have EQUAL number of melanocytes (the cells that produce the melanin). The difference in color is due to the type of melanin produced, the way the melanin is packed in power houses called melanosomes within the melanocytes, the size and number of melanosomes amongst other factors. There are three types of ultraviolet rays from the sun. UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC doesn’t reach us at all as it is filtered by the ozone layer. Damaging the ozone layer by our actions however leads to increased effect of UVB.
It should be noted that UVB is the one most likely to induce skin cancer while UVA will induce pigmentation/tanning of the skin. So when people tan…the effect is more of UVA. UVA will penetrate windows so being in the house will not protect completely from it as we all know our windows are mostly not UV protected.
The melanin in blacks truly protects against skin cancer. Studies have shown that while black skin allows only 7.4% of UVA and 17.5% of UVB to pass through, Caucasian skin allows 22% and 55% respectively. This explains why the incidence of sun induced skin cancers (melanomas, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) is higher in Caucasians than blacks. When blacks have melanomas, most times it is in non sun exposed areas like the legs. There’s an exception to this though; albinos have almost the same risk of these skin cancers as Caucasians because of the absence of melanin.
Ultraviolet exposure also causes what we call “photoageing”. This refers to ageing of the skin faster than it usually should. This happens in blacks and Caucasians and all skin types are prone to it though it is less obvious in blacks. This is why sun protection and sunscreen use is important. To reduce the effects of photoageing.
Although the incidence of skin cancers has not increased dramatically here despite skin bleaching, it may still be too early to say that. This is because it is something that has to be followed up over time. A black person actively bleaching the skin completely is gradually moving towards Caucasian skin by stripping the skin of its protective melanin. Photoageing will also increase. A lot of people also bleach their skin without commensurate sun protection. Most people here don’t even use sunscreen. This is apart from the fact that most compounds used in bleaching may have other adverse effects on other organs apart from the skin.
This notion that black people don’t experience sunburn is turning out to be false as it has been documented in blacks too.
Whether we’ll have a surge of skin cancers in a few years down the line is still to be questioned. Time will definitely tell. But for now…remember that it is important to use a sunscreen. If you compare the skin of a 60 year old that has used a sunscreen since her teenage years to a person of similar age that has never used, the difference is usually clear.
As for skin bleaching…I’m sure the people doing it are all adults and if consequences arise….you’ll know that you’re the architect of your own misfortune. All I ask for is….Please don’t bleach minors skin. Stop mixing triple action creams or steroids or hydroquinone in their cream. They absorb compounds faster than adults with the risk of higher adverse effects. It is tantamount to a criminal offence and I believe such people should do some jail time or pay a heavy fine. Leave them alone to decide for themselves….please.
“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.”
--- THOMAS CARLYLE ---
Let’s talk sunscreens
08.02.2021 /