Suncream for dark skin?

**MrsP2C** · 20-06-2013, 11:17 PM

Sorry if this is a really dim question, but should I be applying sun cream to mindee who is dark skinned (black African)?
TIA

**CLL** · 20-06-2013, 11:20 PM

I do. Parents supplied it at the nursery I worked in.

**dawn100** · 20-06-2013, 11:37 PM

Yes as suncream helps block out harmful uv rays which can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer in later life.

**charlottenash** · 21-06-2013, 05:36 AM

I felt really awkward about this too, but I just outright asked the parents and we put it on. In future would just do it automatically.

**adedwards68** · 21-06-2013, 06:44 AM

My son went on holiday with a friend who is very darked skin and he got sunburnt so the answer is yes

**sharonmanc** · 21-06-2013, 06:48 AM

Yes, skin cancer can affect anyone. I am mixed race and I burn/ go red in the sun and have to use a factor 50.

I think with darker skin a lot of times it is harder to notice bruising burning etc so I would be using sun cream

I remember watching embarrassing bodies and they were Saying even doctors miss things on darker skins because it can sometimes not be as obvious with red marking spots, mottling of the skin and looks different.

**JulieA** · 21-06-2013, 07:01 AM

Yes, absolutely. Black skin can still burn.

**jackie 7** · 21-06-2013, 07:14 AM

I am so glad someone asked this. It is great to be able to ask these questions.

**Nicola Carlyle** · 21-06-2013, 07:21 AM

It doesn't matter what colour your skin is, it can still burn so yes absolutely apply the sunscreen x

**hectors house** · 21-06-2013, 07:24 AM

As others have said - definitely YES - everyone can get sun burnt easier these days - global warming / holes in ozone layers whatever the reason - I used to have to put sun cream on my horse's nose as he used to get really burnt

**step11** · 21-06-2013, 07:59 AM

My son is mixed race I have to apply sun cream otherwise he burns his dad is black Britishbut seems to think he doesn't need sun cream so when we go away he comes back extremely dark haha. Where as me and my son are tanned.

getting excited now for my holiday can't wait

**jillplum** · 21-06-2013, 12:46 PM

Yes definately use sun cream. One of my friends has very dark skin and got badly burnt a few years ago. She blistered and peeled showing the pink skin/flesh below. It looked even worse than lighter skin that is burnt.