Is lighter skin more prone to skin cancer?
More likely to get sunburnt, are people with fair skin also more prone to skin cancer? We ask the dermatologist.
"The ultra violet rays are primarily responsible for skin cancer. However, the darker the skin, the richer it is in melanin, a pigment that provides some protection against UV" says Dr. Didier Guerrero, Dermatologist and medical advisor for Avène. Fair skin does not benefit from this natural defence system and this is partly what makes them very sensitive to the sun.
But whatever your skin type, the motto is the same: put sunscreen again and again in order to protect the health of your skin and prevent melanoma. It is preferable that you use a cream with an SPF index of at least 30, apply 20 minutes before going out (the time it takes to start working) and reapply again at least every hour. Also, do not sit in the sun between 11am and 4pm and most importantly, expose yourself to the sun gradually. This is the real secret to a successful and safe tan.
Maureen DIAMENT
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