Education key in sun care

During the summer months, sun protection obviously is top of mind for many, especially among those with lighter skin who easily burn. However, there likely are shoppers in your store who have the misconception that their darker skin makes them immune to skin cancer and the harmful effects of the sun.


Educating consumers — especially those with darker skin — of the risks not only will help bolster sales of sunscreens but, more importantly, can help save lives.


While darker skin does offer some increased protection against ultraviolet radiation — people with dark skin have a higher melanin and eumelanin (brown-black pigment) content, which reduces the risk of skin cancer induced by ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure — there is considerable skin color heterogeneity among people of color, and many people aren’t even aware of the risks.


To spread the word, L’Oréal has gathered new relevant data on skin cancer and sun protection in skin of color, which is being sent to all U.S. dermatologists.


According to L’Oréal, recent surveys showed that:


• 65% of minority respondents believed they were not at risk for skin cancer;



• 62% of African-American adult respondents have never worn 
sunscreen;



• 31% of minority respondents have performed a self skin check;



• 17% of minority respondents have gotten a skin check by a dermatologist; and



• There has been a 3.4% increase in incidence of melanoma among Hispanic women in Florida.


Furthermore, the study from L’Oréal Research & Innovation found that the highest risk of DNA damage was in light to tan skin, which includes most Hispanics and some African-Americans.

The article above is part of the DSN Category Review Series. For the complete Skin Care Buy-In Report, including extensive charts, data and more analysis, click here.