Oral Presentation 18th International Congress on Photobiology 2024

Photoprotection: Addressing challenges for skin of color (#36)

Tasneem Mohammad 1
  1. Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States

Photo protection has historically been targeted towards individuals with lighter skin tones due to increased risk of sunburn reactions and skin cancer. However, in recent years, the effects of Ultraviolet Radiation and Visible Light have been shown to impact darker skinned individuals as well, contributing to the development and exacerbation of pigmentary disorders in addition to photoaging. However, there are several challenges to photoprotection in skin of color (SOC) populations including issues surrounding the classification of skin phototypes, misconceptions on the need for photoprotection in SOC, and cosmetic unacceptability of traditional sunscreens. However, measures are being taken to mitigate these challenges and promote photoprotection strategies that are acceptable to those with SOC, including a shift to more individualized photo protection.