Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, where “summer” lasted more than half the year, I’ve always had a deep love affair with the sun. Memories of walking to school with perspiration dripping down my back and seeping through my school uniform are fondly (strangely) etched in my mind.

It was only after moving to New York City as an adult that I learned the importance of sun protection for my melanated skin. I realized that my skin was paler in the winter and darker in the summer—and yes, I could get sunburned! Now, as a 44-year-old Black mother, it is my responsibility to not only take care of my children’s skin but also teach them to protect their bodies’ barriers.

Black and other children of color, particularly those with darker skin tones, need sun protection, but misinformation abounds. When summer camp staffers, caregivers, teachers, and even parents believe the myths, kids can be at risk of damaged barriers to the skin, immediate discomfort, and an ill-informed relationship with skincare that can carry into adulthood.

According to a 2019 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black people are far less likely to develop melanoma than white people due to the protection that melanin provides from damaging ultraviolet rays. However, Black people who do develop the cancer have a much lower five-year survival rate, at least in part because many people may not be as knowledgeable about identifying skin cancer in darker skin tones, so detection rates vary.

To dispel some common myths, I turned to Brianna Olamiju, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and specialist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. Dr. Olamiju is active within the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the Skin of Color Society. A graduate of Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Olamiju’s passions include empowering her patients through evidence-based care. We talked about the biggest myths plaguing Black kids as they pertain to sunscreen.

Myth #1: Black children do not need sunscreen because of their melanin

Nope! “This is one of the most common myths I hear, and it comes from a misunderstanding of what melanin does,” Dr. Olamiju says. “Melanin is our skin’s natural pigment and provides some protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it is not a complete shield from sun damage. While darker skin tones have more natural protection compared with lighter skin tones, Black children can still experience UV-related skin changes, including sunburn, hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and an increased risk of certain skin cancers.”

She often explains to families that melanin is like having a built-in umbrella. “It offers protection, but it does not mean you should stand outside in a storm,” she says. “Sunscreen, shade, and sun-protective clothing are still important tools for protecting children’s skin.”

Myth #2: Black children cannot get sunburned

Wrong. Dr. Olamiju notes that the signs of sunburn can look different and be harder to recognize, but Black children can definitely get sunburned, even if their skin may not turn red. What should parents of Black kids look out for? Warmth, tenderness, swelling, peeling, itching, or skin that feels painful or tight can be signs of sunburn for Black children. “Because sunburn can be less visually obvious in darker skin,” she says, “it is especially important for parents to pay attention to how their child’s skin feels after sun exposure, not just how it looks.”

Myth #3: Sun damage looks the same on Black children as it does on other children

Wrong, again! Dr. Olamiju stresses that sun damage can affect children of all skin tones. Though some signs of damage can look the same for most children (e.g., changes in pigmentation), this isn’t always the case. “In children with darker skin, UV exposure is more likely to trigger changes in pigmentation,” she notes. “Parents may notice areas of darker discoloration, uneven skin tone, or persistent spots after inflammation or irritation.” In children with white skin, increasing numbers of freckles can be a telltale sign of sun damage.

Dr. Olamiju stresses that areas that receive “the most cumulative UV exposure are usually the first places we notice changes: the face—especially the forehead, cheeks, nose, and lips—ears, neck, shoulders, chest, and the tops of the hands. The ears, in particular, are a commonly missed area for sunscreen application.”

Dr. Olamiju adds that because many health care providers and families are taught to recognize sun damage primarily by how it appears on lighter skin, there is a risk that signs of sun-related injury in darker skin tones may be overlooked. Early recognition and treatment are necessary and must start with an understanding of how sun damage can present in darker skin tones.

Myth #4: If the sunscreen does not leave a white cast on Black skin, it’s not working

Not true! The sunscreen that works the best for my family leaves no residue and protects our skin to the max when we’re in the sun. (Thankfully!) “The effectiveness of sunscreen has nothing to do with whether it leaves a visible white cast,” Dr. Olamiju says. “A white cast is usually caused by mineral sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Some mineral sunscreens can leave a noticeable residue, especially on deeper skin tones, but that does not mean they are more effective.”

Myth #5: Black kids only need to wear sunscreen at the beach, pool, or on vacation

To be very honest, I learned this lesson in adulthood, so it’s very important for adults to teach Black children this from a very young age. “UV exposure is cumulative, meaning everyday activities like walking to school, playing outside, or sports contribute to lifetime sun exposure,” Dr. Olamiju notes. Finding a sunscreen that kids can comfortably wear daily can start healthy sun protection habits.

So what sunscreen should parents of Black children depend on for their sun protection? Dr. Olamiju advises parents and caregivers of Black kids that the best sunscreen is ultimately the one their child will actually wear consistently. Her tips when choosing a good sunscreen is to find one that has broad-spectrum protection (protects against both UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or higher; is water resistant if swimming or sweating; has a gentle, fragrance-free formula, especially for children with sensitive skin or eczema; and has a texture your child enjoys using. Consistency and proper application matter more than the specific brand.

Sun protection should be a necessary part of all children’s daily routines, more so as the summer is in full swing. Especially for Black children, sunscreen can mean the difference between healthy skin and skin that is damaged or worse. All people who interact with Black children should be knowledgeable about these common myths to ensure a healthy and safe approach to sun protection with benefits that last a lifetime.