Why don’t dark-skinned people get sunburns?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Dark-skinned individuals are less likely to get sunburns compared to those with lighter skin due to the increased presence of melanin in their skin. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives skin its color and provides protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. There are two primary types of melanin: eumelanin, which is dark brown or black, and pheomelanin, which is yellow or red. People with darker skin tones have more eumelanin, which is more effective at absorbing and dissipating UV radiation, thereby offering better protection against sun damage.
When UV radiation penetrates the skin, it can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to burns and, over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Melanin absorbs and scatters UV radiation, preventing it from reaching deeper layers of the skin where the DNA is located. As a result, dark skin has a higher natural defense against UV radiation and is less likely to experience the harmful effects of sun exposure, such as sunburn.
However, it’s important to note that while dark skin offers more protection than light skin, it does not provide complete immunity to sunburns or skin cancer. Dark-skinned individuals can still experience sunburn if exposed to prolonged or intense sunlight without protection. Moreover, melanin’s ability to protect against UV radiation is not a perfect shield, and people with darker skin should still take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to reduce the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
In summary, dark-skinned individuals are less prone to sunburns due to the higher melanin content in their skin, but they should not disregard sun protection entirely.