Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have dark skin and I'm not prone to getting sunburns.  Do I still need to wear sunscreen daily?

                                                                                                                                                                Missy

Dear Missy,

Yes, you still need daily facial sunblock.  Sometimes having dark skin makes us think that we can get away without wearing sunscreen.  We think we are exempt from getting skin cancers and should therefore skip the daily sunblock ritual altogether.  This is a myth we should all get rid of. 

Damage to skin from sun exposure occurs in everyone who is repeatedly exposed to the sun.  It may be less apparent and may take longer to show up in people with darker skin but it will still happen like it or not. 

Skin cancer aside, there are numerous changes that sun exposure can cause our skin.   Premature ageing of the skin such as fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, loss of elasticity and sun spots usually start to show in our early 50s.  For those who love to sunbathe, you will notice rough, leathery skin as you eventually age.

Let's start with a crash course on sunscreen basics. There are sunscreens that are not particularly becoming to dark-complexioned individuals such as those containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  These are your physical (sun) blocks.  If you have dark skin, this will make your skin look chalky, unnaturally white.

Chemical sunscreens such as benzones or aminobenzoic acid or cinnamates will probably be better for you.  However, if you are prone to getting acne, the benzones might be too irritating for your skin.  With acne-prone skin, you can use either titanium or zinc based sunblock but use a mineral-based foundation on top to make it match your skin tone.

With daily use of sunscreen SPF45 or higher, you can avoid premature facial ageing of skin.  Your may not think you need it now but your skin will thank you once you hit midlife.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am experiencing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on my leg due to eczema.  I would like to ask for remedies for my dark scar.  I've heard about contractubex and hiruscar…  Are these products effective for my kind of scar?  I really need your help.  My scars make me insecure and affects my self-esteem.  Thank you very much.  God bless you.

                                                                                                                                                                Marie

Dear Marie,

The scar remedies you mentioned above are most useful for new scars in persons who are prone to developing hypertrophic or keloid scars (elevated scars).  For dark colored scars, you can opt to do chemical peels couple with religious use of bleaching creams.  Creams containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, vitamin C, vitamin B3, azelaic acid, licorice or a mixture of all of the above will be most efficient.

A thing to remember though in treating dark scars is that one must persevere in doing several treatment sessions (if you opt to do chemical peels) and prolonged application of creams.  Some scars lighten after a month or two of tireless application, while some scars take longer.  When all else fails, laser can be your last option.

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH).  For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.

If you have any questions or concerns please text, email or call

(the Freeman or PSH): 0932 857 7070 or <[email protected]> or (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.