Experts have developed new sun safety advice for diverse skin types. Here's what it says

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-13/sun-safety-position-statement/103459156?fbclid=IwAR0f8oxUkGwNkfy_elvJlbfE7NjqpEb42-7oSsqI28g3U3TPa_ifzNL01UM

Deeply pigmented brown to black skin
This is the group the guidelines say has the lowest risk of skin cancer from sun exposure.

They're thought to be at low risk of skin cancer, but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, because they require longer periods of sun exposure to get adequate amounts.

The guidelines say they can safely spend time outdoors and routine sun protection is not needed unless they are in it for extended periods.

Very pale skin and those with risk factors
For this group, the guidelines say the risks of sun exposure likely outweigh the benefits.

These people have very pale skin that burns easily and risk factors such as personal or family history of skin cancer, are immunosuppressed, or have lots of moles or moles that are large or atypical.

This cohort has the very highest risk of skin cancer and the guidelines advise them to protect themselves from the sun at all times, and discuss vitamin D requirements with their doctor.

Other skin tones and those with no risk factors
This is the intermediate group, where the advice sits somewhere in the middle of the other two.

The guidelines say people in this cohort are at intermediate risk of skin cancer, for whom the risk versus benefit equation is less straightforward. They're likely to have olive or pale brown skin and no other risk factors.

For this group, sun protection remains very important but they can spend some time outdoors.

The amount of time needed outside for the benefits of vitamin D depends on where they live, the time of day, the time of year, and how much skin is not covered by clothing while outdoors.