Have you ever noticed that your face is lighter than the rest of your body? It’s because humans have a higher concentration of melanin in their skin. Melanin, which is responsible for protecting our skin from UV rays and other types of damage, is available in both hair and skin cells. That’s why it’s easy to see differences between colors on different parts of the body; like how an infant’s head is much lighter than the rest of their body. Read on to find out more.
What Is the Difference Between Light and Dark Skin?
The difference between light and dark skin is the melanin found in both.
People with darker complexions have more melanocytes which produce pigment, or color cells, called melanosomes.
Melanocytes are found in the deepest layer of skin, called the dermis. People with lighter complexions have fewer melanocytes and more keratinocytes, which produce pigment cells called phagosomes that protect against damage from UV rays.
Their production takes place in the outermost layer of skin, or epidermis. A higher concentration of melanin in the skin’s cells translates to a darker complexion.
How Does Melanin Work to Protect Your Skin from Uv Rays?
Melanin protects skin from UV rays by absorbing and dispersing the energy of these harmful rays. That means that melanin can help protect your body against sunburns, cancer, and other types of damage caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
However, it also means that people with darker complexions are at a higher risk of developing certain skin cancer types since they have more melanin in their cells.
Melanocytes produce two different melanin pigments: eumelanin, which is responsible for brown or black coloration, and pheomelanin, which produces red or yellow pigment.
People with darker complexions have higher concentrations of eumelanin, while those with lighter complexions have higher pheomelanin concentrations.
That is why people living closer to the equator tend to have darker skin since they are exposed to more UV radiation from the sun. The number one cause for freckles and moles is exposure to ultraviolet light.
Understand Why Your Face is Lighter Than Your Body
Some people have darker skin than others because of the number of melanocytes they produce. More specifically, it has to do with their melanin concentration and whether or not there is a higher presence of eumelanin than pheomelanin.
The Dangers Of Sun Exposure (Including Cancer, Premature Aging, And Wrinkles)
The dangers of sun exposure include cancer, premature aging, and wrinkles.
Once melanin absorbs the energy from UV rays, it can cause damage in different ways, including DNA mutations that lead to skin cancer. That is why people with darker complexions are at a higher risk for developing certain types of skin cancer since they have more melanin in their cells.
Sun exposure is the leading cause of early aging and wrinkles, which is preventable with sunscreen use- not just with topical products that protect against sun damage. It means wearing a broad-spectrum product (that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) every day before going outside to avoid signs of premature aging, sunspots, and wrinkles.
How To Stay Safe
People with fairer complexions can protect themselves from UV rays by wearing sunscreen and hats, but it is not an option for darker skin tones. Instead, people with darker complexions need to take other preventative measures like reducing sun exposure.
They can also use a topical product that contains ingredients that absorb the damage caused by UV rays, like Vitamin C.
These practices can help protect your skin from sun damage and reduce your risk of developing any of these harmful effects. Still, it’s important to talk with a dermatologist before starting or stopping any new skincare routines.
What Is The Best Sunscreen For Protecting My Face?
The Supergoop. Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 protects against UVA and UVB rays and environmental stressors like pollution, smog, and smoke that can cause premature aging. The refreshing spray turns into a sheer matte finish so you can layer it under or over makeup without affecting the application of either product.
Another option is to wear a hat with SPF protection when going outside for long periods during peak hours from 11 am-2 pm when UV radiation levels are highest.
How To Make Your Face Match The Rest Of Your Body
If you are not happy with the way your face looks, use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. It will protect against UV rays and prevent damage to your skin cells which may cause unevenness in coloration.
You could also use makeup products like foundation or bronzer to even out any discoloration. You can use these methods to make your face appear like the rest of your body.
Ensure you moisturize every day and apply sunscreen if you’re venturing outside for any time to maintain color consistency across your entire skin surface.
If these tips don’t help, talk with a dermatologist about other options to make your face match the rest of your body.
Tips For Achieving A Natural-Looking Tan Without Damaging Your Skin
- Check To See When Your Sunscreen Expires
It’s never a good idea to use expired sunscreen because it may no longer protect you against UV rays. It might be time for a new bottle of sunscreen if yours has been open for more than three months.
- Make Your Sunscreen
If you are looking for a cheap alternative to store-bought sunscreen, try making it at home with ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil.
The lotion is another option you can make at home by mixing aloe vera gel with sunflower seed oil or olive oil.
- Always Wear Sunscreen When You Are Outside
It is important to remember that spending time in the sun puts your skin at risk, even if it’s cloudy or cold out.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming, because water washes away its protective qualities. It doesn’t matter what type of day it is; wear it all the time.
- Men Should Shave Before Going Out In The Sun
Shaving causes little tears to the skin that make it easier for UV rays to reach and damage your cells, so shaving at night can help you avoid this problem altogether.
Men who do not want stubble on their face but still want a tan could try using an electric razor or shaving cream. Moisturize after shaving, or you could end up with an itchy red rash on your face.
Conclusion
As you can see, understanding why your face is lighter than your body is essential for protecting against sun damage. It is important to wear sunscreen with a broad-spectrum product (that protects against UVA and UVB rays) every day before going outside.
