Brown Girl Gumbo

Although summer is coming to a close, that doesn’t mean that we should ditch our sunscreen. In fact, we BGs need to make our sunscreen usage a year-round routine. Far too often we think that once temps start to dip, it’s ok to skip the SPF.

According to a recent survey conducted by Neutrogena, only 46% of African-American women use sunscreen in comparison to 76% White and 63% of Hispanic women.  That’s why actress and Neutrogena spokeswoman, Gabrielle Union, urges us to take our skin’s health more seriously.

“Just because summer is ending, sun-safe behavior should not,” says Union. “Skin cancer is the one cancer that’s preventable, yet it’s still on the rise. I’m glad that I can help Neutrogena educate people by spotlighting common sun protection myths and spreading the word that it doesn’t matter the color of your skin; everyone can get skin cancer.”

Here are a few facts according to Neutrogena and Dr. Darrell Rigel:

Cases of skin cancer in people with darker skin are often not detected until later stages, when it is more dangerous. The overall melanoma survival rate for African Americans is only 77 percent, versus 91 percent for Caucasians.

Sun’s harmful rays are as deadly during the colder seasons as they are during summer. In fact, even under cloud cover, it is possible for the sun to harm your skin and eyes, so it is important to protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing even in cloudy weather.

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults aged 25 to 29. It is also increasing faster in women ages 15 to 29 than in men of the same age group.

Do you forget to wear sunscreen during the cooler seasons?

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