Quick answer
Yes. Darker skin has more natural protection, so it burns less easily, but it can still burn and UV still damages it. On darker skin, sunburn may not look red: it's more likely to feel hot, tight, sore or itchy, or to darken unevenly and peel. The NHS says people with naturally brown or black skin should still avoid burning.
Why darker skin burns less easily
Skin colour comes from melanin, which absorbs some UV. Brown and black skin (types 4 to 6 on the Fitzpatrick scale) has more of it, so it takes more UV to burn. That's extra protection, not complete protection.
What a burn can look like on darker skin
Redness is harder to see, so look and feel for:
- Skin that feels hot, tight or tender to touch
- Itching or stinging hours after your session
- Patches that look darker, shiny or uneven
- Peeling or flaking a few days later
If you notice any of these, treat it as a burn. See what to do if you burn on a sunbed.
The same rules apply
- Follow the salon's recommended time for that sunbed. Don't assume you can stay on longer.
- Wear goggles every session: see do you need goggles on a sunbed?
- Increase gradually, and only if your skin stays comfortable.
Skin cancer and darker skin
The NHS says people with naturally brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer, but they should still avoid burning. Check your skin for new or changing marks, including on the palms, the soles of your feet and under your nails, and see your GP about anything unusual. See sunbeds, moles and freckles for what to look for.
