Cheriss May is always thinking about the diversity of the human family. The 35-year-old Beltsville resident created her own line of t-shirts called Unified Soul (www.lovewhoIam.com) that celebrates the broad swath of our cultural identities.
“At the end of the day we are all the same and it is important to celebrate our differences and not use them to keep us apart,” May said.
As the summer months approach and the sun’s rays heat up, it’s important to remember that no matter what race or ethnicity or how light or dark your complexion, everyone needs protection from the sun.
Cheriss May / Photo: Leslie A. Smith
There is a common perception, especially among folks with darker hues, that sunscreen isn’t needed. Such ideas are false.
According to MayoClinic.com, while people with dark skin may not burn as easily as their fair skinned counterparts, they are still vulnerable to skin damage from catching too many rays.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends routine use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater for all people, no matter what skin color.
While it is true that dark skin provides some protection against damage from the sun’s rays, those with lighter complexions tend to have a higher incidence of skin cancer than those with dark skin types. But having a darker hue is no guarantee against developing skin cancer.
So like May said, while we share great differences, in the end we are all the same – part of the human family – and we all need to safeguard ourselves from skin cancer.
--PGS Staff
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