Medical experts are warning of the high risks associated with overexposure to sunlight in many parts of Africa.
According to the experts, while conversations about sun-related health risks focus on heat exhaustion and dehydration, ultraviolet radiation which cannot be seen or felt has been overlooked.
“People think sun protection is for the beach, but UV exposure is something we live with every single day. Whether you’re driving to work, walking between buildings, or sitting near a window, these short periods add up,” said Dr. Paula Fakhre, Cosmetic Dermatologist.
Dr Fahre who is also a St. George’s University graduate says ultraviolet exposure varies by location, season, altitude, cloud cover and time of day, and it can remain high even when temperatures feel moderate.
The World Health Organization classifies a UV Index of 11 or above as “extreme” and recommends sun protection whenever the index reaches 3 or higher.
She says at high UV levels, unprotected skin can sustain damage within a short period. Exposure may also be intensified when UV radiation is reflected by surfaces common across African environments, including sand, water and concrete.
Although darker skin contains more protective melanin, it is not immune to UV damage.
The WHO links excessive UV exposure to skin cancer, cataracts and immune system damage.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified solar UV radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen.
“UVA penetrates glass and reaches the deep layers of your skin without causing any immediate pain. By the time you notice wrinkles or dark spots, the damage has already happened,” she added.
Types of UV radiation
The sun emits three distinct types. UVC carries the shortest wavelength and highest energy.
The ozone layer absorbs nearly all of it before it reaches the Earth’s surface, so UVC poses minimal direct risk.
UVB carries a medium wavelength and penetrates the epidermis. This is the radiation that causes sunburn. UVB directly damages DNA inside skin cells and triggers melanin production.
It plays the strongest role in non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
UVA penetrates far deeper, reaching the dermis where collagen and elastin fibres sit. It generates reactive oxygen species that break down collagen over time, accelerating wrinkling and causing photoaging.
UVA also suppresses immune function and contributes significantly to melanoma development. Unlike UVB, UVA passes through window glass. Drivers and office workers sitting near windows accumulate exposure without ever feeling the burn. UVA accounts for roughly 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface.
Sunscreen versus sunblock
Sunscreen refers to chemical filters containing organic compounds such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate.
The molecules absorb UV radiation, convert it into heat, and release that heat from the skin. They feel lighter and blend invisibly, which is why they’re popular for daily use.
Avobenzone covers UVA well, though it degrades quickly in sunlight unless it is stabilised. Oxybenzone has raised environmental concerns regarding coral reef damage.
Sunblock refers to physical or mineral filters containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin and reflect and scatter UV radiation away from the surface.
“Choose a broad spectrum product that suits your skin type. Apply enough of it. Reapply it. These small habits reduce long term risk significantly,” she noted.
What SPF actually means
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how much UVB radiation is required to produce sunburn on protected skin compared to unprotected skin.
An SPF 30 product blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. An SPF 50 blocks roughly 98%. The jump is marginal in absolute terms, though it matters for fair skin or a history of skin cancer. SPF does not measure UVA protection at all.
In the United States, there is no standardised numerical rating for UVA defence. In Europe and Asia, the PA system uses plus signs, PA+ to PA++++, to indicate UVA strength. African markets carry products from multiple regulatory systems, so consumers should look for “broad spectrum” on the label and check for a UVA seal or a PA rating. The SPF number assumes application at 2 milligrams per square centimetre of skin.
Most people apply roughly half that amount, so they receive far less protection than the label suggests.
For the face and neck, the two-finger method provides the recommended amount. For the entire body, approximately 30-35 millilitres are needed. Reapplication matters because chemical filters break down through photodegradation, and physical filters can be rubbed off by clothing, sweat, or towel drying. No sunscreen is truly waterproof.
