The Cutaneous Connection: Representation, Education, and Revolutionizing Sunscreen for Skin of Color

Welcome back to The Cutaneous Connection!

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In today’s conversation, Shontay Lundy, founder and CEO of Black Girl Sunscreen, discussed the inspiration behind launching the brand, the longstanding gaps in sun protection for patients with skin of color, and opportunities for greater collaboration between industry and dermatology professionals.

Lundy explained that the idea for Black Girl Sunscreen emerged after moving to Los Angeles and spending more time outdoors. When friends encouraged her to wear sunscreen, she searched for products marketed toward Black skin but found few resources and even fewer formulations designed to meet the cosmetic preferences of people with deeper skin tones. She noted that the visible white cast left by many sunscreens has historically discouraged use among Black and Brown consumers, highlighting the importance of creating products that provide effective protection while remaining cosmetically elegant.

She argued that the lack of sunscreen use among people with skin of color stems from multiple factors beyond product formulation, including limited public education, historical marketing practices, inadequate representation in medical education and clinical research, and persistent misconceptions about sun protection. While melanoma rates are lower among Black individuals than White individuals, Lundy emphasized that this has contributed to the mistaken belief that sunscreen is unnecessary for people with melanin-rich skin. She also challenged the common patient notion that sunscreen's only benefit is skin cancer prevention, noting that consistent photoprotection also supports healthier skin and helps reduce photoaging and uneven pigmentation.

Discussing product development, Lundy stressed the importance of rigorous testing to ensure products meet their labeled SPF values and deliver on promises such as leaving no white cast. She said maintaining consumer trust requires brands to prioritize performance over speed to market.

Lundy also encouraged dermatologists, estheticians, researchers, and industry leaders to increase representation across clinical trials, educational materials, and marketing campaigns. She acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve diversity in dermatology but noted that meaningful progress requires broader participation from patients with skin of color and stronger partnerships between clinicians and community-focused brands.

Closing the discussion, Lundy emphasized that estheticians and dermatologists both play essential roles in improving skin health education. She encouraged clinicians to incorporate sun protection into routine patient counseling and to help normalize annual skin examinations for all skin types, reinforcing that photoprotection is a critical component of lifelong skin health regardless of skin tone.

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