How Sunscreen Works
In How Sunscreen Works, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod explains why pale skin needs extra protection from the Sun because it doesn't have much melanin, which helps block harmful UV rays. He uses a special UV camera to see how much protection his skin naturally has and discovers he needs sunscreen to stay safe from sunburn. After applying sunscreen to one side of his face, the camera shows that the sunscreen makes his skin much darker, proving it's protecting him from the Sun’s harmful rays. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body's largest organ.
Lesson Express
Q: Why is sunscreen important for people with pale skin?
A: People with pale skin have less melanin, which naturally protects skin from UV rays. Sunscreen helps replace the protection that people with darker skin naturally have, keeping pale skin safe from burning.
Q: How does the UV camera help the man understand how much protection his skin has from the sun?
A: The UV camera shows which parts of his skin absorb more UV rays. Darker areas on the camera show where his skin is protected, and lighter areas show where his skin is unprotected and more likely to burn.
Q: Why do you think sunscreen is important for everyone, not just people with pale skin?
A: Sunscreen is important for everyone because it helps protect all skin types from harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburn and even long-term skin damage like wrinkles or skin cancer. It’s a good way to keep skin safe, no matter your skin color.
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