Why is white skin more prone to sunburns when whiteness typically is better for reflecting light and not absorbing heat, compared to darkness?

Question

Why is white skin more prone to sunburns when whiteness typically is better for reflecting light and not absorbing heat, compared to darkness?

In: 69

Answer 1

White skin lacks a pigment called melanin. Along with giving pigmentation to the cells, melanin also absorbs harmful UV rays and protects against cellular damage from UV light exposure. This people who lack melanin are more prone to sunburn