Does dark skin need sunscreen?

Yes, you still need sunscreen. Melanin gives about SPF 13 at most, which isn’t enough to prevent hyperpigmentation, melasma, or skin cancer — melanoma is less common in Black people but often deadlier when it appears. SPF 30 is fine for daily use; skip SPF 100. Use chemical or tinted mineral sunscreens to avoid white cast, like Black Girl Sunscreen, Supergoop Unseen, or EltaMD UV Clear.