Skin of Color
Home > Skin of Color
How is Skin of Color Different?
How Do We Treat it?
Our Approach to Skin of Color
Peak Dermatology, under the leadership of Dr. Rex, a skilled Black dermatologist, takes a specialized and inclusive approach to skincare, particularly for patients with skin of color. Dr. Rex understands that people with darker skin tones face unique dermatological challenges, such as hyperpigmentation, keloid scarring, and specific sensitivities to certain treatments. His expertise allows him to provide personalized, culturally aware care, using techniques and products tailored to the needs of his patients. By creating a welcoming and empathetic environment, Dr. Rex ensures that all patients receive high-quality care that addresses their specific skin concerns while promoting overall skin health. This thoughtful, patient-centered approach is a testament to Peak Dermatology’s commitment to diversity and excellence in skincare.
How is Skin of Color Different?
Skin of color, which includes a range of skin tones from medium to deep brown and black, differs from lighter skin in several important ways. One key distinction is the higher melanin content, which provides increased protection against UV radiation but also makes individuals with skin of color more prone to hyperpigmentation, especially after injury, inflammation, or acne. The Fitzpatrick Scale, a system used to classify skin types based on their response to UV light, categorizes skin into six types, with Type V and VI representing darker skin tones. People with these skin types are at a higher risk for conditions like keloid scarring, where excessive collagen is produced during healing, leading to raised scars. Additionally, individuals with darker skin may experience increased sensitivity to certain treatments, making it essential for dermatologists to customize their care to avoid complications like pigmentation changes or irritation. Understanding these unique characteristics, especially in relation to the Fitzpatrick Scale, is vital for providing safe and effective skincare to individuals with skin of color.
Frequently Asked SRT Questions
Skin of Color
Skin of color has distinct characteristics, such as increased melanin production, which provides more protection against UV radiation but can also make it more prone to hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and conditions like keloid scarring. Due to these unique traits, treatments for skin of color must be customized to avoid irritation, pigmentation changes, and other complications.
To prevent hyperpigmentation, it's essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even if you're indoors, as UV exposure can worsen dark spots. Additionally, gentle exfoliation, proper acne management, and treating skin conditions promptly can reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation after skin trauma. It's also important to use products with ingredients like Vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract, which can help brighten the skin.
Keloid scarring is an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, resulting in raised, thick scars. People with darker skin tones are more prone to keloids. To prevent keloid scars, it's important to avoid unnecessary skin trauma, such as aggressive shaving, piercing, or surgical procedures. If you do develop a keloid, early intervention, such as corticosteroid injections or silicone sheets, may help prevent further growth.
