The Aesthetic journal published an article on skin conditions in skin of colour, a topic that not might consider, therefore we thought we’d dive in and see what it is about.
There hasn’t been much knowledge regarding skin of colour, and their different requirements. This will challenge a large part of the customers in the aesthetic industry without offering solutions of alternative products that is suitable for a diverse customer base. This is thankfully changing with skin clinics and drug stores catering to different skin types.
ARE CERTAIN SKIN CONDITIONS RELATED TO ANY PARTICULAR SKIN OF COLOUR?
Certain skin conditions are more/less frequent depending on the colour of your skin. The challenge lies in recognising the different skin conditions regardless of colour. This will come with increasing experience, the more exposure clinicians get to a variety of individuals, the easier will it be to identify skin conditions.
Skin of colour is often referred to as the Fitzpatrick skin types, with a range of I to VI, including typical features of the skin and eye colour with tanning ability. Many clinicians use this classification to define various types of skin.
POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION (PIH)
There are some differences in skin diseases concerning skin colour. Skin diseases will manifest as well as being treated differently, due to the structural and functional differences in the skin and hair.
In darker skin there are higher levels of melanin and larger melanosomes (where melanin production takes place inside the cell). This feature is correlated to an increased chance of PIH. This condition can develop from an infection, an allergic reaction, trauma, and acne.
The most common cause of PIH in skin of colour is acne. The Aesthetics Journal announces that up to 65% of African-American patients develop acne-induced PIH. Similarly, around 55% of Hispanic and 19% of Asian patients also developed PIH as a result of acne.
PIH is caused by an increase in the production of melanin, as a result of damage or inflammation to the skin. There are two main types of cells in the skin: keratinocytes and melanocytes which both work together to give the skin its pigment. During pigmentary conditions, the melanocytes will pass the increased amount of pigment to the keratinocytes, which is more troubling for patients of colour as the pigmentation is more pronounced and lasts longer.
MELASMA
Melasma is another skin condition that is more prevalent in the higher Fitzpatrick skin type. It presents itself as small freckle like spots, or larger brown patches and is particularly prevalent amongst pregnant women as well as those taking the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.
TREATMENT OF SKIN CONDITIONS FOR SKIN OF COLOURS
Treatments will aim to resolve the underlying issue of the condition. In PIH the focus will be around addressing the cause of the inflammation and irritation. As for treating melasma, there are drugs than can be utilised however a specialist should prescribe them after a thorough assessment.
One of the challenges in treating higher Fitzpatrick skin types is to avoid affecting the healthy skin around the pigmented area.
Overall, although more research needs to be conducted into the skin of colour, and specific skin conditions, the knowledge and experience have improved significantly. A thorough diagnosis and accurate treatment plan with a specialist is important.