4 skin conditions that usually affect dark skin tone

It's not just your skin type or age that can affect how your skin looks; your skin color may also be a factor in the skin condition you may develop. According to Dr. Part Bradford Love, board certified dermatologist from Alabama, people of color with dark skin often experience acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. If not diagnosed or treated correctly, these conditions can lead to scarring that does not fade easily. Here, she breaks down each condition and her recommendations for resolving each. 

Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Acne is one of the most common skin problems, regardless of your skin tone, but it can affect people of color a little differently than fair-skinned people. “Pore size is larger in people of color and correlates with increased sebum (or oil) production,” says Dr. Love. "Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), characterized by dark patches, may be present after the lesions have healed."

In terms of treatment, Dr. Love says the goal is to target acne while minimizing PVH. To do this, she suggests washing your face twice a day with gentle cleanser. In addition, topical retinoid or retinol is known to help treat acne and scarring, as well as cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. non-comedogenic (does not cause acne),” she says. For product recommendations, we offer Black Girl Sunscreen, a formula that leaves no white residue on dark skin, and a pore-shrinking moisturizer. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat.

Keloids

In addition to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, keloids or raised scarring can also result from dark skin acne. “Patients with colored skin may have a genetic predisposition to scarring,” says Dr. Love. Consult your doctor for the best course of treatment.   

melasma

“Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation found on people of color, especially in Hispanic, Southeast Asian and African American women,” says Dr. Love. She explains that it often shows up as brown spots on the cheeks and can be made worse by sun exposure and oral contraceptives. 

To prevent melasma from getting worse (or getting worse), Dr. Love recommends applying a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher daily. Protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat may also help. In terms of treatment options, she says hydroquinone is the most common. “However, this should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist,” she notes. "Topical retinoids can also be used."