It is essential for skin care professionals to understand the unique intricacies that different Fitzpatrick skin types present so that they can confidently treat all clients who walk in the door. The United States Census Bureau projects that by 2044, 50% of the United States population will be of nonwhite descent.1 As the country continues to become more diverse, it is imperative to provide specialized care for conditions unique to their ethnic backgrounds.  

While nearly every single client has unique skin challenges, understanding the challenges of ethnic skin on a broader scale helps professionals solve some of the most common conditions and concerns confidently when treating skin of color.  

SKIN COLOR 

Skin color is a composite made up of four compounds. Hemoglobin (oxygenated blood cells), hemoglobin with non-oxygenated red blood cells, carotenoids (yellow pigment), and melanin (brown to black pigment). The melanocyte, which produces melanin, is directly responsible for skin pigment.  

A melanocyte has a mighty job; it is responsible for making melanin. The melanocyte takes the amino acid tyrosine, and through the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase, it converts to a new compound which is then made into melanin by the action of more enzymes.  

Once the melanin has been produced, the cell must form little packets called melanosomes. Melanosomes are the melanin granules that get transferred to the keratinocytes to be utilized for sun protection. Melanosomes act like little umbrellas that try to shield the body from sun exposure by producing dark spots, or pigmentation.  

References

1. Burgess, Cheryl, and Olabola Awosika. 2015. “Ethnic and Gender Considerations in the Use of Facial Injectables.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 136 (November): 28S31S. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000001813.

1. News. n.d. “Multicultural Dermatology: Treating Skin, Hair and Nail Conditions in People of Color.” News. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/multicultural-dermatology-treating-skin-hair-and-nail-conditions-in-people-of-color/2023/02.

1. ‌Love, Porcia B, and Roopal V Kundu. 2016. Clinical Cases in Skin of Color Medical, Oncological and Hair Disorders, and Cosmetic Dermatology. Cham Springer International Publishing.

1. Ludmann, Paula. 2022. “Vitiligo: Diagnosis and Treatment.” Www.aad.org. June 29, 2022. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-treatment.

\Michael Q. Pugliese, an informed educator, writer, and asset to the skin care industry, became the third-generation CEO of Circadia by Dr. Pugliese in 2006. His dedication and leadership to the brand has grown to achieve international recognition and distribution worldwide. This global expansion has created a skin care regime for every skin type in the world. Pugliese’s compelling lectures honor the tenets of modern skin science discovered originally by his grandfather. By following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he has been driven to deliver a clear message on skin care to all his clients and fellow educators in the industry. In addition to the success of the skin care line, Circadia also has the first physician–formulated pillowcase formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural circadian rhythms which protect from environmental damage while focusing on skin repair during evening rest.