By: Katherine M. Vaccaro PMA
ZIBA BOTANICAL SKINCARE
Owner/Educator/Para Medical Esthetician/Freelance writer
The approach to ethnic skin care and treatments can be challenging. This mainly is because ethnic skin has a propensity to develop hyperpigmentation—or a darker discoloration of the skin—or hypopigmentation—a lighter discoloration of the skin—when the appropriate products or treatments are not utilized. To further examine the challenges of ethnic skin care, one must first define ethnic skin.
Defining ethnic skin
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification often is used to define ethnic skin. This scale ranges from type I (ivory white skin) to type VI (dark brown skin) and identifies skin type based on its reaction to UV light. Skin of color can be classified as skin types IV–VI.
Biology of ethnic skin
Pigmentation in the skin is determined at the cellular level. Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, or pigment, in the skin. Melanosomes are the packages of melanin produced by the melanocytes. Pointy extensions of the melanocytes then transfer melanosomes into the keratinocytes.
Although there may be some variation in the number of melanocytes among races, this difference is not striking. In all races, there are approximately 2,000 epidermal melanocytes/mm on the head and forearms, and 1,000 epidermal melanocytes/mm on the rest of the body. These differences are present at birth. Thus, all people have the same total number of melanocytes; it is the distribution of melanosomes in the keratinocytes that correlates with skin color. In white skin—typically types I–III—melanosomes are small and aggregated in complexes. In black skin—types V and VI—there are larger melanosomes that are distributed singly within keratinocytes.
The role of melanin in the skin is to absorb and scatter energy from UV light to protect the epidermal cells from damage. Melanin provides considerable protection from sun damage, and the degree of protection corresponds directly to the degree of pigmentation. We offer sun protection thats gentle yet effective, Full Sun Block with Soothing Aloe Vera and Japanese Green tea; that controls and prevents significant prevention of photo-aging, which is one of the primary cosmetic concerns in Fitzpatrick skin types I–III.
The cosmetic advantage of skin types IV–VI is an increased protection from photo-aging. However, the cosmetic disadvantage of skin of color is its propensity to develop hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which ethnic clients frequently experience and are most concerned about preventing.3Essentially, any inflammation or injury to the skin can be followed immediately by an alteration in pigmentation.We suggest to wear a Full Block under makeup every day and to fade and even bleach out any existing spots and damage already caused in the evening; and our day protection to protect any further damage.
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification often is used to define ethnic skin. This scale ranges from type I (ivory white skin) to type VI (dark brown skin) and identifies skin type based on its reaction to UV light. Skin of color can be classified as skin types IV–VI.
Biology of ethnic skin
Pigmentation in the skin is determined at the cellular level. Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, or pigment, in the skin. Melanosomes are the packages of melanin produced by the melanocytes. Pointy extensions of the melanocytes then transfer melanosomes into the keratinocytes.
Although there may be some variation in the number of melanocytes among races, this difference is not striking. In all races, there are approximately 2,000 epidermal melanocytes/mm on the head and forearms, and 1,000 epidermal melanocytes/mm on the rest of the body. These differences are present at birth. Thus, all people have the same total number of melanocytes; it is the distribution of melanosomes in the keratinocytes that correlates with skin color. In white skin—typically types I–III—melanosomes are small and aggregated in complexes. In black skin—types V and VI—there are larger melanosomes that are distributed singly within keratinocytes.
The role of melanin in the skin is to absorb and scatter energy from UV light to protect the epidermal cells from damage. Melanin provides considerable protection from sun damage, and the degree of protection corresponds directly to the degree of pigmentation. We offer sun protection thats gentle yet effective, Full Sun Block with Soothing Aloe Vera and Japanese Green tea; that controls and prevents significant prevention of photo-aging, which is one of the primary cosmetic concerns in Fitzpatrick skin types I–III.
The cosmetic advantage of skin types IV–VI is an increased protection from photo-aging. However, the cosmetic disadvantage of skin of color is its propensity to develop hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which ethnic clients frequently experience and are most concerned about preventing.3Essentially, any inflammation or injury to the skin can be followed immediately by an alteration in pigmentation.We suggest to wear a Full Block under makeup every day and to fade and even bleach out any existing spots and damage already caused in the evening; and our day protection to protect any further damage.
Hyperpigmentation
Any ingredient that has a potential to cause significant irritation or dryness when applied to the skin can cause pigment alteration in ethnic skin. Although hypopigmentation can occur, hyperpigmentation is very common. The patients at greatest risk are those with dry, sensitive skin. The most common topical treatments associated with pigment alterations include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid and glycolic acid, I suggest, for the client to be supervised and instructed on the usage, for night time correction. Protection durning the day light is crutial, a two step regime. Additionally, in predisposed clients, hydroquinone can be applied in a 3-6 month preparation and we offer our Luminous peptide serum to follow after, for the hot summer months when the sun is most damaging to this condition of hyperpigmentation. Typically, individuals first report dryness and irritation. In more severe cases, this is followed by redness and even superficial erosions, thats why I offer free consultations with the product purchase.
In skin types I–III, if any reaction occurs, the skin typically will return to normal once use of the product is discontinue, the sun block will be your best friend in controlling this condition.Like brushing your teeth everyday!
Any ingredient that has a potential to cause significant irritation or dryness when applied to the skin can cause pigment alteration in ethnic skin. Although hypopigmentation can occur, hyperpigmentation is very common. The patients at greatest risk are those with dry, sensitive skin. The most common topical treatments associated with pigment alterations include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid and glycolic acid, I suggest, for the client to be supervised and instructed on the usage, for night time correction. Protection durning the day light is crutial, a two step regime. Additionally, in predisposed clients, hydroquinone can be applied in a 3-6 month preparation and we offer our Luminous peptide serum to follow after, for the hot summer months when the sun is most damaging to this condition of hyperpigmentation. Typically, individuals first report dryness and irritation. In more severe cases, this is followed by redness and even superficial erosions, thats why I offer free consultations with the product purchase.
In skin types I–III, if any reaction occurs, the skin typically will return to normal once use of the product is discontinue, the sun block will be your best friend in controlling this condition.Like brushing your teeth everyday!
. Ethnic skin differs from the lighter skin types because, in these clients, dryness and irritation frequently are followed by postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. In predisposed individuals, hyperpigmentation usually develops within one to two weeks and can last for several months. However, it is important to note that pigment alterations are rare when benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid and glycolic acid are utilized correctly in ethnic skin. Clients with ethnic, dry, sensitive skin can avoid pigment alterations by using products that are formulated in emollient-based vehicles or with lower concentrations of the active ingredient.Doctors sell a high concentration ; which I have seen make conditions worsen, this is a condition I carefully monitor on a 2 week to 2 week basis.
Retinoids
Acne is the most common dermatologic diagnosis, with an incidence of up to 29% among black patients. In comparative studies between black and white patients, the prevalence of acne appears to be equal.
The first line of therapy for acne continues to be retinoid therapy. Adapalene, tretinoin and tazarotene are the most commonly used prescription retinoids for treating the condition. Retinol is available over-the-counter (OTC) and is used primarily in anti-aging formulations.
Adapalene has been well-studied in the treatment of acne for black clients. It is best-suited for those with mild to moderate acne. Of the retinoids, it is useful especially in those with dry, sensitive skin because of its low incidence of irritation. Studies of adapalene in black clients with acne also report reductions in hyperpigmented macules—or patches of skin altered in color—and density of hyperpigmentation.
Tretinoin also has been studied as a treatment for acne in black individuals. It is best-suited for those with moderate acne and oily skin. Similar to adapalene, tretinoin is effective not only on comedones, but also on the associated hyperpigmentation.
Tazarotene is an excellent treatment choice for clients with moderate to severe acne. Individuals must be advised to expect dryness and scaling when beginning this medication. Skin care professionals often recommend a dosage of tazarotene be applied every other night for the first two weeks, then be increased to a nightly application in order to improve tolerability. As with all topical retinoids, among some skin types, irritation can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Acne is the most common dermatologic diagnosis, with an incidence of up to 29% among black patients. In comparative studies between black and white patients, the prevalence of acne appears to be equal.
The first line of therapy for acne continues to be retinoid therapy. Adapalene, tretinoin and tazarotene are the most commonly used prescription retinoids for treating the condition. Retinol is available over-the-counter (OTC) and is used primarily in anti-aging formulations.
Adapalene has been well-studied in the treatment of acne for black clients. It is best-suited for those with mild to moderate acne. Of the retinoids, it is useful especially in those with dry, sensitive skin because of its low incidence of irritation. Studies of adapalene in black clients with acne also report reductions in hyperpigmented macules—or patches of skin altered in color—and density of hyperpigmentation.
Tretinoin also has been studied as a treatment for acne in black individuals. It is best-suited for those with moderate acne and oily skin. Similar to adapalene, tretinoin is effective not only on comedones, but also on the associated hyperpigmentation.
Tazarotene is an excellent treatment choice for clients with moderate to severe acne. Individuals must be advised to expect dryness and scaling when beginning this medication. Skin care professionals often recommend a dosage of tazarotene be applied every other night for the first two weeks, then be increased to a nightly application in order to improve tolerability. As with all topical retinoids, among some skin types, irritation can lead to hyperpigmentation.
My approach is more gradual and longer lastly. It is also a more natural approach and aviods damage to the skin cells.
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is available in both OTC and prescription formulations. It is quite effective in treating acne; however, there are a few side effects to be aware of in skin of color. Skin of color can vary in pigment from light brown to dark brown, but it is generally falls among types V–VI on the Fitzpatrick scale. Some formulations of benzoyl peroxide can leave a white or gray film, making it cosmetically less acceptable for patients with skin of color. Additionally, when significant irritation occurs, some clients can develop hyperpigmentation with benzoyl peroxide. Overall, however, benzoyl peroxide is well-tolerated and is a useful adjunct in treating acne in ethnic skin.
Benzoyl peroxide is available in both OTC and prescription formulations. It is quite effective in treating acne; however, there are a few side effects to be aware of in skin of color. Skin of color can vary in pigment from light brown to dark brown, but it is generally falls among types V–VI on the Fitzpatrick scale. Some formulations of benzoyl peroxide can leave a white or gray film, making it cosmetically less acceptable for patients with skin of color. Additionally, when significant irritation occurs, some clients can develop hyperpigmentation with benzoyl peroxide. Overall, however, benzoyl peroxide is well-tolerated and is a useful adjunct in treating acne in ethnic skin.
As a Para Medical Esthetician, I have worked with Doctors prescribing these man made chemical formulations and have seen few results.Please feel free to review some of my products, now available on line at: Http://www.ZibaDaySpa.com
Feel free to call and learn about a more natural approach to acne care and hyperpigmentation concerns. I have developed the mild approach, that works, with using specific key formulations and a controlled routine, that I used on my Spa clients throughout the many years, of my experience and Research.
