Cosmetic problems in skin of color

Practitioners are confronted with a myriad of cutaneous diseases affecting skin of color. Skin of color, which encompasses the pigmented skin of those of African American, Asian and Hispanic descent is susceptible to several unique and cosmetically disfiguring problems. Acne vulgaris, pseudofolliculitis barbae, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and photoaging are diseases which commonly necessitate visits to the dermatologist and are of major cosmetic concern for those with skin of color. Effective treatments are needed to quickly resolve the inflammatory lesions of acne and pseudofolliculitis. The number of agents available for the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is limited, and some agents are minimally effective. In addition to more effective therapeutic agents, development of enhanced camouflaging techniques are also necessary. Finally, sunscreens which provide more complete protection for skin of color are needed to address the issue of both photoaging and hyperpigmentation. We look to the cosmetic industry to develop new products and to improve currently existing products to address the cosmetic concerns of skin of color.