Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
03:47
Enhancement of Facial Rejuvenation Through a Combination of 1565 nm Non-Ablative Fractional Laser with 30% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid
Published on: September 27, 2024
Acne on pigmented skin
1Department of Dermatology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France. florence.poli@wanadoo.fr
International Journal of Dermatology
|October 9, 2007
Summary
Acne treatment on darker skin tones, particularly inflammatory types, requires careful consideration of pigmentation side effects. Specialized cosmetic formulations can improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Ethnic Skin Research
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Acne is prevalent in individuals with pigmented skin (phototype IV and above), often presenting as inflammatory acne.
- Pigmentation sequelae frequently overshadow acne severity, becoming the primary concern for dermatological consultation.
- Cosmetic acne and steroid-induced dermatitis are common issues linked to skin bleaching product usage in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current understanding and treatment approaches for acne in patients with pigmented skin.
- To highlight the unique challenges, such as pigmentation sequelae and specific drug contraindications, in managing acne on darker skin.
- To explore novel strategies for improving treatment compliance and efficacy, particularly concerning photoprotection and cosmetic adjuncts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on acne treatment in pigmented skin.
- Analysis of therapeutic options, including topical agents (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids), systemic antibiotics (tetracyclines), and oral isotretinoin.
- Evaluation of side effect profiles, drug-specific risks (e.g., minocycline in African patients), and the role of photoprotection.
Main Results:
- Standard acne treatments are applicable, with benzoyl peroxide effective for inflammation and retinoids addressing both inflammatory and retention components.
- Tetracyclines are crucial for initial management, but minocycline carries a risk of hypersensitivity in African patients; doxycycline has photosensitizing potential.
- Isotretinoin is indicated for nodular acne, with significant skin-lightening effects; combined photoprotective and skin-lightening cosmetic formulations show promise for compliance.
Conclusions:
- Acne management in pigmented skin necessitates addressing inflammatory components and potential pigmentation changes.
- Careful selection of systemic agents is vital, avoiding minocycline in African patients due to hypersensitivity risks.
- Innovative cosmetic approaches, integrating photoprotection, can enhance patient adherence and therapeutic outcomes for acne on darker skin.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:27Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:21Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
A sebaceous gland is a type of oil gland found almost all over the skin ( except palms and soles) and helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. Most sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles. They generate and excrete sebum, a mixture of lipids, onto the skin surface, thereby naturally lubricating the dry and dead layer of keratinized cells of the stratum corneum, keeping it pliable.
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...