While acne treatments of all kinds have progressed greatly in recent years, acne skin care for minorities has not and only recently gotten the attention it deserves.
This article will expose some misconceptions about acne treatment for non-Caucasian individuals.
We hope that after reading this article, you can understand and appreciate the differences and unique needs for effective treatment of ethnic acne skin care.
Misconception #1 - People with more melanin in their skin are less prone to acne scarring.
This is a myth.
The idea that somehow darker skin protects them and makes them less prone to scarring is simply not true.
In fact, the opposite is the case.
Few people realize that the darker skinned people are at more risk for scarring due to the high levels of melanin in their skin.
This applies doubly in the case of scarring from acne.
Therefore, extra care should be taken to carefully select medications that are specifically designed for this specific skin type.
Misconception #2 - Acne medications are suitable for any skin type.
Continuing from the point above, acne treatments should generally be less powerful than medications for fairer skinned people.
This is primarily due to the fact that darker skin is generally not as elastic as fairer skin.
Therefore to reduce the risk of scarring from acne treatments must be chosen which can reduce the symptoms of acne but also minimize the chances that any acne, which does occur will not lead to excessive scarring.
Today, dermatologists have a better understanding of the unique needs of specific skin types and can prescribe treatments which are both safe and effective.
In addition to topical treatments, there have been many advances in recent years in terms of laser treatment for acne and darker skinned people.
The best advice about what is right for you is to meet with your dermatologist and discuss all possible options.
In conclusion, we have learned that not all acne treatment regimens are suited for everyone and it is best to search for a system that meets your special individual needs.
We hope this article has cleared up some of those misconceptions and if you are a person suffering from acne who also has darker skin, whether you be of Asian descent, African, Hispanic or interracial origin, we would encourage you to seek out a dermatologist who treats a clientele which spans the globe from light to dark.
It is a smart decision when you have questions about acne care and what works best for your particular skin type.
If you are interested in learning more about products meeting the needs of those with darker tones, read the resource box below.