The Lack of Dermatologists Who Understand Skin of Color—and Why It Matters
When it comes to dermatology, skin of color often isn’t given the attention or expertise it deserves. In fact, research shows that dermatology as a field lacks both the diversity and the specialized training needed to address the unique concerns of people with darker skin tones. Millions of people are left struggling with misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and a lack of options for managing common skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and melasma.
This has been on top of our minds since Skinergy was created and why we’re committed to raising awareness around this issue—and providing targeted, effective skincare solutions for skin of color. Here’s a closer look at the problem, the impact, and what we’re doing about it.
The Problem: Lack of Representation in Dermatology
Statistics tell a clear story: skin of color is often overlooked in dermatology. Only 4% of dermatologists in the U.S. are Black, 7% in total that identify as being BIPOC—an astonishingly low figure considering the diversity of the population they serve. This underrepresentation means that dermatologists who may lack firsthand experience with skin of color are expected to meet the unique needs of all skin types, despite the differences in how conditions appear on various skin tones.
What’s more, nearly 47% of dermatologists report they didn’t receive adequate training on skin of color during their education. This gap in knowledge affects not only the professionals themselves but also millions of people who may feel they aren’t receiving the care and understanding their skin deserves.
The Stats: Gaps in Training and Resources
Beyond representation, dermatology’s educational tools and resources largely overlook skin of color. Approximately 75% of medical images used in dermatology textbooks are of light skin tones, leaving future dermatologists with fewer visual references for how conditions appear on darker skin. Because many dermatologists don’t have a visual reference for diagnosing skin conditions on skin of color, misdiagnoses and improper treatments are unfortunately common.
67% of people of color believe their skin concerns aren’t fully understood by their dermatologist. Without accurate information or resources, people with darker skin tones often have to turn to alternative sources, hoping to find treatments or skincare products that work. This issue is a leading reason why many people of color are dissatisfied with dermatological care. Our founder's story is no different.
The Impact
For millions of people, this lack of understanding translates to real-life consequences. Many common skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, keloids, and post-inflammatory dark spots, show up differently on darker skin tones than on lighter ones. Without specialized training, these conditions may be under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated. Individuals end up facing longer healing times, worsening symptoms, and an exhausting cycle of trial and error in search of effective solutions.
The frustration and sense of being overlooked are palpable—and many people find it hard to trust that the skincare or dermatology industry will ever meet their needs. This can lead to self-esteem issues and an emotional toll, especially when conditions like acne scars and dark spots become persistent issues without adequate support or effective treatment. Our community has voiced these same concerns to us and why they have opted to use our collection.
How Skinergy Beauty Is Filling the Gap
We’re here to bridge this gap in dermatological care for us. We recognize the unique challenges that darker skin tones face, and we’ve made it our mission to address these needs with specialized, botanical formulations that are designed to be both effective and gentle on melanin-rich skin.
Our products, such as our Dark Spot Correcting Cream, Come Correct Serum, Skin BHAvior Essence and Skin Guardian Moisturizer target hyperpigmentation, dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory marks with ingredients that work specifically for skin of color. We also believe in educating our customers on how to care for their unique skin needs, empowering them to make choices that truly support their skin health.
Change needs to happen both within dermatology education and within the skincare industry as a whole and we’re proud to be part of that change by offering products that genuinely serve the needs of everyone.
If you’re looking for solutions to common issues like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, explore our range of products that are designed with your unique needs in mind. And if you’re passionate about this cause, join us in advocating for better training in dermatology and more inclusive skincare options.
Because everyone deserves skincare that’s made for them.