Finding a dermatologist who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating Black skin and hair is a challenge. About 13% of the U.S. population identifies as Black or African American, but only 3% of U.S. dermatologists consider themselves a part of our…

2-minute read What is Melanin? Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, is produced in cells called melanocytes, which live in the basal (deepest) layer of the epidermis of the skin. No matter our ethnicity or race, we all typically…

5-minute read Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a common cause of progressive hair loss, which occurs almost exclusively in Black women ages 30 to 55 years.1 CCCA belongs to a group of disorders called cicatricial or scarring alopecias (baldness disorders) that destroy the…

3-minute read What is It? Hair fragility is hair that is dry, brittle, and breaks easily with a minimal amount of handling. 1  Fragile hair is very common in Black women, but we often put off seeking help until it leads…

2-minute read Acne is more common in Black people, and is one of the most common reasons why Black patients visit a dermatologist.1 Black people are also more prone to suffer from hyperpigmentation and scarring from acne than people with pale…

2-minute read Inflammation and Acne Scarring Acne scarring is caused by inflammation and is especially concerning in Black people. 1 Skin darkening associated with inflammation (called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH) is also common in people of color with acne. Inflammation in…