Skin of color is defined as skin that contains increased amount of melanin as compared to white skin.

General information about pigmented skin

1. What determines the color of the skin?

Skin color is determined by cells called melanocytes. In these cells they are structures called melanosomes, which produces the pigment melanin.

2. What is melanin?

Melanin is the pigment of the skin, which darkens the skin and protects it from UV light and slows down the aging process.

3. Who is considered to have pigmented skin?

a. Black people: people from Africa, Native Australians, African-American people from the Caribbean.
b. Hispanic.
c. Polynesian
d. Middle Eastern and native from India.
e. South Asia
f. Native American and other American Indians
g. Eastern European people.

4. Is there any specific type of skin color?

There is no one type of skin color. Among each ethnic group the amount of melanin varies dramatically. There are numerous shades, e.g.: There is an estimate of 35 shades among women of African descent.

5. What makes skin of black and white people different?

All races have the same amount of melanocytes, however people of color have larger cells capable of making large amount of melanin, making the skin look darker.

6 How do I avoid getting dark or light spots in my skin?

a.Treating your skin gently and using sunscreen with SPF 15 to 30 every day.
b..Protecting your skin from the sun by avoiding intense sunlight (from 10:00am to 3:00pm).
c.Wearing protective clothing.
d. Remembering to avoid picking, scratching and harsh scrubbing. e. Avoiding using over the counter lighteners or bleaching creams containing steroids. These can cause permanent skin damage including permanent redness, thinning of blood vessels and streaks.

Dr. Mowett is a Board Certified Family Physician, who has been specially trained for treatment of pigmented skin conditions. She also knows all the needs and problems of the pigmented skin.