5 Melanin-Rich Skin Challenges to Pay Attention To

Do you have melanin-rich skin? Have you noticed that your skin doesn’t react to certain products the way you think it should? This could be due to the fact that your skin is unique.

It’s no secret by now that every skin type and every skincare journey is different. Some of us have never had a breakout in our lives, others have spent countless hours trying to find the right dermatologist and the right cure to no avail. And some of us have fair skin, while others have darker. If you fall into the latter category, this article is perfect for you.

The truth of the matter is, melanin-rich complexions require specialized skincare products to meet their specific needs. Companies like Urban Skin Rx work hard to bring those products to treat diverse skin tone challenges to life in a space where knowledge is lacking.

What makes melanin-rich skin different?

Melanin is responsible for the dark brown or black pigment appearance of hair, eyes, and skin. The more melanin present in one’s skin, the darker their appearance. And while, increased melanin provides enhanced protection from the sun, reduces the likelihood of skin cancer, and fights the signs of aging, there are also a host of distinct challenges that affect melanin-rich skin.

That being said, skincare experts and professionals are shedding light on the fact that there exists a gap in skincare products and solutions that primarily affects those with diverse skin tones.

Why does a skincare gap exist?

While companies like Urban Skin Rx are doing the work to ensure melanin-rich skin doesn’t get overlooked, there are plenty of skincare companies, even dermatologists, that simply don’t have the knowledge or background to address concerns related largely to urban skin. Hence, a skincare gap starts to form.

Thankfully, pioneers like USRx and CEO Rachel Roff are putting diverse skin tones at the center of the conversation by finding and creating products and solutions to close that gap.

What challenges complicate melanin-rich skin?

While you may be well-versed in the fact that your skin is melanin-wealthy, you may not fully understand how melanin could be linked to the unique skincare challenges you face.

Here are five skin challenges* that affect melanin-rich skin tones in a distinct way:

• Increased sebum concentration - On one hand increased sebum or oil production means increased moisture and protection against wrinkles. However, it also means your skin may be prone to acne and subsequent dark marks that have followed you into adulthood.
• Reduced skin hydration - Conversely, increased melanin can also lead to a reduction in skin hydration. Some may even develop a skin condition called eczema which can cause dry, itchy, and cracked skin.
• Vitiligo - While vitiligo can occur across the spectrum of skin tones, it’s most noticeable among diverse skin tones as the condition is characterized by patches of skin losing pigment.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - As previously mentioned, melanin-rich skin is prone to hyperpigmentation which appear in the form of flat discolored patches on the face and body, often referred to as “dark spots.”
• Psoriasis - Estimated to affect nearly three million Americans each year, you may have heard of psoriasis before. However, you may not have realized that this skin condition affects darker skin differently due to the fact that increased skin cell inflammation can temporarily destroy pigment cells, also known as melanocytes.

Based on the above descriptions, do you recognize any of the aforementioned symptoms? The first thing you should do is consult your dermatologist. If they don’t specialize in treating your specific skin type, they will most likely point you in the right direction.

The good news? If you have melanin-rich skin and are experiencing any of these symptoms, there are skincare providers working hard to ensure you gain access to the products that are best for your skin.

For more skincare tips and education, be sure to check out the Urban Skin Rx Glow Up Guide and product line serving all skin types.

*Note: These are just a handful of skin conditions that skincare experts and dermatologists have learned affect melanin-rich skin tones in a unique way. If you think your skin is being affected differently, consult a licensed skincare specialist.