Expert Advice for Melanin-Rich Skin

If you have melanin-rich skin and are looking for answers to your skin concerns, you’re in the right place. Urban Skin Rx® is committed to promoting education and advocacy for skin of color and to support that commitment, we’ve introduced The Melanin Experts™ Movement, a new initiative that provides valuable resources to people with skincare concerns most commonly seen in skin of color.

Part of this movement is The Melanin Experts™ Network which includes 300+ dermatologists and licensed aestheticians around the country who specialize in melanin-rich skin. Now, expert advice is at your fingertips! Use our online locator to find the nearest Melanin Expert in your area for a virtual consultation, advice or services.

To help you identify what you might be experiencing, here are some of the most common skin conditions of melanin-rich skin:

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a condition that occurs after a skin injury or inflammation. This condition causes the skin surrounding and at the site of the injury or inflammation to produce larger amounts of melanin, which can lead to darker skin color. While PIH can affect almost anyone, those with darker skin colors tend to be more commonly affected, have more severe and persistent cases, and also have the most concerns about the pigment irregularities.

Melasma

Sometimes called “the pregnancy mask,” Melasma is a skin condition commonly seen in women between the ages of 20 and 40. It typically appears as symmetrical, brown blotches on the face and can be caused by sun exposure and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or hormonal birth control. While it’s most common in adult women, men, children, and older adults can also develop this condition.

Vitiligo

This skin depigmenting disorder occurs due to the loss of melanocytes (pigment cells that produce melanin). The main symptom is large patches of milky-white skin that can appear anywhere on the body. While this condition can affect men and women and those of any race, it is most noticeable and stigmatized for those with darker skin tones.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a skin condition that causes small black or brown spots to develop. These spots usually appear on the face. Some people may also develop these spots on the neck, back and chest. Most of the spots are relatively flat, but others hang off of the skin like a skin tag. This is a benign condition that does not typically cause any discomfort and isn’t associated with any serious health conditions.

In addition to The Melanin Experts™ Network, Urban Skin Rx® also has a team of in-house glowgiver™ Aestheticians who are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET for virtual consultations, live chats, DMs and phone calls to connect you with the right regimen for your specific skin type and concerns.

Be sure to take advantage of these amazing new resources so you can feel confident and empowered by the skin you’re in!