Safe, effective, compassionate care — it’s what every patient deserves, and what every dermatology and aesthetic professional should strive for. Yet many aesthetic treatment protocols and beauty standards have not always accounted for the full range of skin tones and types represented in today’s patient population. Despite tremendous growth in the field of aesthetic dermatology, patients with skin of color continue to face unique challenges and barriers to care.
This issue has gained increasing attention as more aesthetic professionals recognize how cultural competency, personalized treatment planning, and improved communication can elevate patient outcomes. At the same time, patients are seeking providers who demonstrate expertise and understanding of diverse skin types and aesthetic goals.
Tailoring Treatments for Better Results
“Aesthetic ideals and treatments have often focused on the needs and concerns of white female patients,” observed Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology and co-director of Chicago Cosmetic and Dermatologic Research. “It’s important that patients pursuing aesthetic treatments seek out a provider who is educated about how different procedures may affect diverse skin types, and who carefully customizes the treatment plan to suit the patient's skin type.”
Dr. Ibrahim recently reviewed findings from an Allergan Aesthetics survey evaluating facial aesthetic concerns across genders, ethnicities, and generations. The study highlighted issues particularly relevant to patients with skin of color — including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, device safety, and the importance of education to ensure inclusive treatment.
“According to Allergan Aesthetics’ research, uneven skin color and hyperpigmentation were ranked as top facial concerns across a wide array of racial demographics,” he said, noting that these issues were especially prevalent among Black and Asian women. “This illustrates that addressing hyperpigmentation concerns is something healthcare practitioners need to be mindful of when having consultations with patients and ensuring their specific needs are prioritized and met.”
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that a customized approach is critical not only to optimize treatment outcomes but also to build patient trust and avoid adverse effects.
A Different Approach
Natasha L. Copelin, DNP, AGNP, RN-BC, ST, founder of Vibrant Rejuvenation in North Babylon, New York, refers to the lingering “trust gap” that can exist between patients of color and the medical system. A history of misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and limited provider training has created hesitancy and skepticism among some patients.
“When it comes to aesthetic care, that distrust is often magnified by societal beauty standards that rarely affirm melanin-rich skin,” she explained, adding that she has encountered patients whose negative experiences have made them reluctant to seek aesthetic treatments. After being told their skin was "too difficult" to treat, or that they should lower their expectations, or observing that providers were not trained to treat their skin type or cultural features appropriately, these patients lost faith in the system.
“For many African Americans, fear or skepticism about seeking dermatologic or even general care is deeply rooted,” she said. “Some believe skin treatment is ‘not for us’ or is only for white patients. When they do finally seek help and are mistreated, it reinforces their reluctance to return.”
Determined to change that narrative, Copelin encourages dermatology and aesthetic providers to adopt a culturally competent approach rooted in empathy and education. She advises professionals to:
- Understand the varied presentations of skin conditions in melanin-rich skin
- Acknowledge cultural beauty ideals and how they shape treatment goals
- Communicate with empathy and avoid dismissive or reductive language
- Include diverse skin tones in marketing and patient education materials
- Pursue continuing education, mentorship, and case studies involving patients of color
Providing informed, compassionate care should be the goal of every aesthetic professional. Cultural competency is not just a social responsibility — it’s a pillar of clinical excellence that fosters trust, enhances communication, and supports optimal outcomes for patients of every background and skin type.
