SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN TOPICAL TREATMENTS FOR COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS IN SKIN OF COLOR

Abstract

The skin of color (SOC) population is composed of individuals with darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick skin type III-VI), often referred to as persons with Asian, African, Native American, Hispanic, Middle Eastern/Arab, and mixed-race backgrounds. The 2020 Census revealed that the U.S. population increased in multiracial and multiethnic diversity, and that trend is expected to grow by 2040. As the diversity in our population surges, addressing distinct concerns in dermatological care is essential. Melasma and acne vulgaris are the two most common chronic skin concerns among patients with SOC. Topical medications are the first line treatment of for these dermatologic disorders where long-term treatments are often required, however, there is a lack of evidence on the optimization of treatment among the SOC population. Moreover, there are clinical perceptions that Asian skin has higher irritability to topical retinoids compared to White skin which may influence treatment selection. To optimize topical treatments for the common skin disorders in the SOC population, we set out to 1) identify the most effective and safe topical agent for melasma and 2) assess the racial differences in tolerability of topical retinoids for acne.