Use and Misuse of Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Procedures in Pigmented Ethnic Skin

Abstract

Incidence, clinical presentation, and treatment of skin disorders show prominent differences in individuals with pigmented ethnic skin compared to Caucasians with white skin. This is primarily due to decisive differences in the cutaneous structure and function of the skin and hair. For example, the use of pore-clogging substances by Caucasians may result in predominant clinical inflammation with papules and pustules that develop over a period of 2–3 weeks. On the other hand, non-Caucasian skin responds by rupturing the follicular wall early in the process [1]. Patients with pigmented or black skin have unique cosmetic concerns and necessitate particular consideration when it comes to apply cosmeceuticals and/or receive aesthetic procedures, such as laser and chemical peels. In particular, ethnic skin individuals are easily susceptible to trauma which can lead to permanent pigmentary changes. Recent advances in this area resulted in the development of safer technology and products. Consequently, there is an increased demand of the number of patients requesting cosmetic procedures to attain even skin color, reduce the signs of aging, and remove unwanted hair [2]. Dermatologists are required to administer cosmeceuticals in their biologically active form to the skin and ensure the use of sufficient amounts of the appropriate agent in order to obtain desirable effects. It is also crucial that specialists inform their patients on possible side effects individuals with pigmented ethnic skin are more susceptible to a unique profile of complications.