The skincare industry has been leaving melanin-rich skin out of the conversation for too long. A board-certified dermatologist is here to change that.
In this episode of Face It, Bari sits down with Dr. Adeline Kikam — board-certified dermatologist, founder of Skin Inclusive Dermatology, and the leading voice behind Brown Skin Derm — to cut through the misinformation around melanin-rich skin and explore what inclusive dermatology actually looks like in practice. From the sunscreen myth that refuses to die to the real dangers of the wrong laser on darker skin tones, Dr. Kikam brings clinical expertise and lived experience to a conversation that's equal parts educational and deeply personal.
We cover:
• What melanin actually is — and why we all have the same number of melanocytes
• The key differences between darker and lighter skin tones that change everything about how you treat your skin
• Why the belief that melanin-rich skin does not require sun protection is not only a misconception but a genuinely harmful one
• How to choose the right sunscreen for melanin-rich skin — and why tinted mineral sunscreen is the most effective choice
• Why hyperpigmentation is so persistent in skin of color and how to actually treat it
• The difference between hyperpigmentation and scarring — and why confusing them leads to the wrong treatment
• How to build a basic dermatologist-approved skincare routine for melanin-rich skin
• Why chemical exfoliation beats physical exfoliation — and how to pick the right one for your skin type
• What to know before getting a chemical peel or laser treatment if you have darker skin
• What microneedling actually does and why it's one of the safest and most effective procedures for skin of color
• The Black-owned and melanin-focused brands Dr. Kikam has on her radar right now
