Skincare is extremely personal. No two complexions are exactly the same. Multiple factors like genetics, ethnicity, physical health, and geography can all affect skin quality. That’s why the Skintap  team of board-certified dermatologists are determined to change the way Americans do skincare, helping patients “tap” into their best complexion with a more personalized approach.

“Your skin is as unique as your fingerprint,” shares Co-Founder Dr. Morgana Colombo. “The typical one-size-fits-all approach just isn’t going to do the trick. If you want to see real results from your skincare routine, we’ve got to get more personal and create a solution specific to your needs.”

Due to lack of widespread education about skincare, many Americans are likely following an ineffective (or even damaging) routine. Here, Dr. Colombo offers a few general tips based on patients’ ethnic background:

FOR EVERY ETHNICITY:

  • Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated
  • Consume sugary, chemical-based, and processed foods in moderation
  • Enjoy the sun responsibly by using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily

FOR HISPANIC/LATINA SKIN: Prone to excess oil, breakouts are more common, along with hyperpigmentation (discoloration) from sun exposure.

  • Avoid harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, opting for a gentler glycolic acid-based cleanser to keep excess oil at bay
  • Resist overwashing, which can lead to more oil production, instead cleansing just once in the morning and in the evening
  • While skin tends to age more slowly, the use of a gentle anti-aging cream can help preserve youthful skin longer
  • Be sure to use a daily UVA/UVB sunscreen to help protect from hyperpigmentation spots

FOR ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER SKIN: A larger number of sebaceous (oil) glands make skin more prone to oil and breakouts, while a thinner outer skin layer loses moisture more quickly and can scar easily.

  • Keep pores clear using gentle, water-based cleansers, avoiding ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, benzene, or hydroquinone that can dry out the skin
  • Resist picking at acne or over-exfoliating to protect skin from scarring
  • Moisturize often using products with water-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid or an emulsion – a lighter, water-based alternative to heavy creams that is more easily absorbed by the skin
  • Wear a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily, as more melanin makes skin less prone to sunburn but more prone to pigmentary disorders (melasma, hyperpigmentation, freckles, or age spots) and just as vulnerable to cancer
  • While skin tends to age more slowly, the use of a gentle anti-aging cream can help preserve youthful skin longer

FOR BLACK SKIN: More melanin makes any inflammation/injury or hyperpigmentation/discoloration more noticeable and ingrown hairs are more common due to curled follicle.

  • Cleanse, moisturize, and use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily, as darker skin is just as vulnerable to skin damage/cancer
  • Reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation/dark spots (from acne and other damage) with gentle retinoids, Hydroquinone, Kojic acid, or Vitamin C
  • Resist over-exfoliation, as it can lead to scarring
  • Keep ingrown hairs at bay by cleaning, gently exfoliating, and warming the skin before shaving with a single-blade razor – avoid moisturizing with skin oils, which can clog the pores and make matters worse

Skintap empowers patients to look and feel their very best with personalized treatment plans from a hand-picked team of doctors with over 50 years of combined experience. From your device, to doctor, to front door, book and enjoy a virtual appointment with a top-rated, board-certified dermatologist from the comfort of home or anywhere you roam. Plus, shop the complete Vidaderma line of doctor-developed skincare featuring pure, holistic ingredients.