Skin of Color Skin Care Needs: Results of a Multi-Center-Based Survey
July 2022 | Volume 21 | Issue 7 | 709 | Copyright © July 2022
Published online June 29, 2022
Amaris Geisler MDa, Natasha Masub MDa, Michelle Toker BSb, Julie K. Nguyen MDa, Lauren Seale MDc, Rithu Srikantha MDb, Caroline Halverstam MDb, Henry W. Lim MDc, Jared Jagdeo MD MSa,d
aDepartment of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
bDepartment of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
cDepartment of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
dDermatology Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System – Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY
Abstract
Targeted marketing and media may serve as potential sources of health information for consumers, influencing knowledge, practices, perception, and utilization of health care services. In addition to this vulnerable consumerism, there are barriers to healthy consumerism including exposure to different sources or lack thereof, lack of knowledge, inadequate transportation, or proximity to stores, cost, and marketing of products that are not suitable for all skin types. We conducted a multi-center “Skin of Color Skin Care Needs” survey to characterize the skin care practices, concerns, and habits of both persons of color and non-Hispanic whites to evaluate barriers and influences on product choice and behaviors in these populations. One hundred and twenty-one respondents (74%) self-identified as a nonwhite racial group, while 31 respondents (19%) self-identified as non-Hispanic white. The top skincare concerns in the skin of color population were acne and blemishes (40%), dry skin (32%), and pigmentation/dark spots (26%). In the non-Hispanic white population, the top concerns were fine lines and wrinkles (42%), followed by acne and blemishes (39%), and dry skin (26%). When questioned about barriers respondents faced in discovering and using dermatologic products, SOC respondents were more likely to cite lack of available products for their skin type (11%), as compared to white respondents (0%). Skin of color respondents identified internet (42%) and social media (29%) as major sources of information regarding dermatologic products as compared to white respondents (26% and 13%, respectively). Health care disparities can be heightened by targeted marketing and the media, which have a major impact on patient health literacy and consumer choices. Dermatologists should be aware of this impact in order to address the knowledge gaps, minimize bias, and increase inclusivity for all skin types.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):709-711. doi:10.36849/JDD.6557
INTRODUCTION
Targeted marketing and media may serve as potential sources of health information for consumers, influencing knowledge, practices, perception, and utilization of health care services.1 These sources have the potential to define societal beauty standards, thus affecting the dermatologic health of patients.1,2 It is known that, for example, the use of skin bleaching practices is widespread throughout the world, triggered by historical, economical, sociocultural, and psychosocial concerns often raised in targeted marketing.2-4 However, skin bleaching has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects including dermatitis, ochronosis, steroid acne, mercury poisoning, kidney failure, endocrine disruption, and depression, linked to ingredients such as hydroquinone, corticosteroids, mercury, parabens, and phthalates.2-4 In addition to this vulnerable consumerism, there are barriers to healthy consumerism including exposure to different sources or lack thereof, lack of knowledge, inadequate transportation or proximity to stores, cost, and marketing of products that are not suitable for all skin types.1 We conducted a multi-center "Skin of Color Skin Care Needs" survey to characterize the skin care practices, concerns, and habits of both persons of color and non-Hispanic whites to evaluate barriers and influences on product choice and behaviors in these populations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Following IRB approval, a paper survey was distributed to potential participants at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit from January 2020 to August 2020. Survey data was entered into SPSS for statistical analysis. Participants were asked demographics and questions regarding their skin care practices, concerns, and habits.
