Dr. Loretta Ciraldo was chosen by O Magazine as the dermatologist to be on the panel of world-renowned beauty experts to answer beauty questions. She appeared live on September 29, 2007 and contributes articles on skin care to O Magazine as well.

All of Dr. Loretta's potent products are extremely gentle and effective for ethnic skin. Choose the products that best suit your skin and your goals. The following article discusses important aspects of skin care for ethnic skin.

Does Ethnicity or Skin Color Affect Your Choice of Skin Care Products?

All skin is subject to a number of problems, regardless of skin color or ethnic background. Whether having dry or oily skin, blemishes, scarring, wrinkles, skin discolorations, disorders, or sensitivity, and even risk of sun damage, all men and women share similar issues. While there may be some distinctions between varying ethnic groups when it comes to skin problems and skin-care options, overall these differences are minor in comparison to the number of similarities.

If there is any difference noted in the research it is the absolute need to treat darker skin tones gently. When irritated, darker skin tones can stimulate hyper-pigmentation causing patches of dark or grayish skin discolorations. Though this is easily treated, the main focus should be prevention.

It can’t be said too often—all skin types need to be treated gently. When skin is roughly treated and becomes irritated, it cannot protect itself from the environment, it causes collagen and elastin to break down, hurts the skin's immune response, and can cause skin to become dry and flaky.

Regardless of skin color or ethnicity, all skin needs a gentle cleanser, effective exfoliant, state-of-the-art moisturizer (primarily over dry area), a sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater containing UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide, and appropriate treatments for skin discolorations (hydroquinone-based products), blemishes, and wrinkles. And if you have time, treat yourself to a mask—at least once or twice a week!

See Our Product Guide by Skin Type for a listing of products by skin type or skin need or

Our Store for a listing of products by type, i.e. cleansers, exfoliants, etc.

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