Skincare Industry Evolves to Better Serve Diverse Skin Tones
The skincare industry is evolving to better cater to diverse skin tones. Dr. Dara Suite, aesthetic doctor at The Well, and Noelly Michoux, CEO of 4.5.6. Skin, advocate for more nuanced skin tone classifications like the Monk Skin Tone Scale (MSTS) to provide personalized care. This shift acknowledges the unique needs of darker skin tones, which have denser stratum corneums, larger melanocytes, and may produce more sebum.
Darker skin tones, classified as Phototypes V and VI, require specific care. They should prioritize barrier repair and use daily broad-spectrum SPF, ideally SPF50+. Cold weather can disrupt their skin barrier, leading to dryness and dehydration. To prevent hyperpigmentation, which they are more prone to, antioxidants are crucial. Noelly Michoux stresses the importance of understanding these unique needs.
The Fitzpatrick Scale, long used for skin classification, has been criticized for its Eurocentric bias. In response, the MSTS, a 10-shade scale developed with Google, offers a more precise and standardized color classification system. It aims to improve media representation, AI algorithms, and research accuracy for all skin tones.
The shift towards more nuanced skin tone classifications, like the Monk Skin Tone Scale, is crucial for personalized skincare. It addresses the specific needs of darker skin tones, such as the importance of barrier repair, daily SPF, and antioxidants for Phototypes V and VI. This evolution ensures everyone receives appropriate skincare advice and products tailored to their unique skin.
