Renowned dermatologist, celebrated author of Brown Skin, founding director of the Skin of Color Center, and woman of color: Dr. Susan Taylor successfully sought to fill a gap in the world of beauty when she introduced her very own skincare brand to the market: Rx for Brown Skin, which was created specifically to help women of color (African, Asian, Latina, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern) achieve flawless, radiant skin. Here, Dr. Taylor chats with Glam about skincare dos and don’ts, skin-cancer warning signs, and how she stays so gorgeous. —India-Jewel Jackson
You are one of the first mainstream dermatologists to focus on skin of color. At what point did you realize there was a need for such a focus?
After I completed my dermatology residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and established my practice, Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia, it became apparent that patients were finding me because I was a dermatologist of color who not only understood their problems but also had expertise in treating them. A colleague of mine in New York also had patients who would ask him to specifically refer them to a dermatologist of color. It became apparent to many dermatologists that there was a need for such a focus.
How often should women visit the dermatologist?
If a woman is not having any problems, she should visit a dermatologist once a year for a complete skin check and evaluation for skin cancer.
What skin problems do women of color face that can be overlooked by dermatologists?
A.) Melanoma skin cancer, which appears in nontraditional areas such as the fingernails, fingers, and toes.
B.) Understanding the negative impact of pigmentation problems and not treating them aggressively.
C) The importance of understanding the haircare practices of women with textured hair when treating scalp problems.
What seemingly insignificant skin problems can actually be the sign of a bigger issue?
Dark discolorations on the neck—termed acanthosis nigricans—can be an early sign of diabetes.
What is the biggest skin myth?
That pores open and close. They don’t.
