Expert Dermatology Care for Skin of Color in Sandy Springs

Diverse shades of beauty and confidence. 

Skin conditions can present differently in melanin-rich skin, requiring experience, precision, and careful treatment planning. At Springs Dermatology MD, we provide expert dermatologic care for patients in Sandy Springs and North Atlanta area with skin of color, led by a triple board-certified dermatologist with experience treating acne, pigmentation disorders, scarring, and hair loss in diverse skin tones.

Specialized Care for Skin of Color—From Diagnosis to Treatment

Skin, hair, and nail concerns can look different in melanin-rich skin, and treatments may need to be adjusted to help reduce the risk of unwanted pigment changes or scarring. At Springs Dermatology MD, we take a careful, experience-driven approach to diagnosing and treating skin of color, with plans tailored to your skin type, goals, and comfort level.

Whether you’re dealing with acne and dark spots, melasma, keloids, eczema, psoriasis, or hair loss concerns (including traction alopecia or CCCA), we focus on safe, evidence-based options and clear guidance, so you can feel confident in your care plan.

Conditions We Commonly Treat

• Acne & post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Melasma & pigment disorders Keloids & hypertrophic scars

• Hair loss (CCCA, traction alopecia, cicatricial alopecia)

• Eczema & psoriasis in darker skin tones Vitiligo & hypopigmentation disorders

Treatment Options and Special Considerations

Treatments can be highly effective in skin of color, but they often require careful selection and settings to help reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), hypopigmentation, or scarring. At Springs Dermatology MD, we personalize treatment plans based on your skin type, diagnosis, and history—so you get options that are both results-focused and skin-safe.

Depending on your concerns, your plan may include medical-grade topicals, oral medications, injections, microneedling, or chemical peels chosen specifically with skin of color considerations in mind.

Specialized Hair Restoration

Hair loss can present differently in patients with skin of color, often requiring tailored medical and procedural approaches. In addition to our dermatology expertise, our dedicated hair restoration practice—Springs Hair Restoration—offers specialized care for hair loss in skin of color. Our team provides personalized solutions to address the unique challenges of diverse hair types, delivering the most effective and natural-looking results.

We understand that your skin and hair tell a unique story—and we’re here to help you write the next chapter- Contact us today.

Unique Characteristics of Skin of Color

Increased Melanin Content Melanin

This pigment determines skin color and is more abundant in darker skin tones. While melanin provides some natural protection against UV radiation, it also makes skin more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and hypopigmentation following trauma, inflammation, or certain treatments.

Thicker and More Compact Epidermis

Results in a stronger skin barrier, which can reduce transepidermal water loss but may also impact the absorption of topical treatments.

Increased Fibroblast Activity

Darker skin is more prone to hypertrophic scars and keloids due to a heightened wound-healing response.

Higher Sebum Production

Some skin of color patients have a greater tendency toward acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and oily skin conditions.

How Skin Conditions Present in Skin of Color

Acne and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

In skin of color, acne is often associated with dark spots and discoloration (PIH), which can persist long after the acne has cleared.

Treatment Considerations:

• Use gentle, non-irritating treatments to avoid worsening PIH.

• Topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) help with acne and PIH but should be introduced slowly to minimize irritation.

• Hydroquinone, azelaic acid, niacinamide, or cysteamine can be used to lighten dark spots.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

In skin of color, eczema often appears as gray, purple, or dark brown patches instead of the typical red appearance seen in lighter skin. Lichenification (thickening of the skin) is more common due to chronic scratching.

Treatment Considerations:

• Moisturization is crucial as darker skin has a higher tendency toward dryness.

• Avoid overuse of topical steroids, as they can cause hypopigmentation.

Psoriasis

In skin of color, psoriasis lesions may appear dark brown, violet, or hyperpigmented, making it harder to diagnose. Scaling may be less prominent, leading to misdiagnosis as eczema or another inflammatory condition.

Treatment Considerations:

• Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB) is effective but requires careful dosing to avoid hypopigmentation.

• Topical treatments like vitamin D analogs and corticosteroids should be used cautiously to prevent pigmentary changes.

Vitiligo and Hypopigmentation Disorders

Loss of pigment in darker skin is highly noticeable and can be psychologically distressing for patients. Vitiligo in skin of color requires careful treatment to either repigment or depigment the skin uniformly.

Treatment Considerations:

• Narrowband UVB phototherapy and topical corticosteroids can help restore pigment.

• Micropigmentation (tattooing) may be an option for stable cases.

Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

More common in individuals with darker skin due to an overactive wound-healing response.

Treatment Considerations:

• Intralesional corticosteroid injections (e.g., triamcinolone) can help flatten keloids.

• Laser therapy must be used cautiously, as some lasers can worsen pigmentation.

• Silicone gel sheets and pressure therapy can prevent keloid formation after surgery.

• Cryotherapy

• Intralesional Efudex

• Excisions (surgical removal)

Melasma and Hyperpigmentation Disorders

More prevalent in skin of color due to higher melanin activity, it is often triggered by hormones, sun exposure, or inflammation.

Treatment Considerations:

• Sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF 30+ with physical blockers like zinc oxide and also protection from visible light) is essential.

• Combination therapy works best (e.g., hydroquinone + tretinoin + corticosteroids).

• Laser and chemical peels must be used cautiously to prevent worsening hyperpigmentation.

Tinea Versicolor and Fungal Infections

Common in skin of color, often presenting with hypopigmented or hyperpigmented patches instead of the classic red rash seen in lighter skin. 

Treatment Considerations:

 • Topical antifungals (ketoconazole, selenium sulfide) are first-line treatments.

• Oral antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole) may be needed for extensive cases.

Hair and Scalp Disorders

Cicatricial Alopecia, Traction Alopecia, Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), all are common in Black patients due to tight hairstyles, heat, and chemical processing.

Treatment Considerations:

• Topical or intralesional corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in cicatricial alopecia.

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) helps with regrowth.

• Avoiding harsh styling practices is key to prevention.

Cultural and Psychological Considerations

For many patients with skin of color, pigmentary concerns are often more significant than the underlying skin condition itself. Understanding this priority helps guide more effective and personalized treatment approaches.

Cultural practices, including the use of herbal remedies and cosmetic treatments, should be openly discussed to prevent potential interactions with medical therapies. Patients deserve care that respects their traditions while ensuring safety and efficacy.

Additionally, hair and scalp care routines play a crucial role in dermatologic treatment plans. Considering these factors helps create solutions that fit seamlessly into a patient’s lifestyle, leading to better adherence and outcomes.

Book Your Dermatology Visit in Sandy Springs

Looking for a dermatologist who truly understands your unique skin needs? Call (470) 769-9400 to book your consultation!

Springs Dermatology MD, located in Sandy Springs, is conveniently accessible to patients from Atlanta, Dunwoody, Roswell, Brookhaven, Marietta, Alpharetta, and across the Metro Atlanta area.

Johns Creek Dermatology is our second office located in Johs Creek, North Altana.