Dr Susan Taylor attended Harvard Medical School with the plans of becoming a primary care physician. However, in her 4th year after studying dermatology, she found a greater interest in dermatology. After a residency in internal medicine, she continued on in a residency of dermatology as well, becoming board certified in both.
Taylor enjoyed how dermatology had many depths to the specialty with surgical and cosmetic procedures, plus the flexibility of caring for all ages.
Throughout her years of practice Taylor has become the leading expert on ethnic skin; founding both the Skin of Color Center and the Skin of Color Society, and being a board member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Skin of Color Center
The Skin of Color Center founded in February of 1999 as a part of St Luke’s Hospital in New York, NY. Dr Taylor explained the Center’s purpose, “It is devoted to skin disorders for people of color…for people to feel more comfortable with doctors who understand their problems. It is the first of its type.” Along with treatment of patients, research is also done on several skin care products that are not adequately tested for all skin types and tones.
Skin of Color Society
The Skin of Color Society was developed in 2004 with an emphasis on research and education. “Its purpose is to promote awareness of and excellence within the area of special interest of dermatology – skin of color” (Skin of Color Society website). With an emphasis on education, dermatologists hold lectures and forums on health issues related to skin of color. The Society also supports research and provides grants to continue research for the skin of color field.
Rx for Brown Skin
With the many skin care products available, there are few for women with dark skin tones. Dr Taylor found a huge need for such products to help women of color; Taylor says, “It was an extension of what I was meant to do.” Because of pigmentation, caused by the amount of melanin in the skin, the problems in ethnic skin tones are different and therefore cause different skin care problems. Because of this, many of the skin care lines already developed, did not provide the results women of color needed.
Some women with darker skin tone have concerns with the following:
- Aging: Women of color rarely get wrinkles during the aging process, but instead will have sagging of the skin and uneven skin tone.
- Acne: Instead of causing an inflamed red bump on the skin, for ethnic skin the acne will be darker in tone and will last for several months instead of healing within a few days.
- Scaring: Healing is different in skin of color, scarring is more prominent and it is easier for large scars to form.
- Sensitivity: Sensitivities and rashes will appear different, many times there will be sensitivity to a product but will go unnoticed.
Rx for Brown Skin has many products available and can be used for all skin tones, even though it is formulated for darker skin tones. It works well for sensitive skin, to reduce the appearance of freckles, and for rosacea.
References:
- Personal Interview with Dr Susan Taylor, developer of Rx for Brown Skin, 1 May, 2009.
- Skin of Color Center. http://www.wehealny.org/services/SLR_skinofColor/index.html (May 14, 2009).
- Skin of Color Society. http://www.skinofcolorsociety.org/ (May 14, 2009).
Chrissy Dolezal - Chrissy Dolezal is a freelance writer and has a passion for makeup, skincare and living a healthy life.
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