Whether your background is Caucasian, African, Asian, Caribbean, Latino, or something else, your skin will differ in several ways. Here is what you should know about the differences between the skin of people of color and lighter skin colors.

Glutathione

The epidermis that men of color have contains less glutathione than someone who is Caucasian. It is now believed that having less glutathione could be a factor in skin color. Also, inhibiting the epidermal glutathione system can result in having darker skin. Additionally, glutathione within the skin has been found to block melanogenesis, which is a fancy word for the production of melanin.

Melanin

Melanin is a term used to describe a large group of related molecules responsible for many biological functions, including pigmentation of skin and hair, and protect the skin and eye from photo-damage. People of color also have larger melanosomes than those with lighter skin. These melanosomes synthesize, store, and transport melanin.

Skin Thickness

Also, just as men have thicker skin than women, men of color are likely to have thicker skin than other men. This involves them having a higher electrical resistance than lighter-colored skin, indicating higher skin cohesion and thickness.

Fibroblasts – Most common cells of connective tissue

Men of color also have larger fibroblasts and more of them. These are cells that synthesize collagen and develop the structural framework of the skin. They also play a vital role in healing wounds. Additionally, these fibroblasts are multi-nucleated, which means there is a higher likelihood of abnormal scarring and keloid formation than lighter skin types.

Corneum – The outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of dead cells that slough off

Darker skin’s corneum has additional layers and stronger cells than the corneum in lighter skin tones. The corneum is the outermost layer of the skin that is the physical barrier between the body and the outside environment.

Demis – The inner layer of the two main layers of the skin

Black men, along with Asian men, have a thicker demis that is also more compact, which is why these ethnicities suffer from fewer facial wrinkles early on. Again, black men have higher moisture content, in the stratum corneum than lighter skin tones.

Others..

There are a few more ways darker skin differs from lighter skin. Men of color shed more of their outer layers than Caucasian skin. Black men also have fewer ceramides than white and Hispanic men. Asians have more ceramide than anyone else. Finally, people of color skin is 2x more alkali-insoluble melanin than lighter skin.

Wrapping Up

What the differences between darker and lighter skin tones, show us is a few things. The structural differences in the skin will mean certain topical creams and lotions will work well for one person but not that great for another. Also, the type of skin you have will determine how safe chemical peels, skin laser, and other treatments are. Finally, your skin type will affect its healing response to wounding and scarring.

If you are a man of color, for example, you should be using different skin products than a white man. Make sure you are using the best skincare products for your skin type, so it can be nourished and protected in the best way possible.

Try Gentdo Skincare products, a high quality products formulated for men of color.