Skin tone and color can affect how soon someone develops wrinkles and sunspots, and whether they are more prone to hyperpigmentation or darkened areas on their skin. While skin color, tone, and type were previously based on subjective observations, there is now an objective approach to describing skin types and colors called the Fitzpatrick Skin Typing Test, which divides skin tones into four different categories.
When shopping for skincare products, it is important to focus on skin type, current environment, and ingredient sensitivity, rather than skin color. Checking the ingredients list is still the best way to go, no matter how many positive reviews or stars the product has online. Some popular skincare ingredients include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), salicylic acid, vitamin A, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and niacinamide.
It is worth noting that the use of skin fairness products that frequently contain toxic ingredients is associated with significant adverse health side effects, and the multi-million-dollar skin fairness product industry has been criticized for perpetuating racism and social inequalities by reinforcing beliefs about the benefits of skin fairness for cultural capital.
For the most part, the ingredients and types of products needed to address skin concerns remain the same regardless of skin color. However, there are some differences in how certain products may work on different skin tones, such as how physical blocker sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may not always be cosmetically suitable for darker skin.
