What is it about Black skin that doesn’t seem to fade with time? Cicely Tyson,Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett Smith, Angela Bassett and countless more are gifted with the grace of timeless beauty. Is it something in our Black skin that keeps us looking fine as wine past the hands of time, or is it just a myth that we’ve been telling ourselves for years? Nationally recognized dermatologist, Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III, talks to us about Black skin and why many believe that “Black don’t crack.”
BlackDoctor.org: People say, “Black don’t crack.” What’s in Black skin that allows it to stay so youthful and vibrant?
Dr. Crutchfield: This is really an old-fashioned statement that I’ve heard that I don’t use. It essentially means that with increased melanin there is increased sun protection and not as much sun damage, and as a result skin of color does not have as many wrinkles. This is really an evolutionary adaptation to protection from ultraviolet radiation. The closer a person lived to the equator, the more natural protection they needed from the sun. Although I do tell patients no matter what your skin color, from snow white to dark chocolate brown, your skin only has a natural SPF of about 8 so it’s always important to supplement.
BlackDoctor.org: What role does the biological chemical melanin play in skin protection and health? Do other melanated races have the same type of results?
Dr. Crutchfield: Once again, this is an old evolutionary molecule that acts as an umbrella to protect the cells from DNA damage and mutation which can lead to skin cancer. The interesting thing is that no matter what color you are everybody has the same number of melanocytes or the cells that produce melanin.The only difference in skin color is the amount of melanin that is produced. Once again this is an evolutionary adaptation to protect from ultraviolet radiation damage.
BlackDoctor.org: Does skin complexion in Black people represent varying challenges or benefits? For instance, do darker skinned people enjoy more protection from the sun than lighter those with lighter skin?
Dr. Crutchfield: Yes, they do, but once again it’s measurable. In this day and age, there’re lots of outdoor activities, and it’s important for everyone to protect themselves from the sun. My grandfather was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman and he developed skin cancer. So no matter what your skin color it’s always smart to protect yourself from the sun.
BlackDoctor.org: What can we Black people do to keep their beautiful skin intact and young?
Dr. Crutchfield: I think the four top things to do for high-quality skincare is gentle cleansing with a cleanser without harsh detergents that can damage the skin. Good hydration and moisturization. Putting on a rich moisturizing cream or lotion after bathing or showering to prevent ashy skin and to seal in the moisture the skin has absorbed during a bath or a shower. This is important especially during cold, dry winter months. Gentle correction. There are lots of topical ceramides and vitamin creams that can restore the natural skin barrier. And in the end correction. If eventually the skin is severely damaged there are other ways of correcting with lasers and other medical grade treatments.
BlackDoctor.org: What kind of role does a good dermatologist like yourself play in a patient’s life?
Dr. Crutchfield: There are over 4000 skin diseases. Many can be disabling and almost crippling. There are other skin conditions that can profoundly affect self-esteem. With a good dermatologist, skin conditions can be managed and controlled so they are not crippling or disabling and skin issues that can affect self-esteem can be erased, especially during teenage years when it’s so important to have a happy outlook and high self-esteem.
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