Acne can affect anyone, but it does not always look or behave the same on every skin tone. In Black skin, acne is often closely linked with pigmentation changes, dark marks, uneven tone, and sometimes a higher risk of visible long-term skin changes after inflammation.
This means acne care in Black skin should not focus only on clearing spots. It should also consider what happens after the spots settle, because the marks left behind can sometimes last longer than the acne itself.
If you have Black skin and acne, you may find that even a small breakout can leave a dark mark for weeks or months. You may also notice that harsh acne products, picking, over-exfoliation, or irritation can make the skin look more uneven.
That can feel frustrating because the active acne may improve, but the skin still does not look clear. This is one of the main reasons acne treatment in Black skin needs a careful, balanced approach.
The aim is not just to treat spots quickly. The aim is to calm inflammation, prevent new breakouts, protect the skin barrier, reduce pigmentation risk, and choose treatments that suit your skin safely.
Why Acne in Black Skin Needs Special Attention
Black skin naturally contains more active melanin production, which gives the skin its rich colour. This is completely normal and healthy, but it also means your skin may react to inflammation by producing extra pigment. In conditions such as Acne, this can lead to darker marks being left behind after spots heal.
These marks are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often shortened to PIH. PIH is different from a true acne scar because it is mainly a colour change rather than a change in skin texture. A scar usually involves dents, pits, raised areas, or thickened skin, whereas PIH leaves darker patches after inflammation settles.
Even though PIH is not technically a scar, it can still feel very distressing for you because it may make your skin tone look uneven and can take a long time to fade. That is why dermatologists often treat acne in Black skin with two goals at the same time: controlling active breakouts and reducing the risk of worsening pigmentation.
The Main Difference: Pigmentation After Acne
One of the biggest differences many people notice with acne is not always the spots themselves, but what the spots leave behind afterwards. In lighter skin tones, acne often leaves temporary redness. In Black skin, it is more common for acne to leave brown, dark brown, grey-brown, purple-brown, or almost black marks depending on your skin tone and how deep the inflammation was.
These marks can remain long after the active spot has gone away. You may feel that the acne has healed, but your skin still does not look clear because the pigmentation remains visible. This can be frustrating and can sometimes affect your confidence, especially when the marks seem to last much longer than the breakout itself.
That is why early acne control is so important. Every inflamed spot has the potential to leave another mark behind, so preventing new breakouts is one of the best ways to reduce future pigmentation and support clearer-looking skin over time.
Why Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Happens
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens when your skin produces extra melanin after inflammation or injury. In Acne, this commonly happens after spots heal because acne causes inflammation inside the pore and surrounding skin.
The deeper or more inflamed the spot is, the greater the chance of a dark mark forming afterwards. Nodules, cysts, squeezed spots, and irritated breakouts are especially likely to leave pigmentation, and these marks may last much longer than the acne itself.
Picking at spots and using harsh skincare can make pigmentation worse. Strong scrubs, aggressive exfoliation, or overusing acne products may irritate the skin further and trigger more pigment production, which is why gentle and consistent skincare is often the safer approach for Black skin.
Acne May Look Different on Black Skin
Acne can sometimes look different on Black skin because redness is not always as obvious as it is in lighter skin tones. Instead of looking bright red, inflammation may appear darker, purple, brown, or grey compared with the surrounding skin.
This does not mean the acne is less inflamed. You may still notice tenderness, swelling, heat, or soreness even if the spots do not look very red. That is why acne severity should not be judged by redness alone, especially in darker skin tones.
A dermatologist should assess more than just visible redness. Texture, swelling, number of lesions, tenderness, pigmentation, scarring risk, and how long marks are lasting all help give a clearer picture of how active the acne really is. If acne is underestimated, treatment may be delayed, which can increase the risk of long-term pigmentation and scarring.
Dark Marks Can Be More Distressing Than Spots
For many people with Black skin, the dark marks left behind by Acne can feel more upsetting than the spots themselves. A breakout may settle within days, but the pigmentation afterwards can remain for months and continue to affect how your skin looks.
This can become frustrating because each new spot may leave another dark mark behind. Over time, your skin tone may start to look uneven even if your active acne is only mild. That is why you may feel your acne looks more severe than other people realise.
Your concerns about pigmentation are completely valid. Dark marks can affect your confidence, how comfortable you feel without makeup, and how you feel in photographs or social situations. A good acne treatment plan should take pigmentation seriously rather than dismissing it as “just cosmetic”.
Black Skin Can Be More Prone to Certain Acne-Like Conditions
Not every bump or breakout on your skin is necessarily ordinary Acne. In Black skin, some conditions can look very similar to acne, especially because inflammation may appear darker rather than bright red. This can sometimes make it harder to tell the difference, which is why getting the right diagnosis is important.
One example is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, often called shaving bumps. This happens when curly or coiled hairs grow back into your skin after shaving, causing inflamed bumps and dark marks. It is especially common in the beard area, but it can also affect other shaved areas. If it is mistaken for acne, usual acne treatments may not fully help.
Another possibility is Folliculitis, which causes inflammation around the hair follicles and can look like small acne-like spots on your chest, back, scalp, or beard area. You may also develop acne cosmetica, where heavy oils, pomades, hair products, or pore-clogging skincare trigger breakouts, especially around your forehead, temples, hairline, cheeks, or jawline.
Hair Products Can Trigger Breakouts
Haircare can play an important role in Acne, especially in Black skin. Oils, butters, gels, pomades, edge control products, leave-in conditioners, and styling products can sometimes clog your pores or irritate the skin, particularly around the hairline and forehead.
This does not mean you have to stop using hair products altogether. However, if you notice breakouts mainly where your hair or hair products touch the skin, it may suggest that certain products are contributing to the problem. Acne may also worsen after protective styling, heavy product use, or wearing head coverings that trap sweat and oil.
Small changes can sometimes make a noticeable difference. You may benefit from keeping heavy products away from your face, cleansing after sweating, washing pillowcases regularly, and choosing non-comedogenic products where possible.
Skin Barrier Protection Is Very Important
Your skin barrier is the outer protective layer of your skin. When it is healthy, it helps keep moisture in and irritants out. In Acne, protecting this barrier is especially important because irritation can increase the risk of dark marks and pigmentation in Black skin.
Many acne treatments can dry or irritate your skin, particularly if they are used too often or combined with too many strong products. This does not mean acne treatments should be avoided, but it does mean they should usually be introduced gradually and used carefully.
A simple routine is often more effective than a long routine full of harsh actives. A gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser, suitable acne treatment, and daily sunscreen may be enough for many people. If your skin feels burning, tight, peeling, or stinging, that is not always a sign the treatment is working. It may be a sign that your skin barrier is becoming damaged.
Why Harsh Scrubs Can Make Acne Worse
Many people try to scrub Acne away, especially when the skin feels oily, rough, or uneven. Unfortunately, harsh scrubs can sometimes make both acne and pigmentation worse, particularly in Black skin.
Physical scrubs can create tiny injuries and irritation in the skin. This irritation may trigger more pigmentation and can also weaken your skin barrier. When the barrier becomes damaged, acne treatments may sting more, dryness can worsen, and inflammation may increase.
This can create a frustrating cycle where you use more and more products because your skin looks worse, but the extra products cause even more irritation. In many cases, simplifying your routine and focusing on gentle, consistent skincare is the safer and more effective approach for acne-prone Black skin.
Sunscreen Still Matters in Black Skin
There is a common myth that Black skin does not need sunscreen, but this is not true, especially if you are dealing with Acne marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Although Black skin has more natural protection against UV damage than very fair skin, sun exposure can still darken existing pigmentation and make marks take longer to fade.
If you are treating dark marks, sunscreen is an important part of your routine. Without sun protection, pigmentation can continue to re-darken even when your acne treatment is working properly. This can make it feel as though your skin is not improving, even when inflammation is being controlled.
One challenge is finding a sunscreen that feels comfortable on Black skin and does not leave a grey or white cast. Many older formulas felt heavy or looked ashy, which understandably put people off using them. Fortunately, newer formulas are often much better, and tinted or invisible sunscreens may feel more suitable for daily use. The best sunscreen is usually the one you are happy to wear consistently every day.
Choosing the Right Acne Treatments
Acne treatment in Black skin often uses many of the same medicines used for other skin types, but the way they are introduced and monitored can be different. Your treatment plan should focus not only on clearing active acne but also on reducing irritation and preventing long-lasting dark marks. Because Black skin can react more strongly to inflammation, careful treatment selection is especially important.
- Topical Retinoids: Retinoids can help prevent blocked pores, reduce breakouts, and may also improve uneven pigmentation over time.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, although using too much may cause dryness or irritation.
- Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid may help improve both active acne and the dark marks that can remain after spots heal.
- Oral and Hormonal Treatments: If your acne is more severe or keeps returning, your dermatologist may discuss oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin.
Overall, the best acne treatment plan for you should balance effective acne control with protecting your skin from irritation and pigmentation changes. Many treatments can work very well when they are introduced gradually and used correctly. A personalised approach can help you achieve clearer skin while also reducing the risk of long-term marks and scarring.
Retinoids in Black Skin
Retinoids are often an important part of treating Acne. They help prevent blocked pores, reduce comedones, and support long-term acne control. Because they also encourage skin turnover, they may gradually help improve uneven skin tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time.
However, retinoids require patience. It can take several weeks before you notice improvement, and your skin may feel dry, flaky, or sensitive at the beginning. In Black skin, the aim is to get the benefits of treatment without causing unnecessary irritation that could worsen pigmentation.
Your dermatologist may recommend starting slowly by using a small amount, applying moisturiser, or using the retinoid on alternate nights at first. You do not need to apply large amounts to get better results. In most cases, a pea-sized amount is enough for your entire face.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Irritation Control
Benzoyl Peroxide is a common treatment for Acne because it helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. It can be particularly helpful for inflamed spots, but it may also cause dryness, peeling, or irritation, especially when first introduced.
In Black skin, irritation control is very important because excess irritation may increase the risk of dark marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For this reason, lower strengths or wash-off benzoyl peroxide products may sometimes be easier for your skin to tolerate than stronger leave-on formulas.
Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach towels, bedding, and clothing, although it does not bleach your natural skin colour. If your skin becomes very dry, sore, or irritated, you should not simply continue without advice. Your dermatologist may recommend reducing how often you use it or combining it with moisturiser to make treatment more comfortable.
Azelaic Acid for Acne and Pigmentation
Azelaic Acid can be especially useful for people with Acne in Black skin because it may help with both breakouts and pigmentation at the same time. It has anti-inflammatory and comedone-reducing effects, and it may also gradually improve uneven skin tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Many people find azelaic acid gentler than some stronger acne treatments, although it can still cause dryness, mild stinging, or irritation in sensitive skin. Starting slowly and using moisturiser alongside treatment may help your skin adjust more comfortably.
Azelaic acid may be used on its own for mild acne with pigmentation, or combined with other treatments when acne is more severe. The main goal is to control active acne while also helping existing marks fade, because if new spots keep forming, new dark marks may continue to appear.
Antibiotics and Black Skin Acne Care
Antibiotics can help reduce inflammation in Acne, particularly when you have painful or inflamed breakouts. In Black skin, lowering inflammation can also help reduce the risk of developing new dark marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
However, antibiotics are not usually recommended as a long-term treatment on their own because of concerns about antibiotic resistance. Dermatologists often combine them with treatments such as Benzoyl Peroxide or retinoids to improve long-term acne control and reduce reliance on antibiotics alone.
If your acne keeps returning after repeated antibiotic courses, your treatment plan may need to change. Depending on your situation, your dermatologist may discuss stronger topical maintenance, hormonal treatment, or Isotretinoin. The aim is not just short-term improvement, but better long-term control with fewer breakouts and fewer new marks.
Hormonal Acne in Black Skin
Hormonal Acne can affect Black women just as it affects women of other skin tones. You may notice breakouts mainly around your chin, jawline, lower cheeks, neck, chest, or back, and the acne may flare before your period or continue into adulthood.
Some people also notice oily skin, acne that keeps returning after antibiotics, or symptoms linked with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, such as irregular periods or excess facial hair. These patterns can suggest that hormones are playing an important role in your acne.
Treatment may include options such as combined oral contraceptives or Spironolactone in suitable patients. These treatments are not right for everyone, so your dermatologist will consider your medical history, pregnancy plans, blood pressure, current medications, and personal preferences before recommending hormonal therapy.
Isotretinoin and Severe Acne
Isotretinoin may be recommended if you have severe Acne, nodular acne, acne scarring, or breakouts that have not improved with other treatments. It can be very effective because it targets several causes of acne at the same time, including oil production, inflammation, and blocked pores.
In Black skin, isotretinoin may help reduce the risk of further scarring and pigmentation by controlling severe inflammation early. However, it needs careful medical supervision because it can cause dryness, sensitivity, blood test changes, and serious pregnancy-related risks. You will usually need monitoring and clear guidance throughout treatment.
Managing dryness is especially important because irritated skin may become more vulnerable to pigmentation changes. A gentle skincare routine with moisturiser and sunscreen is often recommended alongside treatment. If isotretinoin is suggested for you, your dermatologist should explain the benefits, risks, monitoring process, contraception requirements where relevant, and the expected treatment timeline.
Treating Dark Marks After Acne
Treating dark marks after Acne is often slower than treating the acne itself. This can feel frustrating because even when your breakouts improve, the pigmentation may still remain visible for months. In many cases, patience and consistency are a major part of treatment.
The first priority is preventing new spots from forming, because every new breakout has the potential to leave another dark mark behind. Daily sunscreen is also very important, as sun exposure can darken pigmentation and slow fading. Protecting your skin from UV exposure helps support more even skin tone over time.
Pigment-focused treatments may include Azelaic Acid, retinoids, niacinamide, vitamin C, or prescription treatments such as Hydroquinone in selected cases under medical supervision. Some people may also benefit from professional treatments such as chemical peels or laser procedures, but these need to be chosen carefully in Black skin because the wrong treatment can sometimes worsen pigmentation rather than improve it.
Chemical Peels in Black Skin
Chemical peels can sometimes help with Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but they need to be used carefully in Black skin. The type of peel, its strength, your skin preparation, and the aftercare all play an important role in safety and results.
Superficial peels performed by experienced clinicians may help improve clogged pores, skin texture, and uneven pigmentation in selected patients. However, stronger or deeper peels carry a higher risk of irritation, burns, and worsening pigmentation, which is why experience with darker skin tones is very important.
You should also be cautious with strong at-home peels, especially if your skin is already inflamed or sensitive. Online trends do not always take your skin type or acne severity into account. In many cases, the safest approach is to control active acne first before moving on to pigmentation-focused procedures.
Laser and Energy-Based Treatments
Laser and energy-based treatments can sometimes help with Acne scars and pigmentation, but they need to be approached very carefully in Black skin. The wrong laser type or incorrect settings can increase the risk of burns, irritation, or worsening pigmentation.
This does not mean laser treatments are unsuitable for you. It simply means they should only be performed by clinicians who have experience treating darker skin tones. Depending on your scar type, treatment options may include microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, fractional laser, subcision, or other scar-focused procedures.
If your main concern is dark marks rather than texture scarring, topical treatments and sunscreen are often the first step before procedures are considered. You should never feel pressured into aggressive treatment. In Black skin, careful planning and gradual improvement are usually safer and more effective than rushing into stronger procedures.
Acne Scars Versus Dark Marks
It is helpful for you to understand the difference between acne scars and dark marks because they are not the same thing and often need different treatments. Many people use the word “scarring” for all post-acne marks, but dermatologists usually separate pigmentation changes from true texture scars.
Dark marks after Acne are usually flat areas of pigmentation, often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These marks may gradually fade with time, sunscreen, topical treatments, and sometimes procedures. True acne scars involve changes in skin texture, such as pits, dents, rolling scars, boxcar scars, ice-pick scars, or raised thickened scars.
Black skin can also be more prone to raised or keloid-type scarring in some people, especially on the chest, shoulders, jawline, or back. A dermatologist can help determine whether you mainly have pigmentation, texture scarring, or a combination of both, which is important because the most effective treatment depends on the type of mark you have.
Why Picking Makes Everything Worse
Picking Acne spots is very understandable, especially when a breakout feels painful, swollen, or obvious. However, picking is one of the main reasons dark marks and scarring can become worse, particularly in Black skin.
When you squeeze or repeatedly touch a spot, you increase inflammation and trauma in the skin. This can push irritation deeper and make healing more difficult. In Black skin, that extra inflammation may trigger stronger pigmentation and can also increase the risk of texture changes or scarring.
If you find yourself picking because of stress, anxiety, or habit, it is worth mentioning this to your dermatologist because it is very common. Small practical changes such as using pimple patches, treating spots early, keeping your nails short, and avoiding magnifying mirrors may help reduce the urge. The aim is not perfect skin overnight, but less damage and trauma while your skin heals.
Makeup and Acne in Black Skin
Makeup can help you feel more confident by covering Acne and dark marks, but some products may also contribute to breakouts if they are heavy, oily, or pore-clogging. Choosing non-comedogenic or acne-friendly makeup where possible may help reduce this risk.
Removing your makeup properly at the end of the day is also important. If you wear makeup daily, your dermatologist may ask about the products you use, how you cleanse your skin, and whether breakouts tend to appear where makeup is applied most heavily. Brushes, sponges, and applicators can also affect your skin if they are not cleaned regularly.
You do not necessarily need to stop wearing makeup unless it is clearly worsening your acne. The aim is to use products that work with your skin rather than against it. Makeup can help cover pigmentation and improve confidence, but active or painful acne still deserves proper treatment rather than concealment alone.
Skincare Ingredients to Be Careful With
Not every skincare product marketed for acne is suitable for Black skin, especially if your skin is prone to irritation or pigmentation changes. Using too many active ingredients at once can sometimes damage the skin barrier and make dark marks worse. In many cases, a simple and consistent skincare routine works better than constantly changing products.
- Strong Scrubs and Exfoliants: Harsh scrubs and multiple exfoliating products can irritate your skin and increase pigmentation problems.
- High-Strength Acids and Peeling Solutions: Strong acids may damage the skin barrier if used too aggressively or too often.
- Alcohol-Based Toners: Toners with high alcohol content can dry out and irritate your skin, especially if you already use acne medication.
- Unregulated Skin-Lightening Products: Some products may contain unsafe steroids or harmful ingredients that can damage your skin over time.
Overall, your skincare routine should focus on balance, consistency, and protecting your skin barrier. Using too many strong products together can sometimes worsen acne and pigmentation rather than improve it. If you are considering treatments such as hydroquinone or stronger acids, it is usually safest to use them under professional guidance.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Early treatment of Acne is especially important in Black skin because every inflamed spot has the potential to leave a dark mark or scar behind. Waiting too long to seek help may increase the risk of long-lasting pigmentation and texture changes.
You do not need to wait until your acne becomes severe before speaking to a dermatologist. If your spots are painful, spreading, leaving marks, or affecting your confidence, those are all valid reasons to ask for advice. Treating acne earlier can often make long-term skin changes easier to prevent.
Early treatment may also help you avoid the frustrating cycle of trying random skincare products without knowing what your skin actually needs. A dermatologist can assess whether your acne is comedonal, inflammatory, hormonal, product-related, or severe enough to need oral medication, helping you find a more targeted and manageable treatment plan sooner.
What a Dermatologist Looks For
During your consultation, a dermatologist will usually look at more than just the visible Acne spots. They will assess the type of acne you have, where it appears, how inflamed it is, and whether you also have pigmentation, scarring, or irritation.
You may be asked about menstrual flares, shaving habits, hair products, skincare, makeup, stress, medications, family history, and previous treatments. These details can help identify possible triggers and guide the most suitable treatment plan. Your dermatologist may also check for hormonal imbalance or other skin conditions that can look similar to acne.
A good dermatologist should also ask what concerns you most about your skin. For some people, the biggest issue is active breakouts, while for others it is dark marks, oiliness, texture changes, or repeated flare-ups. Your treatment plan should reflect your priorities while still addressing the underlying cause of the acne.
Building a Routine That Works
A good routine for Acne in Black skin should be effective without being overly harsh. The aim is to control breakouts while also protecting your skin barrier and reducing the risk of dark marks and irritation.
For many people, a routine may include a gentle cleanser, acne treatment, moisturiser, and daily sunscreen. Additional products may be added depending on whether your main concerns are pigmentation, inflammation, oiliness, or more severe acne. Keeping your routine simple and consistent is often more helpful than using many strong products at once.
It is also important not to switch products too frequently or use treatments more often than advised. Acne medications usually need time to work, and overusing them can lead to dryness, irritation, and worsening pigmentation. In most cases, slow and steady treatment is safer and more effective than trying to force faster results.
FAQs:
1. Why does acne leave dark marks more easily in Black skin?
Black skin contains more active melanin production, so inflammation from acne can trigger excess pigment formation. This often leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can leave dark marks that last for weeks or months after spots heal.
2. Are dark marks the same as acne scars?
No. Dark marks are usually flat areas of pigmentation known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while true acne scars involve changes in skin texture such as dents, pits, raised scars, or thickened skin.
3. Can harsh acne products make pigmentation worse in Black skin?
Yes. Over-exfoliation, strong scrubs, harsh acids, and irritating skincare products can damage the skin barrier and increase inflammation, which may worsen pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
4. Does Black skin still need sunscreen if acne marks are present?
Yes. Sunscreen is very important because UV exposure can darken post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and slow the fading process. Daily sun protection helps support a more even skin tone over time.
5. What acne treatments are commonly used for Black skin?
Common treatments include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, antibiotics, hormonal treatments, and isotretinoin in severe cases. Treatment is usually introduced carefully to reduce irritation and pigmentation risk.
6. Can hair products cause acne in Black skin?
Yes. Heavy oils, pomades, gels, and leave-in hair products may clog pores and contribute to breakouts, especially around the forehead, temples, jawline, and hairline.
7. Why can acne look different on Black skin?
Inflammation in Black skin may appear brown, purple, grey, or darker than the surrounding skin rather than bright red. This can sometimes make acne severity harder to recognise.
8. Is azelaic acid good for acne and pigmentation?
Azelaic acid can be very helpful because it may improve both active acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the same time while often being gentler than some stronger acne treatments.
9. Can chemical peels and lasers be used safely on Black skin?
They can sometimes be helpful, but treatments must be chosen carefully and performed by clinicians experienced in treating darker skin tones, as incorrect treatments may worsen pigmentation.
10. When should you see a dermatologist for acne?
You should consider seeing a dermatologist if your acne is painful, leaving dark marks, causing scarring, spreading, repeatedly returning, or affecting your confidence and quality of life.
Final Thoughts on Acne in Black Skin
Acne in Black skin is not simply about treating spots alone. Pigmentation, uneven skin tone, irritation, and the risk of long-lasting marks often play a major role in how acne affects your skin and confidence. That is why treatment should focus on controlling inflammation early, protecting the skin barrier, preventing unnecessary irritation, and reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation alongside active breakouts.
A gentle and consistent skincare routine is often more effective than using multiple harsh products at once. Early treatment, daily sunscreen, and carefully selected acne therapies can all help improve both active acne and the marks left behind afterwards. Because Black skin can respond differently to inflammation and procedures, personalised treatment is especially important. You can get in touch with us to book a consultation with our acne clinic in London.
Reference:
- Alexis, A.F., Woolery-Lloyd, H., Williams, K. and Andriessen, A. (2021) Racial/ethnic variations in acne: Implications for treatment and skin care recommendations for acne patients with skin of color, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 20(7), pp. 716–725. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8565877/
- Taylor, S.C., Cook-Bolden, F., Rahman, Z. and Strachan, D. (2002) Acne vulgaris in skin of color, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 46(2 Suppl 2), pp. S98–S106. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962202107407
- Davis, E.C. and Callender, V.D. (2010) A review of acne in ethnic skin: Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management strategies, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 3(4), pp. 24–38. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921746/
- Pathmarajah, P., Peterknecht, E., Cheung, K., Elyoussfi, S., Muralidharan, V. and Bewley, A. (2022) Acne vulgaris in skin of color: A systematic review of the effectiveness and tolerability of current treatments, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(11), pp. 43–68. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36381183/
- Chiang, C., Ward, M. and Gooderham, M. (2022) ‘Dermatology: how to manage acne in skin of colour, Drugs in Context, 11, pp. 1–13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35720053/