Dermatology Experts Address Sunscreen, Skin Cancer, and Misinformation for People of Color

Dermatologist Addresses Sunscreen Myths, Social Media Misinformation for Patients of Color

Leading dermatologist Corey Hartman, MD, recently shared insights on critical skin health issues affecting patients with richly pigmented skin during a special episode of “Skin of Color Savvy.” The program, produced by HCPLive in collaboration with the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), tackled persistent misconceptions and emerging challenges in dermatologic care.

Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, participated in SOCS’s 8th Annual Virtual Media Day, a program established in 2015 to provide evidence-based information to journalists and combat misinformation in dermatologic care for patients of color.

One of the most persistent myths Hartman encounters involves sunscreen use. Many patients with melanin-rich skin incorrectly believe their natural pigmentation provides sufficient protection against sun damage.

“While increased melanin does offer some baseline protection—equivalent to about SPF 8 to 13—this falls significantly short of the recommended SPF 30 to 50 needed to properly shield skin,” Hartman explained. He regularly uses patient consultations for conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to emphasize that UV exposure worsens discoloration regardless of skin tone.

Skin cancer awareness represents another critical gap. Though incidence rates are lower in patients with darker skin tones, these cancers often go undetected until advanced stages. Hartman attributed this to several factors: lower awareness among patients, less frequent skin examinations, and limited representation in dermatologic education materials.

“Even clinicians can miss early signs of skin cancer in richly pigmented skin because traditional training often lacks diverse representation,” Hartman noted. He advocates for annual skin examinations for all patients regardless of skin color, emphasizing the importance of monitoring new or changing lesions.

The proliferation of skin care misinformation on social media platforms has created significant challenges for dermatologists. Hartman described the current landscape as “the wild wild west,” where content creators with massive followings but no medical credentials frequently disseminate inaccurate advice.

“For every credible skin educator online, there are dozens of unqualified creators and marketers spreading misleading information,” he said. The consequences of this misinformation often appear in clinical practice, as patients attempt dangerous or ineffective treatments promoted online.

Hartman cited the 2025 “beef tallow” trend as a prime example, where animal fat was promoted as a natural moisturizer despite significant drawbacks including pore-clogging potential, susceptibility to spoilage, lack of regulation, and incompatibility with acne-prone skin.

“Natural does not mean risk-free,” Hartman emphasized, noting that modern moisturizers contain scientifically validated ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and glycerin that outperform such traditional remedies.

Another concerning trend Hartman identified is the expanding market of skin care products targeting increasingly younger consumers. While early interest in skin health can be positive, Hartman expressed concern about preteens adopting complex routines featuring potent active ingredients inappropriate for developing skin.

“We’re seeing children using multiple products with retinoids, acids, and other ingredients that can irritate or damage their still-developing skin barrier,” he said. This trend is largely driven by social media influence and aggressive marketing targeting young consumers and their parents.

Looking toward the future, Hartman highlighted promising developments in dermatologic care, including growing recognition of connections between skin health and systemic conditions. He noted emerging interest in exosomes and regenerative medicine while cautioning that stronger scientific validation is needed before widespread clinical adoption.

The conversation underscores the continued importance of specialized education and resources for patients with richly pigmented skin. Organizations like SOCS play a critical role in addressing these gaps through mentorship programs and public education initiatives.

As misinformation continues to proliferate across digital platforms, the role of evidence-based education becomes increasingly vital, particularly for communities historically underrepresented in dermatologic research and education. Dermatologists treating diverse patient populations must remain vigilant against persistent myths while staying informed about emerging treatments and technologies.