Dr. Jane Yoo explains why AAPI skin needs different dermatology care: more reactive melanocytes cause melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne scars more easily, and keloids form readily after injury. Melanoma is rarer but often caught late, making early detection critical.
Hi, I'm Dr. Jane Yoo, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I'm highlighting common skin conditions in AAPI communities and how they may differ from those seen in other populations. As a Korean American dermatologist, I know firsthand that recognizing these patterns is essential to delivering safe and effective personalized care. One of the defining features of AAPI skin is that it contains more melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, and those cells are more reactive. This makes the skin more prone to pigmentary concerns. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is especially common, and dark marks can develop even after minor irritation, such as a pimple or scratch, and this may take months to fade. Melasma, another common condition in this population, causes persistent discoloration in the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Often triggered by sun exposure or hormonal changes. Acne is the leading reason Asian patients seek dermatologic care in the United States. Inflammatory acne is more common than comedonal acne in this population, which increases the risk of pigmentation and scarring. Atopic dermatitis is another common condition, and it tends to look different in AAPI skin. Lesions are usually well-defined and thickened, sometimes resembling psoriasis. Histologically, AAPI patients also have increased epidermal thickness. These differences influence how the condition is diagnosed and how it should be managed. Compared to white patients, AAPI individuals are more likely to experience ocular rosacea and to form keloid scars following procedures or skin injury. Sensitive skin is also a frequent concern, which can affect tolerance to certain skincare products or treatments. While melanoma is diagnosed less frequently in AAPI patients, it is often found at a later stage. This delay in diagnosis contributes to poorer outcomes, underscoring the need for regular skin checks and increased awareness, even in those with lower baseline risk. Dermatologic care should never take a one-size-fits-all approach. So understanding the structural and clinical nuances of Asian Pacific Islander skin helps us deliver better, safer, and more personalized care.
