What fundamental differences are there with lighter and darker skin types, and how to approach skin ageing?
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Define ethnic skin. Range of phenotypes from different cultures that comprise the surface pigmentation of Asian, Latino, African, African American and some Middle Eastern races
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This video will not discuss the skeletal and anatomical differences between races including development of bone and soft tissue. (maxillary hypoplasia, nasal aperture opening, tip projection of nose, dorsal nasal root, inter pupillary distances or cheek projection). This lecture will discuss the cutaneous or skin related changes in the epidermis and dermis. Structural differences will be covered in my lectures for 2022
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The fundamental difference between dark and lighter skin types include-
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Melanocytes; same number, but larger and bigger, and more active, receptor differences including OPSN 1 receptors in dark skin. Tyrosinase activity increased in darker skin types compared to lighter skin
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Melanin- or pigment. This gives skin colour (genetics), tanning or post inflammatory pigmentation. This is key as melanin is photoprotective as it reduces UVB and UVA. The later is the responsible to elastosis, photo damage and wrinkles (extrinsic ageing).
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Melanin facts;
1. Concentration is double in darker skin types (within melanosomes)
2. Degradation is slower
3. Melanosomes are larger
4. Melanin in darker skin offers SPF 15
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Underneath the skin - is where the differences of laxity, wrinkless, volume
Dermis - thicker , better elastic recoil in darker skin types.
Fibroblasts- More in number, multinucleate, larger, reactive. This means more potential to generate collagen, and a denser amount of collagen, but the flipside is also more potential to develop keloid and hypertrophic scars.
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My go to procedures based upon probability and not possibility include-
Ethnic skin - HIFU, RF RFM, heating devices, Pico lasers
Lighter skin types- lasers, resurfacing, medium to deep peels
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For more information, goto @101.skin Instagram
New website www.drdavinlim.com coming up in 6 weeks
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Cheers,
Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane, Australia
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Disclaimer: My real job is procedural, I cut, lase, peel, or inject.I don't treat rashes, itchy skin or pimples. If you have medical dermatological concerns, please see my colleagues @cliniccutis