In a medical field where only 3% of dermatologists are Black despite African Americans comprising 12% of the U.S. population, Dr. Adeline Kikam stands as a beacon of change. This board-certified dermatologist has dedicated her career to addressing the glaring inequities in skin care, particularly for melanin-rich communities who have long been underserved by traditional dermatology practices.
The Personal Journey That Sparked a Movement
From Adolescent Struggles to Medical Advocacy
Dr. Adeline Kikam’s passion for dermatology equity didn’t emerge in medical school—it began during her teenage years. Like many young people of color, she struggled with acne and hyperpigmentation, but found herself in a healthcare landscape that seemed designed for everyone except her.
“I was inspired to become a dermatologist because of struggles I faced with skincare during adolescence,” Dr. Kikam reflects. “There was a lack of representation and culturally competent care for people who looked like me.”
This personal experience with healthcare disparities would later fuel her mission to transform dermatology from within. Her journey through medical school and dermatology residency was marked by a growing awareness of how skin conditions present differently on darker skin tones and how traditional medical education often overlooked these crucial differences.
The Birth of a Vision
During her training, Dr. Kikam witnessed firsthand the consequences of inadequate representation in dermatology. She observed how melanoma survival rates for Black patients (71%) significantly lagged behind those of white patients (93%), largely due to delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness about how skin cancer appears on darker skin.
These stark statistics reinforced her belief that the dermatology field needed not just more diverse practitioners, but also better education and resources specifically tailored to melanin-rich skin.
Brown Skin Derm: A Platform for Change
Building Community Through Social Media
In response to the lack of Black-led skincare social media accounts and to increase representation of people of color in dermatology, Dr. Kikam created Brown Skin Derm. What started as an Instagram account has evolved into a comprehensive platform that serves thousands of followers seeking culturally competent skincare advice.
The Brown Skin Derm platform addresses several critical gaps:
- Educational content specifically designed for melanin-rich skin
- Myth-busting around common misconceptions about darker skin tones
- Product recommendations that work effectively for people of color
- Community building among individuals with similar skin concerns
Beyond Social Media: Expanding Access to Care
Dr. Kikam’s vision extends far beyond social media engagement. Recognizing that representation alone isn’t enough, she has developed innovative solutions to improve access to dermatological care:
Teledermatology Services: Understanding that many communities lack access to dermatologists, particularly those specializing in skin of color, Dr. Kikam has embraced telemedicine to reach patients who might otherwise go without care.
In-Person Clinics: Through her practice, Skinclusive Dermatology, she provides specialized care that addresses the unique needs of patients with melanin-rich skin, ensuring that treatment protocols are culturally competent and evidence-based.
Addressing Critical Healthcare Disparities
The Representation Crisis in Dermatology
The statistics surrounding diversity in dermatology are sobering. With only 3% of dermatologists being Black, patients of color often struggle to find practitioners who understand their specific skin concerns. This lack of representation has real-world consequences:
- Delayed diagnoses of skin conditions that present differently on darker skin
- Inadequate treatment protocols that weren’t developed with melanin-rich skin in mind
- Cultural barriers that prevent patients from seeking care
- Limited research on how various treatments affect different skin tones
Conditions That Disproportionately Affect Black Communities
Dr. Kikam has been particularly vocal about skin conditions that either disproportionately affect Black patients or are frequently misdiagnosed in this population:
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: This chronic inflammatory skin condition affects Black women at three times the rate of white women, yet it’s often misdiagnosed or dismissed.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: While this condition can affect anyone, it’s particularly common and persistent in individuals with darker skin tones, requiring specialized treatment approaches.
Keloid Scarring: Black individuals are significantly more prone to developing keloids, yet many dermatologists lack experience in preventing and treating these raised scars.
Melanoma: Though less common in Black patients, melanoma is often diagnosed at later stages, leading to poorer outcomes. Dr. Kikam emphasizes the importance of checking areas like palms, soles, and nail beds where melanoma more commonly occurs in people of color.
Debunking Dangerous Myths About Melanin-Rich Skin
The Sunscreen Misconception
One of the most persistent and dangerous myths Dr. Kikam addresses is the belief that people with darker skin don’t need sunscreen. While melanin does provide some natural protection against UV radiation, it’s not sufficient to prevent all sun damage.
“The idea that Black skin doesn’t need sun protection is not only false but potentially deadly,” Dr. Kikam explains. “While we may have more natural protection, we’re still susceptible to UV damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.”
Treatment Efficacy Myths
Another area where Dr. Kikam provides crucial education is around treatment efficacy. Many skincare products and procedures were developed and tested primarily on lighter skin tones, leading to assumptions about their effectiveness across all skin types.
Through her platform, she provides evidence-based information about:
- Which ingredients work best for hyperpigmentation in darker skin
- How to safely use active ingredients like retinoids and chemical exfoliants
- The importance of gentle, consistent skincare routines
- When to seek professional treatment versus trying over-the-counter solutions
Innovative Solutions and Future Goals
Comprehensive Care Approaches
Dr. Kikam’s approach to dermatology goes beyond treating individual conditions. She advocates for comprehensive care that considers:
Mental Health Impact: Skin conditions can significantly affect self-esteem and mental health, particularly in communities where appearance-based discrimination is common. Dr. Kikam emphasizes the importance of addressing these psychological aspects of dermatological care.
Preventive Strategies: Rather than simply treating conditions after they develop, she focuses on prevention through education about proper skincare routines, sun protection, and early intervention.
Community Education: Through workshops, social media content, and public speaking, she works to educate both patients and healthcare providers about the unique needs of melanin-rich skin.
Advancing Research and Education
Dr. Kikam is also committed to advancing research in dermatology that includes diverse populations. She advocates for:
- Inclusive clinical trials that represent the full spectrum of skin tones
- Medical education reform that better prepares dermatologists to treat all skin types
- Continued research into how various treatments affect different ethnic groups
- Development of new products specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin
Pediatric Dermatology: Caring for the Next Generation
Early Intervention and Education
One area where Dr. Kikam sees significant opportunity for impact is pediatric dermatology for children of color. Many skin conditions that affect adults have their roots in childhood, and early intervention can prevent more serious issues later in life.
Key focus areas include:
- Eczema management in children with darker skin tones
- Hair and scalp health education for parents
- Sun protection habits established early in life
- Recognition of normal variations in melanin-rich skin versus concerning changes
Empowering Parents and Caregivers
Through her educational efforts, Dr. Kikam works to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge they need to advocate for their children’s skin health. This includes teaching them how to:
- Identify when professional care is needed
- Communicate effectively with healthcare providers
- Maintain healthy skincare routines at home
- Recognize and address potential skin conditions early
The Role of Technology in Expanding Access
Teledermatology Innovation
Dr. Kikam has been at the forefront of using technology to expand access to dermatological care. Teledermatology offers particular benefits for underserved communities:
- Geographic accessibility for patients in areas with few dermatologists
- Reduced travel time and costs for routine consultations
- Increased comfort for patients who may feel more at ease discussing skin concerns from home
- Follow-up care that doesn’t require time off work or school
Digital Education Platforms
Beyond direct patient care, Dr. Kikam leverages digital platforms to provide education at scale. Her social media presence serves as a valuable resource for:
- Daily skincare tips and advice
- Product reviews and recommendations
- Myth-busting and fact-checking
- Community support and encouragement
Building a More Inclusive Future
Training the Next Generation
Dr. Kikam is passionate about inspiring and training the next generation of dermatologists to be more culturally competent and inclusive. This involves:
Mentorship Programs: Working with medical students and residents from underrepresented backgrounds to encourage careers in dermatology.
Continuing Education: Providing training for practicing dermatologists on treating skin of color effectively.
Research Collaboration: Partnering with academic institutions to conduct research that includes diverse populations.
Industry Partnerships
Recognizing that systemic change requires collaboration, Dr. Kikam works with skincare companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers to:
- Develop products that work effectively across all skin tones
- Ensure clinical trials include diverse participants
- Create marketing and educational materials that represent all communities
- Advocate for inclusive product development from the ground up
Practical Takeaways for Better Skin Health
Essential Skincare Principles for Melanin-Rich Skin
Based on Dr. Kikam’s expertise, here are key principles for maintaining healthy melanin-rich skin:
Gentle Consistency: Use gentle, consistent skincare routines rather than harsh, sporadic treatments.
Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, regardless of skin tone or weather conditions.
Moisture Maintenance: Keep skin well-hydrated to prevent dryness and irritation that can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Professional Guidance: Seek care from dermatologists experienced in treating skin of color when concerns arise.
Patience with Treatments: Understand that treating hyperpigmentation and other concerns in darker skin often takes time and patience.
When to Seek Professional Care
Dr. Kikam emphasizes the importance of seeking professional dermatological care for:
- Persistent acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
- Changes in moles or new growths
- Severe or worsening hyperpigmentation
- Chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Any skin concern that affects quality of life or self-esteem
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do people with darker skin really need sunscreen?
A: Absolutely. While melanin provides some natural protection against UV radiation, it’s not sufficient to prevent all sun damage. People of all skin tones should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Q: Why is representation in dermatology so important?
A: Representation matters because skin conditions often present differently on various skin tones. Dermatologists who understand these differences can provide more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Additionally, patients often feel more comfortable discussing concerns with providers who understand their cultural context.
Q: How can I find a dermatologist experienced in treating skin of color?
A: Look for board-certified dermatologists who specifically mention experience with skin of color or diverse populations. Organizations like the Skin of Color Society maintain directories of qualified practitioners. Don’t hesitate to ask potential providers about their experience and training in this area.
Q: What should I do if I feel my skin concerns aren’t being taken seriously?
A: Advocate for yourself by clearly describing your symptoms and concerns. If you feel dismissed, seek a second opinion. Consider finding a dermatologist who specializes in skin of color or has experience with your specific concerns.
Q: Are there specific ingredients I should look for in skincare products?
A: For melanin-rich skin, look for gentle ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Be cautious with strong actives like retinoids and chemical exfoliants—start slowly and consider professional guidance for the best results.
Conclusion: A Vision for Equitable Dermatology
Dr. Adeline Kikam’s work represents more than just individual advocacy—it’s a blueprint for transforming an entire medical specialty. Through her platform Brown Skin Derm, her clinical practice, and her educational efforts, she’s addressing decades of inequity in dermatological care.
Her vision extends beyond simply increasing representation, though that remains crucial. She’s working to create a healthcare system where every patient, regardless of skin tone, receives culturally competent, evidence-based care that addresses their unique needs.
As we look to the future of dermatology, Dr. Kikam’s work serves as both inspiration and instruction. Her commitment to equity, education, and excellence provides a roadmap for creating a more inclusive medical field—one that truly serves all patients with the respect, understanding, and expertise they deserve.
The impact of her work will be measured not just in the individual patients she treats, but in the systemic changes she’s helping to create. Through her efforts, future generations of patients with melanin-rich skin will have access to better care, more accurate information, and a healthcare system that sees and values their unique needs.
Ready to learn more about culturally competent skincare? Follow Dr. Adeline Kikam’s Brown Skin Derm platform for evidence-based advice, and don’t hesitate to seek professional dermatological care when you need it. Your skin health matters, and you deserve care that understands and addresses your unique needs.
