Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a temporary darkening of the skin that has been inflamed or injured. It doesn’t itch or hurt, but most people with it do not like how it looks. It gets worse with sunlight. The sun is hard to avoid, but a combination of over-the-counter options + daily sun protection can really help.

Melasma is a blotchy brown darkening of the skin on the face. It is called the “mask of pregnancy” because it tends to occur during or after pregnancy. It gets worse with sunlight. The sun is hard to avoid, but a combination of over-the-counter options + daily sun protection can really help.

Bruises happen all the time. They happen when we have small bleeds under the skin but the skin doesn’t break, so the blood is trapped under the skin. They can be unsightly. Lots of things can make you easier to bruise - sun damage, age, chronic diseases, medicines, not enough Vitamin C or Vitamin K, etc. Learn how to deal with bruises with over-the-counter options.

Pseudofolliculitis (a.k.a. razor bumps or shaving bumps) is red bumps that occur after shaving, waxing, or plucking hairs. It is more common in skin of color when hair is naturally curly. When curly hair is shaved close to the skin, the hair curves back into the skin, irritates it, and causes red bumps similar to ingrown hairs to heal with scars or dark marks. Learn more at MSESK.com.

Folliculitis is red bumps and pimples that can occur after shaving. Common areas include the scalp, neck, chest, back, and inner thighs. Folliculitis looks a bit like acne, and it usually improves with similar treatments.

Large pores are common after puberty, especially on the mid-face. When they become clogged, they turn into blackheads. The best way to shrink large pores and treat blackheads is with retinoids, and some work better than others.

Learn the basic differences between our moisturizer options.

Mask-ne is common in the age of COVID. It is caused by masks clogging pores and irritating the skin. Treatment is pretty straightforward, and good over-the-counter options are available if you know how to use them.

Sunscreen may not prevent skin cancer in skin of color, but it can help prevent sunburns and also protects against aging (wrinkles).

When it comes down to it, clothing like wide-brim hats and long-sleeved shirts (especially UV clothing) are much better skin protectors than sunscreen.