Dr. Andrew Alexis discusses the role of OTC products for common dermatologic disorders in skin of color (SOC) for cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection as part of acne, hyperpigmentation, and eczema treatments.
Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, is the Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Dermatology and dermatologist at the Center for Diverse Skin Complexions at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.
“Over-the-counter skincare plays a very key adjunctive role, and sometimes alternative role, in the management of common dermatologic disorders in skin of color, including acne hyperpigmentation, and eczema, or atopic dermatitis—three of the most common reasons for patients of color to see a dermatologist,” says Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH.
Based on his presentation, “OTC Skincare Pearls for Skin of Color,” from Innovations in Dermatology Meeting 2021, Dr. Alexis discusses the role of OTC products for common dermatologic disorders in skin of color (SOC) for cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection as part of acne, hyperpigmentation, and eczema treatments.
In this sit-down with The Dermatology Digest, Dr. Alexis explains the many OTC ingredients in detail that are available for acne treatment, emphasizing recommending those that will keep dryness and irritation in SOC to a minimum. Sun protection, he says, is key for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and other disorders characterized by hyperpigmentation. Finally, moisturizers can be effectively used in the treatment of eczema to prolong time-to-flare and to reduce both the frequency of flares and use of topical corticosteroids.
