As the field of aesthetic medicine grows, so does the responsibility to ensure that care is inclusive, informed, and equitable for all patients, regardless of skin tone, ethnicity, or cultural background.

Historically, many aesthetic treatments, training protocols, and clinical trials have centered on lighter skin types, often leaving patients with skin of color underserved. But beauty does not fit a single mold, and neither should our approach to care.

The Need for Inclusive Training and Research

Too often, aesthetic practitioners lack the training needed to safely and effectively treat skin of color. This gap in knowledge is not just a limitation; it can pose a risk. Conditions like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, keloid scarring, and pigmentary disorders require tailored approaches that take into account the unique physiology of darker skin tones.

Initiatives like the DREAM (Driving Racial Equity in Aesthetic Medicine) program, launched by Allergan Aesthetics and Skinbetter Science, are pushing for meaningful change. By promoting education, equity, diversity, and inclusion in clinical training and research, these programs aim to shift the foundation of aesthetic medicine toward a more representative and responsive model.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Skin of color ages differently, heals differently, and responds to aesthetic interventions in distinct ways. Yet many treatment devices, protocols, and clinical evaluations still assume a one-size-fits-all standard. For example, lasers and peels must be adjusted for melanin-rich skin to prevent burns or pigmentary complications.

Recognizing these nuances is more than just good practice; it is essential to safe, ethical care. As Dr. Stephanie Manson Brown of Allergan Aesthetics notes, expanding representation in clinical trials and understanding diverse skin biology are crucial steps toward ensuring efficacy and safety for all.

Cultural Competency Builds Trust

Equity in aesthetics also means acknowledging how cultural expectations shape beauty goals. Patients come with individual values, experiences, and concerns, whether they are navigating hyperpigmentation, scarring, or simply seeking subtle rejuvenation that aligns with their identity. Practitioners who take the time to understand and respect these factors create a space where patients feel seen and empowered.

And when patients feel seen, they are more likely to seek care, follow through with treatment, and develop long-term relationships with their providers.

Moving the Industry Forward

Progress requires commitment from every corner of the industry, including clinics, manufacturers, educators, and regulators. Whether it is adjusting treatment protocols, updating marketing materials to reflect diverse beauty, or simply knowing when to refer a patient to a more experienced provider, equity is not optional. It is the path to better outcomes and more meaningful care.

At its best, aesthetic medicine helps people feel like the best version of themselves and that promise should be available to everyone.