Hard as it may be to believe, many myths still persist when it comes to melanin-rich skin, mainly due to widespread misunderstandings. Both clients and skin care professionals can fall prey to these misconceptions. Our mission is to dispel these myths and provide accurate, culturally sensitive skin care advice.  

COMMON MYTHS AMONG SKIN PROFESSIONALS  

Before we tackle the myths clients believe, there are some misconceptions within the industry to address:  

• Myth 1: Professionals need to have the same skin type or tone as their clients to treat their skin effectively. 

• Myth 2: All clients with melanin-rich skin prefer skin professionals who share their skin tone.  

• Myth 3: Without specific training in melanin-rich skin care education, professionals can’t treat melanin-rich skin.  

The reality is that every client’s skin is unique, and regardless of the professional’s skin type, continual education and understanding of different skin tones are crucial for effective treatment. While skin is fundamentally similar across all tones, various skin tones exhibit different concerns. Therefore, it is essential for skin professionals to develop confidence in treating diverse skin types through ongoing education.  

Charmaine Cooper, known as The Skin Theologian, is an award-winning international speaker, author, and educator with 28 years in the industry. Renowned for her passion and ability to connect with diverse audiences, she has trained skin professionals and educators globally for over 24 years. Cooper’s work emphasizes skin health equity and cultural intelligence, particularly for melanin-rich skin. A recipient of the 2024 Aestheticians’ Choice Award for favorite contributor and author of the acclaimed “No Compromise Black Skin Care Guide” series and “Melanin-Rich,” she continues to inspire through her international webinars, media engagements, and transformative workshops. Connect with her on Instagram @theskintheologian.