Why Skin Tone Matters — and Why It Matters to Me
One of the things I love most about practicing dermatology in Decatur is the incredible diversity of the community we serve. Every day, we see patients with a wide range of skin tones — from the lightest ivory to the deepest mahogany — and I consider it a deep responsibility and privilege to care for all of them with precision and respect.
Why This Is Personal for Me
Throughout my 18+ years of practice I've seen how often patients with darker skin tones come in with conditions that were misdiagnosed or under-treated elsewhere. I’ve also heard from patients who were told “it’s nothing” when it was very clearly something — simply because their symptoms didn’t present the way they do in fair skin.
This is not acceptable. And it’s exactly why I’m so passionate about bridging that gap — in diagnosis, in treatment, and in trust.
What’s Different About Darker Skin Tones
While everyone’s skin is made of the same basic building blocks, the way skin behaves — how it responds to inflammation, sun exposure, injury, or ingredients — can vary based on how much melanin is present.
For example:
Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) is more common and more persistent in medium to deep skin tones.
Rosacea, often thought of as a “fair skin” condition, can appear violet or brown in deeper skin — and is frequently misdiagnosed or missed altogether.
Psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections may present very differently in darker skin. What looks pink or red in lighter skin might appear gray, purple, or dark brown in darker skin.
Scarring and keloids are more common — and more difficult to treat — in patients with richly pigmented skin.
That’s why a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work.
Representation in Dermatology Still Has a Long Way to Go
Even today, the majority of dermatology textbooks, clinical photos, and case studies still feature lighter skin tones. That lack of representation affects how quickly a condition is recognized — or whether it’s recognized at all.
At Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics, we’re committed to changing that narrative.
That means:
Offering treatments that are safe and effective for melanin-rich skin
Choosing lasers and peels with caution and care, knowing what works beautifully on one skin tone might be risky on another
Creating a welcoming space where all patients feel seen, heard, and understood
You deserve dermatologic care that truly understands your skin. And we’re here to provide it.
– Dr. Kelli Baender
Board-Certified Dermatologist & Founder, Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics