Aging in skin of color

Ethnic skin is quickly emerging as the norm in the United States, and as the population becomes more diverse, there is also a projected rise in the number of aging adults. Given the paucity of data regarding aging in ethnic skin, the authors have consolidated available information for this population. Literature examining structural and functional variation of aging in ethnic skin types was primarily found through PubMed and supplemental textbook chapters. Aging is comprised of two synergistic processes, intrinsic or chronologic aging, and extrinsic aging. Caucasian, African American, East Asian, and Hispanic skin each have distinguishing features of aging, but all populations share dyspigmentation, rhytides, and skin laxity. Increased melanin content predisposes skin of color to a greater degree of hyperpigmentation, but skin thickness may protect against the formation of rhytides. Tailored prevention and treatment are also paramount in attaining favorable outcomes for this growing cohort.