Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1507658
68 ASCP Skin Deep Autumn 2023 with lighter skin tones 3–4 times more than in those with darker skin tones. The site of filtration in lighter skin is in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, whereas in darker skin it is in the innermost layer of the epidermis. THE ROLE OF MELANIN The populations comprising darker skin tones include but are not limited to those of African, Asian, Latino/ Hispanic, Mediterranean, and Arabic descent. These groups are found to produce sun-protecting brown or black eumelanin, whereas groups with Northern European skin are void of this type of melanin and instead have pheomelanin, which is a yellow to red pigment. Melanin is produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes, which are situated at the base of the epidermis. Melanocytes have photosensitive receptors, which detect UV radiation emitted by the sun. Once stimulated, the melanocytes release melanosomes (pigment cells), which act as a protective barrier against the damage caused by UV rays. This prevents skin from sunburn and other sun-related reactions such as skin aging. Darker skin tones are less likely to show signs of skin aging like wrinkles and age spots. The fibroblasts (cells that help form connective tissue) in darker skin tones are more numerous and active and produce a higher density of collagen, resulting in fewer wrinkles and fine lines. 2 This thick dermis holds up the epidermis, providing the skin with a more supportive structure and therefore slowing down the aging process. However, it may be more prone to hypertrophic scarring. In Fitzpatrick IV–VI, the initial complaint about skin aging is uneven skin tone and loss of subcutaneous fat. Those of Fitzpatrick III–IV or those of mixed ethnicity may also experience photoaging, leading to: • Dark age spots on the face and décolletage • Deep wrinkles around the eyes • Fine lines • Gradual thickening of the skin • Leathery skin • Uneven complexion Lighter-skinned individuals have less collagen, resulting in thinner skin and therefore making them more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. People with this skin also see signs of aging 10–15 years earlier than darker-skinned individuals.