Skin of Color Savvy: A New Podcast Episode Following SOCS Media Day

Welcome to Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color!

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) closed its 8th Annual Media Day with a fast-moving mix of clinical insights, myth-busting commentary, and evidence-driven guidance during a year when misinformation continues to spread across consumer channels. The virtual press-conference format, now a signature of this event, drew viewers seeking expert perspective on emerging conversations linked to dermatology, science, health equity, aesthetic medicine, and everyday lifestyle choices affecting patients with richly pigmented skin.

Since 2015, SOCS Media Day has grown into a high-value newsroom resource known for exclusive access to leading dermatologists and early looks at new research. The 2025 program, held on November 18, assembled eight authorities who delivered focused sessions on trends shaping public discussions and clinical decision-making.

Brittany Oliver, MD, and Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, opened with “Trending Topics in Skin of Color: What’s Hot, What’s Not!”, a review of viral TikTok content, quick-fix beauty claims, and procedure-related buzz circulating on social platforms. Their segment highlighted innovations steering treatment protocols forward, along with product categories earning growing confidence from dermatologists.

Attention then shifted to aesthetic medicine. Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, and Nkem Ugonabo, MD, MPH, guided viewers through complex questions linked to cosmetic interventions in patients with melanin-rich skin. Their presentation emphasized precision, safety, and realistic outcomes during an era when aesthetic content reaches audiences faster than peer-reviewed science.

Hair health took center stage next. Victoria Barbosa, MD, and Prince Adotama, MD, offered a concise overview of new research on pseudofolliculitis barbae, protective styles, and other concerns reported across diverse communities. Their segment underscored ongoing gaps in public awareness, along with advances providing new support for individuals seeking culturally competent guidance.

Sun exposure and cancer risk closed the official program. Rebecca Vasquez, MD, and Corey Hartman, MD, addressed persistent misconceptions regarding ultraviolet (UV) protection, along with data highlighting the recognition of skin cancer across tones previously considered at lower risk. Their discussion provided clarity on sunscreen use, diagnostic delays, and evolving public-health messaging.

The Skin of Color Savvy podcast will extend coverage of Media Day with a focused interview on November 24 featuring Hartman, who currently serves as founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, and assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. His segment from Media Day will be discussed, with highlights including consumer confusion surrounding sunscreen ingredients, pigmentary concerns, and real-world challenges linked to daily photoprotection.

The upcoming podcast episode, scheduled for release on November 26, will revisit key themes from Media Day while offering additional commentary from Hartman on clinical priorities and key takeaways from his presentation from Media Day. Listeners can expect a nuanced look at prevention strategies, communication gaps in communities with richly pigmented skin, and future directions for education across media and clinical environments. The episode aims to anchor fast-moving conversations in evidence and experience, keeping pace with a growing demand for clear, trustworthy dermatologic guidance.

To learn more about SOCS’s mentorship programs and initiatives, visit Skin of Color Society.

Editor's note: This summary was edited with the help of AI tools.