Enhancing the care and treatment of skin of color, part 1: The broad scope of pigmentary disorders.

Scientific research and technologies related to skin pigmentation and dyschromias, which are often key skin concerns for patients of color, have led to recent developments in skin care and treatment. Differences and similarities between skin of color and white skin and current issues in the treatment of ethnic skin are reviewed. Recent research findings, such as the elucidation of the protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) pathway and its role in pigmentation, and areas for further investigation, such as the pathogenesis of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), also are discussed. Awareness of this information within the wider community of dermatologists, primary healthcare providers, and the media will help to accomplish the objective of stimulating new prospective research.