At Aglow Dermatology, we specialize in dermatology for skin of color. Our team offers expert care for patients with richly diverse skin tones and hair textures. Led by Black dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan, our clinic in New York City provides customized treatments for dermatological needs. Our team specializes in treating African American, Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Native American communities.
New York City is one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world. As the U.S. shifts to a minority-white population by 2025, dermatology must evolve to meet this change. For over two decades, Aglow Dermatology has led this charge. We provide outstanding care rooted in cultural understanding, clinical excellence, and science.
Dermatology, which cares for the skin, hair, and nails, is clearly at the forefront of addressing diversity issues. Skin and hair provide many of our racially defining characteristics. Give the experienced and talented Dr. Strachan a call at 212-627-1004 today to learn more about the various treatments we offer for your skin!
Check out The Black Beauty Effect streaming on Netflix in the US, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand! Dr. Strachan is in episodes 2 and 3.
Skin of Color Expertise at Aglow Dermatology
Aglow Dermatology is proud to offer comprehensive dermatology for dark skin, informed by deep experience and cultural fluency. Dr. Dina Strachan is a renowned Black dermatologist in NYC, celebrated for her leadership in inclusive skin care. Her global perspective and community engagement began long before medical school.
As a native of New York City, Dr. Strachan grew up with ethnic diversity that has become a key foundation in her work. She’s spent time traveling, studying, and practicing in diverse communities from India to Jamaica to the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Strachan completed her residency at UCSF, where she treated patients from across ethnic backgrounds. Her first board-certified dermatologist position was in South Central Los Angeles, serving mostly African American and Hispanic populations. Today, her work continues to reflect a career-long commitment to excellence in dermatology for skin of color.
She is the founder of FindABlackDoctor.com, a Skin of Color Society member, and a frequently featured media expert. She has appearances in Essence, Yahoo Lifestyle, and the Netflix docuseries The Black Beauty Effect (Episodes 2 & 3). Dr. Strachan is an internationally sought after dermatologist for black skin and African American hair loss treatment.
Media outlets often seek Dr. Strachan’s expertise, as well as health and beauty companies. She was one of the “24 Influencers making black beauty history now” by Essence. She was also part of the first all-black beauty expert panel for Yahoo-Lifestyle in 2020. She has been a consultant for several brands, as well.
Understanding Skin Cancer in Skin of Color
Although skin cancer is more common in lighter skin tones, people with dark skin are not immune. In fact, patients of color often receive diagnoses later, resulting in worse outcomes. Conditions like cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are more common in covered skin areas, and in people with darker skin.
When skin cancer appears in people of color, it presents differently than in people of European descent. Everyone, regardless of skin color, should wear sunscreen daily and receive regular skin checks. Our team understands the unique ways that skin cancer presents in diverse skin types and we’re here to protect you.
Treating Pigmentary Disorders in Skin of Color
Changes in skin pigmentation are a common concern in people with darker skin tones. Darker skin tends to react to skin injury with changes in pigmentation or color. At Aglow Dermatology, we treat a range of pigmentary disorders, including:
- Hyper-pigmentation: Darkening of the skin from acne, burns, or eczema.
- Hypo-pigmentation: Loss of pigment, sometimes from trauma or inflammation.
- Vitiligo: Loss of pigment resulting in white patches—more visually significant in dark skin, though it affects all races.
We provide targeted treatment options, including chemical peels, laser treatments, and topical regimens tailored to your skin tone.
Hair Loss in African American and Ethnic Hair
Hair loss affects people of all backgrounds. However, African American patients often experience unique conditions like Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). These conditions are especially related to hair texture and styling practices. As an internationally recognized African American dermatologist with expertise in Black hair loss, Dr. Strachan provides effective diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs.
We treat conditions such as:
- Traction alopecia
- CCCA
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Postpartum shedding
Watch:
- Aglow Dermatology featured on CBS New York on alopecia
- Alma TED before and after: 1 month after 1 treatment for traction alopecia
Read:
Cosmetic Dermatology for Dark Skin
People of different ethnic backgrounds age differently and have different cosmetic concerns and preferences. At Aglow Dermatology our team is knowledgeable about all skin types, especially skin of color. Dermatological procedures must be appropriate for patients of color to avoid pigment issues or scarring. Aglow Dermatology delivers cosmetic dermatology for skin of color using state-of-the-art technology and extensive expertise.
Our offerings include:
- Aerolase® laser treatments
- RF microneedling
- VI Peel and other custom chemical peels
We understand that aging looks different in every ethnic group. Your skin deserves care that celebrates its unique beauty.
Featured in: The Black Beauty Effect on Netflix, Clichés About Aging That Are True
Medical Dermatology for Skin of Color
Many skin conditions present differently depending on skin tone. At Aglow Dermatology, our approach to medical dermatology for skin of color is highly individualized. For example:
- Dark spots in a Black patient may be Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
- In a Hispanic patient: Melasma
- In an Asian patient: Sunspots
- In a white patient: potential melanoma
This nuance matters. Both clinical training and cultural competency shape our diagnostic and treatment plans.
In the Media:
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Schedule a Consultation with a Skin of Color Specialist in NYC
Whether you’re dealing with acne, hyper-pigmentation, or African American hair loss, we’re here for you. Ready to receive expert care from a trusted Black dermatologist in NYC?
Call 212-627-1004
Or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation with Aglow Dermatology in New York City.