Skin of Color Savvy: Insights From SOCS Media Day on Sunscreen, Skin Cancer, and Misinformation, With Corey Hartman, MD

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

In this Savvy Stories episode of Skin of Color Savvy, produced by HCPLive in collaboration with the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), Corey Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, reflected on his participation in SOCS’s 8th Annual Virtual Media Day. The 2025 program, an established newsroom resource since 2015, continued its mission of “setting the record straight in the age of misinformation,” bringing clinical clarity to topics affecting patients with richly pigmented skin. Against this evidence-driven backdrop, Hartman offers nuanced insights into sunscreen misconceptions, skin cancer awareness gaps, social media trends, adolescent skin-care culture, and emerging regenerative technologies.

Hartman was first asked about his presentation on sunscreen use in melanin-rich skin—a topic he emphasizes remains plagued by misconceptions. Many patients with darker skin tones believe they are protected enough by their natural pigmentation and do not require sunscreen. Hartman explains that while increased melanin offers a baseline SPF of 8–13, this falls far short of the SPF 30–50 range recommended to guard against skin cancer, photoaging, and pigmentary disorders. In his practice, patients of color often seek care for melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and Hartman uses these encounters to underscore that UV exposure can worsen discoloration regardless of skin tone. Melanin reduces but does not eliminate risk, he stresses, and no skin tone provides complete protection from UV-induced damage.

He was next asked about key takeaways from the Media Day pairing with dermatologist Rebecca Vasquez, MD, on skin cancer in skin of color. Hartman notes that although incidence is lower, skin cancer does occur in patients with richly pigmented skin—and often presents at later stages due to lower awareness, less frequent skin checks, and limited representation in dermatologic imagery. These gaps can even lead clinicians to miss early signs. Hartman highlights the importance of patient education around new or changing lesions and advocates for routine annual exams as a proactive safety measure.

A major portion of the episode addresses the escalating impact of misinformation across social platforms. When he was asked about the current social media landscape, Hartman described it as “the wild wild west,” where individuals without medical credentials, yet with massive followings, disseminate compelling but inaccurate skin-care advice. While some credible educators exist, he argues they are vastly outnumbered by unqualified creators and marketers. The consequences often show up in clinic. Hartman points to the 2025 'beef tallow' trend, which promoted animal fat as a natural moisturizer despite its risks: pore-clogging potential, susceptibility to spoilage, lack of regulation, and incompatibility with acne-prone or sensitive skin. “Natural does not mean risk free,” he explains, adding that modern moisturizers contain far safer and more effective ingredients such as ceramides, squalane, and glycerin.

Hartman was also asked about the boom in adolescent and tween skin-care culture. He acknowledges that early interest in skin health can be positive but warns that the pendulum has swung too far, with preteens adopting multi-step routines and anti-aging actives inappropriate for developing skin. These products may irritate or exacerbate eczema and acne, and when used in combination, can overwhelm the skin barrier. He expresses surprise at parents purchasing high-priced products for children, driven largely by social media pressure and targeted marketing.

As discussion turned toward interdisciplinary care and emerging technologies, Hartman was asked about the dermatologist’s role in whole-patient health. He highlights growing connections between dermatology and systemic factors, including GLP-1 therapies, and calls for continued research. He also touches on exosomes and regenerative medicine, noting both their potential and the need for stronger scientific validation before widespread clinical use.

The episode concludes with Hartman’s advice for colleagues: stay grounded, advocate for oneself, and cultivate deep expertise within a chosen dermatologic niche.

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

Editor’s note: This episode was written with the help of artificial intelligence tools.