Finding reliable information about skincare online can be difficult for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for Black people and people of color. This is because Black dermatologists are still underrepresented in the field, with only 3% identifying as Black according to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (via MDedge Dermatology). It can be hard to find advice that is tailored to the specific needs and concerns of Black and other minority skin types.
“Good skincare advice should be accessible and affordable for everyone. Simple, easy-to-follow steps that use readily available products are essential. Thankfully, there are many reliable dermatologists on Instagram who provide helpful information to the public.”
Here are 15 dermatologists to follow on Instagram who will provide diverse and practical advice for anyone, regardless of skin color or the type of skin problem being faced.
Dr. Camille Howard-Verovic has eczema.
Dr. Camille Howard-Verovic, also known as @dermbeautydoc on social media, is a dermatologist and eczema sufferer who has firsthand experience with the difficulties of managing the skin condition. As a result of her own experiences with medical professionals and dermatologists, Howard-Verovic was inspired to become a dermatologist herself. In an interview with Red, she shared, “My interest in dermatology started when I was a child with eczema. No one ever really explained to me what was causing it or how to effectively manage it. All I was told was to take cool baths and moisturize my skin.”
Howard-Verovic, like many patients, attempted to find her own solutions for her eczema. She told Yahoo! that the advice given to her by doctors was often confusing, but going to medical school allowed her to understand that there are various ways to treat eczema, as well as other skin conditions such as oily skin and hyperpigmentation. As a result, she advocates for a simple skincare routine comprising of six products, as mentioned in Red.
Dr. Nada Elbuluk is the head of the Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorder Program at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Nada Elbuluk is a dermatologist at the University of Southern California and the director of the Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorder Program. She is dedicated to providing high-quality skin care to communities that have historically been underserved and marginalized. In her work, she is committed to promoting health equity and addressing health disparities. As she stated, “I’m very big on health equity and improving health disparities, particularly for those communities that have been the most marginalized.”
On her Instagram account (@skindrnada), Dr. Elbuluk shares a wealth of knowledge on topics such as acne treatment, vitiligo, and skin cancer prevention. She believes that cultural competency is crucial for physicians to provide effective skincare, especially for patients of color. In her words, “It is so important for us as physicians and healthcare providers to be culturally competent with our patients of all different backgrounds.”
“Dr. Ranella Hirsch fights against misinformation.”
Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a board-certified dermatologist, can be found on Instagram @ranellamd. In addition to developing her own skincare line, Atolla, she works to combat misinformation about skincare, both online and in person. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Hirsch emphasized the significant difference between actual dermatologists who share their expertise online and those without medical training who claim to be skincare experts.
According to Hirsch, TikTok’s algorithm allows misinformation to spread rapidly on the platform. Hirsch stated, “I don’t think anything else has the ability to take that information and move it so quickly to so many people. If you see one bad video that tells you sunscreen is terrible, you’re going to be shown 20 more videos like that.”
Dr. Hirsch frequently uses Instagram to debunk myths and provide educational information on skincare to her followers. For instance, a post from February 25, 2022, highlights that one of the main reasons a skincare product may appear to be ineffective is because it has not been used for a sufficient amount of time to show results.
Dr. Karen Kagha specializes in using evidence-based approaches in the field of aesthetic medicine.
Dr. Kagha is a medical professional who works at the Laser Skin Care Center in Los Angeles and specializes in evidence-based aesthetic medicine. In addition to her work at the center, she has also contributed to lifestyle website Byrdie by reviewing articles and offering her medical expertise. According to the website, she is committed to ensuring that her patients have the opportunity to look and feel their best and is passionate about being a part of their journey towards achieving this goal.
Dr. Karen Kagha, also known as @drkarenk on Instagram, is a popular figure on the platform due to her relatable and personal content. She shares personal snaps that make her followers feel like they are a part of her life. In addition to this, Dr. Kagha also provides valuable skincare advice, including tips on how to manage acne and recommendations for products.
Dr. Jason Emer is skilled in many areas, but he particularly enjoys working on skincare.
Dr. Jason Emer is a highly respected and successful medical professional who has gained notoriety for treating celebrity clients. In an interview with Skin Science, he attributed part of his success to his authenticity, stating, “I didn’t know what would happen when I moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco, but now I have a team of 30 employees working out of an 8,000-square-foot facility.” Despite his fame, Emer remains grounded and true to himself, which has played a key role in his success.
Emer, who is not a native of Los Angeles, stated that his non-local status can make him more attractive to certain clients. In his words, “I always say, I’m a mid-west guy in a 90210 zip code. Maybe I don’t fit in here, but that’s perhaps one of the reasons people choose me. I believe that being honest, truthful, and caring is how I can differentiate myself and be genuine” (as reported by Skin Science).
Dr. Emer’s skincare line Emerage Skin has been generating impressive results by combining microneedling peels. He frequently works with individuals who have acne and acne scars, as he mentioned in a June 20, 2022 Instagram post. Currently, Dr. Emer is particularly proud of the success of his skincare line.
“The Skincare Bible” was written by Dr. Anjali Mahto.
Dr. Anjali Mahto is widely known on Instagram for her candid and honest approach to discussing dermatology and skincare, particularly in relation to her own experience with cystic acne. In a 2017 Instagram post, she shared a photo of her acne and wrote about the difficulties of learning to manage the condition as an adult. She stated that while there is no permanent cure for cystic acne, it is possible to gain control over the condition and manage it effectively.
Dr. Mahto has a wealth of experience with different acne treatments, including birth control, lasers, and antibiotics, according to PopSugar. In April 2018, she published “The Skincare Bible: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Great Skin,” which offers a wide range of solutions for maintaining healthy skin, including cosmetic and surgical treatments as well as daily skincare routines. In an interview with Complexion-Me, Dr. Mahto said that the book covers a broad spectrum of skincare options to help people.
Dr.Adeline kikam calls herself a skinclusive advocate.
Dr. Adeline Kikam is an advocate for inclusive skincare and skin representation. As someone who struggled with acne and hyperpigmentation during her teenage years, she chose to become a dermatologist specializing in skin care for people of color. Through her Instagram account @brownskinderm, she shares information and advice to help her followers feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Dr. Kikam shared with Skincare.com that she started her Instagram account as a way to fill a gap in representation on the platform. She noticed that there was a lack of physician-led accounts that focused on dermatological issues in people of color, and she wanted to bring her own expertise as a dermatologist to the conversation. Additionally, Dr. Kikam wanted to create a welcoming space for women of color to discuss skincare, as they may not always feel included in these types of online discussions.
Dr. Cristina Psomadakis goes by the name Dr. Soma
. Dr. Soma is passionate about raising awareness about skincare products as well as the various diseases that can impact the skin. She initially studied Anthropology and Linguistics before pursuing a medical career, and in July 2022 she explained to Greek Women in STEM that the biggest reason
Dr. Soma explained that she wasn’t interested in working in an office, and the idea of teaching wasn’t especially appealing either. Instead, she spent time volunteering with a medical non-profit in Cambodia and eventually realized she could do a lot as a doctor. These days, she works as a dermatologist in London, but she’s clear in the interview that it took some time to get there (via Greek Women in STEM).
Dr. Soma goes on to add that one reason she thinks her Instagram account works for her is that she’s very passionate about skincare and it shows to her viewers and followers. As she said, “People can sense if you are talking about something you love
Dr.Elyse love helps active women to take care of their skin
Dr. Elyse Love, an avid runner who has completed the New York marathon, understands this more than most. In fact, she has dedicated a major portion of her professional life to helping athletic women come up with skincare routines that are compatible with their sport of choice, and above all else, she prefers to impart advice that can be a game changer for women who are on the move. As she told Runner Grl, “Get that sweat off of your skin ASAP. At least take off your sweaty clothes. If not, you’re at risk for acne, folliculitis, etc. from the bacteria and other dirt that sits up against your skin.”
Dr. Love is also no stranger to acne, having navigated the condition as a teenager. Unfortunately, she had a difficult time treating her skin until her mother found a Black dermatologist in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. These days, Dr. Love makes it a point to share information and tips for treating acne on Black skin on her Instagram account @elyselovemd.
Dr.Corley L.Hartman founded skin wellness Dermatology
As a teenager, Dr. Corey L. Hartman experienced acne breakouts like many others. When it came to finding treatment for his acne, he found himself largely on his own. In an interview with Skincare.com, Dr. Hartman revealed that his acne wasn’t severe enough for him to seek help from a dermatologist and that his aunt had told him “black people don’t go to the dermatologist.” Additionally, at the time, there was only one Black dermatologist in Louisiana, where Dr. Hartman grew up.
Dr. Corey Hartman, a passionate supporter of both TikTok and Instagram, has created a presence for himself on both platforms under the handle @dr.coreyhartman. He uses his social media presence to combat the spread of misinformation and provide a reliable source of information to his followers. In an interview with Skincare.com, Hartman stated, “I want to make sure that people have access to accurate information and a voice of reason in the midst of all the noise on social media. There are so many voices out there and it can be overwhelming.”
Dr. Sam Bunting launched her own skincare line in 2018
“Dr. Sam Bunting is the founder of the highly effective and gentle skincare line, Dr. Sam’s. In an interview with The Glass Magazine, she described her clinic as a “mecca for acne treatment” and attributed its popularity to the personalized and comprehensive approach taken to address both the root causes and any resulting issues such as pigmentation and scarring. This includes considering diet and skincare practices, as well as utilizing advanced treatments.”
Dr. Bunting has a strong presence on Instagram, where she shares skincare advice and connects with her over 100,000 followers through her account @drsambunting. Prior to Instagram, she had built a following on YouTube. In an interview with 35Thousand, Dr. Bunting mentioned that connecting with her patients and others on social media has been a fulfilling aspect of her job. She said, “Having so many parts of my job, including building and nurturing my social media following, is rewarding. It keeps me constantly evolving and growing as an entrepreneur, and I feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing.”
Dr.Shreene Idriss balances dermatology,being a Mom,and Instagram
Dr. Shereene Idriss is a popular figure on Instagram, with celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Ashley Graham among her 434,000 followers. However, Dr. Idriss has stated that it is not social media that has advanced her career, but rather the opposite. In an interview with Verywell Family, Dr. Idriss said that while her business was already successful before she started using Instagram, the platform has allowed her to be more confident in her public persona, which has led to more opportunities than she ever could have imagined.
Like other dermatologists who use Instagram frequently, Dr. Idriss began posting on the platform after encountering misinformation about skincare and wanting to combat it. A nurse in her practice suggested she begin her own account. From there, one thing lead to another and her Instagram account blew up (via Verywell Family). As she told Fashionista, “I had, like, two followers, and I’d never spoken on Instagram because I have such a fear of public speaking. But I was like, ‘Fine.’ That first time I went on Instagram, it was so bad and I was so nervous speaking to Stories, which is so funny now.”
Dr.Jeanine Downie believes in a handful of essential skincare products
“According to Dr. Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist based in New Jersey, a simple skincare routine is all that’s needed for most people. In an interview with Beauty Bylines, Dr. Downie recommended adjusting your routine seasonally, such as switching to a lighter moisturizer as the weather gets warmer. The founder of image Dermatology believes in keeping things straightforward when it comes to skincare.”
According to Dr. Downie, the most important skincare product for everyone to use is sunscreen. In an interview with Beauty Bylines, she emphasized the importance of wearing at least SPF 30 every day, all year round. For those dealing with hyperpigmentation, it is especially important to be consistent with sunscreen application, reapplying every two hours to ensure proper protection.
Dr. Jeanine Downie is a New Jersey-based dermatologist who has an active Instagram account with over 10,000 followers. On her account, @jeaninedownie, she shares Reels featuring her lectures and events, skincare tips, and a glimpse into her daily life.
Dr. Chris Tomassian is educational and real
Dr. Chris Tomassian, a dermatologist with over 400,000 followers on Instagram, is known for explaining skin-related topics in an easy-to-understand manner. He shares videos on his Instagram page about a variety of topics, such as the effectiveness of using toothpaste on pimples, the benefits of vitamin C for the skin, and the importance of having a healthy skin barrier.
According to Dr. Tomassian, the key to maintaining healthy skin is using sunscreen regularly. In an interview with Who What Wear, he emphasized that many common skin issues such as wrinkles, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, and redness can be attributed to UV damage from the sun. He also highlighted the importance of protecting ourselves from skin cancer, which can result from prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Dr. Tomassian is clearly passionate about helping people achieve and maintain healthy skin, and he believes that sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine.
Dr. Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne values quality of life
Dr. Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from visible skin conditions. In an interview with The Dermatologist, she stated that “If we as the dermatologist or the patient can see the disease, then others can also see them.” She believes that treating skin diseases is about improving the lives of those affected.
On her Instagram account @dr.obioha, Dr. Obioha-Lolagne shares helpful videos and infographics about selecting skincare products and choosing the right moisturizers for your skin. In between these educational posts, she also shares personal photos from her life, including pictures of her relationships, time with family and friends, and even her wedding.
Dr. Obioha-Lolagne is dedicated to providing excellent dermatological care to Black and other people of color, who may face more challenges in accessing such care. She explained to The Dermatologist, “There are several factors that can hinder access to dermatological treatment, including insurance coverage, language barriers, and lack of transportation to clinics.”
