Prepping Your Skin For Summer
Prepping Your Skin for Summer: Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis + Brown Skin
My youngest child Apollo (I’m trying to bump him up to middle child) is extremely blunt. He will say what's on his mind knowing it may be a bit abrasive but will try to soften it by adding a “no offense” to start or close the shenanigans. Apollo suffers from eczema, which makes him absolutely miserable. A few years back, he said to me “Hey Dad…no offense”. I knew something was coming. “Don’t you make things to help people?” I replied “Yep, that's what I do homeboy (as I prepared myself for the blow).
“Then why haven't you made something for me? I’m scratching like crazy and I’m your son!” Homeboy was 7 years old when he called me out 😅 Fast forward two years and I finally hooked him up with a product to help care for his eczema! 🎉
Because of Apollo, I took an interest in CBD, cannabis and how they may help some skin conditions, specifically for melanated people. This is important because I see firsthand how skin health disparities, misdiagnoses, and underrepresentation in clinical trials have left too many of you struggling to find solutions. If that sounds familiar, this blog is for you.
In this article, I’ll break down three of the most common chronic skin conditions; eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis—from a medical, cultural, and holistic lens. We’ll explore why these conditions can show up differently in melanin-rich skin, which treatments work (and which don’t), and how CBD and cannabismay offer promising support, especially as we head into summer when flare-ups often peak.
Now, let’s learn to show our skin some love.
Understanding the Conditions: Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis
Skin conditions like eczema(atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and contact dermatitisaffect millions—but they’re often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in Black women, in part due to differences in presentation on darker skinand limited representation in dermatological studies.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that causes intense itching, dryness, and patches of irritated skin. On Black skin, it may appear grayish, purple, or darker brown, rather than red.
Symptoms:Dry, scaly patches, sometimes weeping or crusted; thickened skin in chronic cases.
Common sites:Face, elbows, behind the knees, neck.
Triggers:Stress, allergens, weather changes, harsh soaps.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune conditionthat causes skin cells to turn over rapidly, resulting in thick, scaly plaques. On melanated skin, lesions may be violet, dark brown, or gray, not red or pink like on lighter skin tones.
Symptoms:Raised patches of thick skin covered in silvery or gray scales.
Common sites:Scalp, elbows, knees, lower back.
Triggers:Infections, medications, stress, cold weather.
Dermatitis (Contact and Seborrheic)
This broad term refers to inflammation caused by external irritants or allergens(contact dermatitis) or excess oil production and yeast(seborrheic dermatitis, often on the scalp and face).
Symptoms:Rash, redness, stinging, scaling.
Common sites:Hands, scalp, face, or areas exposed to irritants.
Triggers:Haircare products, fragrances, detergents.
Pearls
Eczema often shows up differently in Black women, which can delay diagnosis or lead to ineffective treatments.
According to a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Black children are 1.7 times more likely to develop eczema than white children, and these disparities persist into adulthood.
Demographics & Disparities: Why Black Women Are Uniquely Affected
Did you know that skin conditions often present differently on melanated skin, yet medical education still relies heavily on light-skinned examples? This creates dangerous blind spots—especially for people (especially women) of color.
Eczema:Affects up to 20% of African American childrenand often persists into adulthood.
Psoriasis:Though less common, Black patientsare often underdiagnosed and face delays in care.
Dermatitis:Black women are more likely to experience scalp and hairline irritation, often misattributed to styling practices rather than underlying dermatologic conditions.
Compounding these challenges are environmental and socioeconomic stressors, including:
Limited access to dermatologists familiar with Black skin.
Higher exposure to environmental allergens or pollutants.
Cultural stigma around skin disorders or cannabis use.
Pearls
Many dermatology textbooks still lack adequate imagery of skin conditions on darker skin tones, leading to underdiagnosis and mismanagement.
According to JAMA Dermatology, African Americans are 50% less likely than white patients to see a dermatologist, despite often having more severe disease.
Traditional Treatments: The Good, The Bad, The Irritating
Most conventional treatments are focused on managing symptoms, not curing the root causes. Some of these can be helpful—but others may come with risks.
Common Treatments Include:
Topical corticosteroids:Effective but can cause skin thinning, especially with prolonged use.
Calcineurin inhibitors (like tacrolimus):Useful for delicate areas but may cause burning sensations.
Phototherapy:Controlled UV exposure; can be tricky for melanin-rich skin without proper monitoring.
Antihistamines or oral steroids:For itch control or inflammation, but may have systemic side effects.
Problems arisewhen these medications are used long-term or without adjustments for Black skin’s specific needs. For instance, corticosteroids can cause hypopigmentation, which may lead to more visible skin discoloration in Black women.
Pearls
Topical steroids should be used cautiously on darker skin, where pigment loss is more noticeable and longer-lasting.
A 2021 study from Dermatologic Clinics highlights the need for race-conscious treatment plans to avoid undertreating or overcorrecting skin conditions in patients of color.
Holistic Options: Nature Knows Best—Sometimes
A growing number of women are turning to holistic remediesthat address skin health from the inside out. These include dietary adjustments, botanical oils, and mind-body practices.
Examples:
Oatmeal bathsfor itch relief.
Turmeric and aloe verafor inflammation and skin tone balancing.
Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and probiotics for immune and skin health.
Mindfulness and stress management, which can reduce flares triggered by anxiety.
While many of these therapies are low-risk, they aren’t always backed by rigorous research, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person.
Pearls
Stress is a major trigger for eczema and psoriasis flares. Practices like meditation and journaling can help prevent symptoms.
A 2022 meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine showed that omega-3s significantly improved atopic dermatitis symptoms in some patients.
The Role of CBD and Cannabis: A Soothing, Science-Backed Option
Now, let’s talk about something close to my heart—and practice: CBD, cannabis and skin (because of my lil homie).
Cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a vital role in immune regulation, inflammation, and skin barrier function. When used thoughtfully, CBD and cannabis-derived productscan help manage the underlying inflammation and symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
How CBD May Help:
Anti-inflammatory effectshelp reduce redness, swelling, and itch.
Antimicrobial propertiescan assist with preventing secondary infections.
Moisturizing base oils(like hemp seed oil or shea butter) help repair the skin barrier.
Routes of Administration:
Topicals(creams, balms, oils): Directly target the affected area; best for localized symptoms.
Tinctures(under-the-tongue drops): Enter the bloodstream quickly; good for systemic inflammation and anxiety.
Softgels/Capsules:Great for consistent daily use and managing whole-body inflammation.
Pearls
CBD works best when used consistently as part of a comprehensive skincare and wellness routine.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Cannabinoid Research found that CBD significantly reduced pruritus (itching) and inflammation in patients with eczema when applied topically.
Actionable Steps: How to Build Your Summer Skincare Routine with CBD
Let’s talk about practical steps—because managing your skin shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Your CBD-Infused Skincare Ritual Might Look Like:
Cleanse gently:Avoid sulfates and fragrances that strip melanin-rich skin.
Apply CBD Topical:Focus on trouble areas post-shower to lock in moisture.
Take a daily CBD softgel:Supports systemic inflammation from the inside.
Add a CBD tincture at night:Helps promote restful sleep and lowers stress-related flare-ups.
Pearls
Apply CBD topicals to damp skin to enhance absorption and effectiveness.
Combining topical and oral CBD may produce synergistic results for inflammatory skin conditions.
Rolling It All Up
Your skin deserves care that’s not just effective—but also culturally aware, science-backed, and rooted in compassion. As a brown skinned person navigating stress, environmental triggers, and systemic disparities, you need more than quick fixes. You need trustworthy tools and knowledgethat works for your body, your skin, and your life. Especially if it’s inspired by a rambunctious 9 year old! 😀
Here’s what we covered:
Eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitisare common yet underdiagnosed in Black women.
Traditional treatmentscan help but must be tailored to melanin-rich skin.
Holistic therapies and CBDoffer promising relief without harsh side effects.
CBD works bestwhen personalized and used consistently—something I’ve built into every product at DrDamas.com.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with a sister, mother, or friend who might need it 🙏🏾.
Pearls
Melanin-rich skin has unique needs. Skincare that honors that is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
CBD may not be a cure-all, but when integrated thoughtfully, it can be a game-changer in your holistic wellness plan.