Skin of Color Society

05/28/2026

Today is National Sunscreen Day, a good time to reinforce our year-round message about the importance of daily UV protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for ALL skin types!

Hear tips on how to make sun safety a way of life from SOCS leaders, Drs. Prince Adotama and Nkem Ugonabo.

05/21/2026

Sun protection is for ALL skin types!🌞🏖

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, here's a reminder that people with melanin-rich skin need to apply (and re-apply) broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to protect their skin from the sun's harmful rays. A tinted sunscreen with iron oxide is recommended.

Hear from Skin of Color Society Founder Dr. Susan C. Taylor and SOCS leader Dr. Nkem Ugonabo about why this is so important and beneficial!

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable holiday!

05/15/2026

Hear insights from SOCS leader Dr. Nkem Ugonabo about addressing the emotional and social health impacts of skin and hair issues on an individual, in this excerpt from a Skin of Color Savvy episode.

In the full episode, Dr. Ugonabo also discusses her career journey as a board-certified dermatologist, her advice to physicians in training, the importance of mentorship, and her 2022 Skin of Color Society Research Award.

Catch the full episode here:
https://www.hcplive.com/view/skin-of-color-savvy-news-update-career-journey-socs-leadership-advice-on-mentorship

Skin of Color Savvy is the official podcast of the Skin of Color Society, produced by HCPLive. It's available on your favorite podcast platform, so subscribe today!

05/12/2026

n this excerpt from a recent Skin of Color Savvy podcast episode, SOCS member Dr. Nicole Negbenebor discusses how the Skin of Color Clinic she runs at the University of Iowa Health Care creates a space where patients can discuss all kinds of dermatologic issues and concerns with the dermatology team, be heard, and effectively treated.

Dr. Negbenebor's conversation is a fantastic reminder of all the important skin and hair health issues that a board-certified dermatologist can properly address and treat for patients.

Listen in and access the full episode here: bit.ly/SOCSavvyNegbenebor

05/06/2026

All Skin Types Need to Wear Sunscreen!
Hear from SOCS leaders Dr. Nkem Ugnoabo and Dr. Prince Adotama about why ALL skin types and tones need to wear sunscreen every day--even on partly sunny or cloudy days!

For melanin-rich skin, choose a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide, which blocks visible light--a cause of hyperpigmentation.

Speak with your board-certified dermatologist to find the appropriate sunscreen for you!

05/04/2026

Today is Melanoma Monday, and an important time to remind people that skin cancer can and does occur in every skin tone.

Hear what SOCS leader and dermatology expert Dr. Corey L. Hartman says about skin cancer in melanin-rich skin in this excerpt from a Skin of Color Savvy podcast.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. When it happens in skin of color, it’s often detected at more advanced stages and can be associated with poorer outcomes.

Melanoma in skin of color can often appear on the palms, soles of feet, or under nails, known as acral melanoma.

It's key for people of all skin types and tones to have a thorough skin exam conducted by a board-certified dermatologist at least annually (or more frequently if advised), in addition to regular self-exams and the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin overall.

05/01/2026

As part of our continued expansion on the global stage, we are thrilled to announce the first-ever SOCS session at the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) Annual Scientific Meeting, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia.

This scientific session is co-chaired by Dr. Michelle Rodrigues, who has co-chaired the SOCS Global Council and Collaborations Committee since its inception, alongside Dr. Sachin Vaidya.

The presentation lineup features the following esteemed experts and their topics:

🌟Clinical Update on Mycosis Fungoides in Skin of Color: Prof. Henry Lim, International League of Dermatological Societies International League of Dermatological Societies

🌟Optimizing Laser Safety for Skin of Color: A/Prof. Michelle Rodrigues, Chroma Dermatology

🌟Soft Tissue Fillers in Skin of Color: Dr. Hassan Galadari, United Arab Emirates University

🌟Vitiligo Treatment: Revisiting the Old and Exploring the New: Prof. Eric Lan, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital

🌟The Many Faces of Facial Hyperpigmentation in South Africa: Prof. Ncoza Dlova, Department of Dermatology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-N

🌟Illuminating Generalized Hyperpigmentation: Dr. Sachin Vaidya, Dermatology SA

Learn more about the SOCS Symposium at the ACD ASM and join us if you'll be attending this fantastic conference:
bit.ly/SOCSACDASM

04/30/2026

Leadership is an ART... and look what we've created for dermatologists interested in stepping into greater roles within the specialty and beyond:🖼

The SOCS Center for Leadership's Learning Collaborative was developed for practicing dermatologists who are ready to expand their skill set, grow their influence, and position themselves for rewarding leadership opportunities.

The program combines customized mentorship and training relevant to dermatology with immersive learning drawn from Kouzes and Posner’s seminal body of work, “The 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership.”

Tune in to this short video to hear from some of the participants in the inaugural cohort, including Drs. Nada Elbuluk, Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, Stafford Brown III, and Victoria Barbosa.

Check out: bit.ly/SOCSCFL to learn more and apply before May 4, 2026.

We encourage you to act today to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity for SOCS members! If you're not yet a member, this is a perfect time to join us!

🌟bit.ly/SOCSCFL

04/28/2026

We were so honored to have Dr. Regina Benjamin, the 18th US Surgeon General, deliver the keynote address at the 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium. This well-attended signature event was co-chaired by SOCS leaders Drs. Janiene Luke and Temitayo Ogunleye.

Thanks to Dermatology Times for covering Dr. Benjamin's inspiring talk, which emphasized that clinicians must act as both educators and advocates. As she commented in her insightful talk, "health doesn't occur in the doctor's office and hospitals alone," but rather "where we live, where we learn, where we work."

Check it out!
https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/former-us-surgeon-general-delivers-keynote-speech-at-22nd-annual-skin-of-color-society-scientific-symposium

At the pre-AAD meeting, Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, discussed the role of clinicians as leaders in addressing social determinants of health, emphasizing prevention, education, and culturally responsive care.

04/23/2026

Hear from SOCS leaders about the importance of seeking the advice of a board-certified dermatologist with special training and expertise in treating skin of color in this short video!

You'll hear from SOCS leaders Drs. Janiene Luke, Susan C. Taylor, Shawn Kwatra, & Nkem Ugonabo. Tune in to learn more!

04/21/2026

We're thrilled to share today's nationally distributed news release, highlighting the recent 22nd Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, which convened nearly 500 attendees from 13 countries!

Check out our comprehensive recap covering the insightful scientific program, “Championing Evidence-Based Dermatology and Collaboration,” the SOCS grants and awards presentation, and the 2nd Annual Medical Student Breakfast, which kicked off our rich day together on March 26, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.

🔗 in bio to access the full news release.