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question

Do black women tend to have dry skin more than women of other races?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Internal Medicine
answer
Skin dryness depends on as many factors as there are ice cream flavors. Some of the biggies include how much fat and water sit on the surface of the skin, how blood vessels react, the skin’s acidity, and the amount of normal bacteria that hang out on the skin’s surface. Some of these factors can vary depending on what race you are. For example, rates of water loss (called transepidermal water loss, TEWL) have been documented to be higher in black skin compared to Caucasian skin, which may put African-American women at higher risk for dry skin.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.