The excess and recess of melanin pigment production indicate your skin type and complexion. If you’re a melanin beauty with a skin complexion ranging from dark caramel tones to chocolate brown and much deeper tones, then you’re classified as an individual having skin type VI. This classification is based on the concept of the Fitzpatrick scale developed in 1975 to estimate an individual’s photosensitivity.

Individuals with skin type VI mostly originate from African and Sub-Sharan roots. Their complexion ranges from varying shades of rich and deep browns to black hues. The beauty-based YouTuber Nyma Tang, and celebrities like Viola Davis and Naomi Campbell fall on the different spectrums of skin type VI. People with this type of skin always have dark hair and eye color. 

While as an individual with skin type VI, you have the most luxurious and beautifully distinct skin complexion. Yet like every other skin type, there are some certain issues that you might face. These are: 

• Darker Pigmentation Patches due to Sun Exposure

The good news is that those who rock a dark brown and deeper tone do not suffer from painful skin burns. Since it is the darkest skin color the effect from UV rays is not as damaging as someone with skin type I and III. Additionally, dark-skinned individuals do not suffer from skin conditions like redness, hives; whereas they are also at a reduced risk of cancers related to skin. However, it does not imply that individuals with skin type VI are immune to the detrimental consequences of UV rays and sun exposure, entirely.

• Rapid Tanning & Skin Discoloration

Many of the common problems associated with skin issues in darker people are manifested in the form of pigmentation, discoloration, and unevenness. Immune from quick sunburns, it is common for individuals with this skin color to tan heavily. Sun exposure during summers or harsh treatments like peeling facials results in severe pigmentation and hypopigmentation. These pigmentation spots come out in the form of extremely dark or light patches.

• Photoaging

Although these individuals are at a lesser risk of skin cancers and sunburns due to sun radiations, they do experience accelerated aging and other skin concerns. The issue aging and wrinkling is commonly associated with venturing out in the sun sans any protective measures. 

• Acne & Scarring 

With dark skin folks the persistent skin issues like eczema, and acne result in rashes, and pigmented spots. The formation of keloids and cysts are also associated with acne-prone skin in darker skins. People with skin type VI who are acne prone also experience textural irregularities such as pore formation and bumps.

• Melanoma

One of the gravest skin concerns in people with dark skin tones is melanoma. It is a myth that sun exposure leaves no adverse effects on dark-skinned people. Skin cancers appear on the light-skinned areas such as soles, feet, and palms.