Skin of Color

Washington, DC's Trusted Dermatologist

Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC

Skin can look and respond differently across different skin tones, and certain dermatologic conditions may be more noticeable or more likely to result in pigmentation changes or scarring in skin of color. At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology for patients in Washington, DC, with a focus on understanding the unique needs of skin of color.

With more than 34 years of experience, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes provides individualized care for a wide range of skin, hair, and nail concerns.

Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes
34+ Years of Experience
Expert Care

Dermatologic Conditions Commonly Affecting Skin of Color

Some dermatologic concerns can be particularly important to address in patients with darker skin tones because inflammation, irritation, or injury to the skin may be followed by changes in pigmentation or scarring.

Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common concerns involving uneven skin tone. Dark spots can develop following acne, inflammation, irritation, sun exposure, or other skin conditions.

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Acne & Acne Scarring

Acne can affect patients of all skin tones, but breakouts may leave behind persistent dark marks known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

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Keloids

Keloids are raised scars that extend beyond the original area of skin injury. They can occur after acne, surgery, piercings, injuries, or other forms of skin trauma.

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Hair Loss

Hair loss can affect people of every skin tone and may have many different causes. Dr. Holmes evaluates patients and works with them to determine an appropriate treatment approach.

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Rosacea & Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Inflammatory skin conditions can present differently depending on a patient's skin tone. A thorough dermatologic evaluation can help distinguish between different conditions.

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Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic dermatology should be approached with the patient's individual skin characteristics, concerns, and goals in mind. Dr. Holmes offers chemical peels, Botox, dermal fillers, and more.

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Comprehensive Care

Other Skin Conditions That May Affect Skin of Color

Skin of color can present with different patterns of inflammation, pigmentation, scarring, and healing. A dermatologist experienced in treating diverse skin types can help identify the underlying cause of a skin concern and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D. P.C., we provide medical dermatology care for a wide range of skin conditions, including:

Eczema & Dermatitis Inflammatory skin conditions that can cause itching, dryness, redness, irritation, or changes in skin color.
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Psoriasis A chronic inflammatory skin condition that can appear differently across different skin tones and may leave temporary or persistent changes in pigmentation.
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Vitiligo A condition that causes areas of the skin to lose pigment, creating lighter patches that may be more noticeable in darker skin tones.
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Fungal Skin Infections Infections that can affect the skin, scalp, nails, or other areas and may cause discoloration, scaling, itching, or irritation.
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Rashes & Skin Irritation Persistent or recurring rashes may have many causes and should be evaluated when symptoms do not improve or continue to return.
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Scalp & Hair Loss Conditions Hair and scalp concerns can have different causes, including inflammatory and hereditary conditions that may require specialized dermatologic evaluation.
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Nail Disorders Changes in nail color, thickness, texture, or growth can sometimes indicate an underlying skin condition or infection.
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Personalized Dermatology Care for Skin of Color

Whether you are seeking treatment for pigmentation changes, inflammation, acne, hair loss, or another persistent skin concern, an individualized dermatologic evaluation can help determine the most appropriate approach for your skin and your overall health.

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Our Philosophy

A Personalized Approach to Skin of Color

There is no single treatment that is right for every patient or every skin tone. The appropriate approach depends on the condition being treated, the patient's skin, medical history, previous treatments, and individual goals.

Dr. Holmes takes the time to understand each patient's concerns and develop a customized treatment plan. Her approach emphasizes careful diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and ongoing attention to the health and appearance of the skin.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Personalized evaluation
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Focus on pigmentation & scarring
  • Medical, surgical & cosmetic care
When to Seek Care

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if you are concerned about:

  • Persistent dark spots or uneven skin tone
  • Acne that is not improving
  • Dark marks left after acne or inflammation
  • Raised or thickened scars
  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • A changing mole or skin growth
  • Persistent rash, irritation, or inflammation
  • Cosmetic concerns involving pigmentation, texture, or scarring

A dermatologist can help determine the underlying cause of your concern and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Board Certified

Meet Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes

Board-Certified Dermatologist · 34+ Years

Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC. She provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with an individualized approach to each patient's skin, hair, and overall dermatologic health.

Dr. Holmes' practice is located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC, where she provides comprehensive dermatologic care for patients with a wide range of concerns.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About dermatology for skin of color

What is dermatology for skin of color?

Dermatology for skin of color focuses on providing appropriate evaluation and treatment for patients across a range of skin tones, while taking individual pigmentation, scarring, and treatment considerations into account.

Can a dermatologist treat hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones?

Yes. Hyperpigmentation can have many causes, so the first step is determining what is causing the discoloration. Dr. Holmes offers individualized evaluation and treatment for hyperpigmentation and other pigmentation concerns.

Why do dark spots sometimes remain after acne?

Inflammation from acne can be followed by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may leave areas of darker pigmentation after a breakout has healed. Treating both active acne and the resulting discoloration may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Are chemical peels appropriate for skin of color?

Chemical peels are used for a variety of skin concerns, including pigmentation, acne, and acne scarring. The appropriate peel depends on the patient's skin, condition, and treatment goals. A professional evaluation can help determine which option is appropriate.

Can laser treatments be used for skin of color?

Laser and light-based treatments should be selected carefully based on the patient's skin characteristics and the condition being treated. A consultation allows the provider to determine whether a particular treatment is appropriate for the individual patient.

How are keloids treated?

Keloid treatment depends on the size, location, symptoms, and history of the scar. A dermatologist can evaluate the keloid and discuss appropriate treatment options.

When should I see a dermatologist for hair loss?

If you are experiencing persistent, worsening, or unexplained hair loss, a dermatologic evaluation can help determine the possible cause and appropriate treatment options.

Personalized Dermatology Care for Skin of Color

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes in Washington, DC.

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1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-737-6800
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