Dermopal® Introduces A Skincare Conversation Many People With Skin of Colour Have Never Fully Had

Johannesburg, 26 May 2026 – For decades, countless South African consumers have been told that darker skin tones are naturally protected from the sun. While melanin does offer some natural defense, dermatology research continues to show that skin of colour is vulnerable to pigmentation, photoaging, inflammation, and long-term UV damage, particularly from UVA rays and visible light exposure.

Dermopal, the dermatologist-developed skincare range created specifically for skin of colour consumers, is bringing that conversation into sharper focus through its new campaign: “Made for Melanin. Made for You.”

The campaign aims to educate consumers about the unique skincare needs of skin of colour while introducing a targeted range designed to protect, correct, and support long-term skin health.

Although the skincare range has been trusted by generations of consumers, many people are still unfamiliar with the science behind its formulations, which the new awareness drive aims to bring into sharper focus.

Dr Leslie Nteta, creator of Dermopal®, spent the morning unpacking the science behind pigmentation, UV exposure, and skin barrier health to help guests better understand why skin of colour requires specialised skincare that supports it in any climate or environment, rather than just off-shelf products.

“Highly pigmented skin has its own strengths, but it also has its own vulnerabilities, and unfortunately, many people only start paying real attention once the damage is already visible,” says Dr Nteta. “But concerns like pigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark marks, and premature ageing are often the result of daily exposure and ongoing inflammation over time. Protecting skin of colour is not about changing it. It is about understanding it well enough to care for it properly.”

One of the most important messages shared during the session was that skin of colour is often highly reactive to inflammation and environmental stressors. This means concerns such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark marks, and melasma can be more persistent and more difficult to manage without the right daily skincare routine.

“Many people still associate sunscreen only with preventing sunburn,” Dr Nteta explains. “But for skin of colour, daily photoprotection is also deeply connected to pigmentation management, maintaining an even complexion, and protecting long-term skin health.”

The dermatologist-developed skincare range focuses on two key skincare priorities: daily prevention and targeted correction.

The Dermopal® Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 30+ and SPF 50+ products are formulated to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while also supporting hydration and barrier function. Unlike heavier sunscreens that can leave a visible cast on darker skin tones, the formulations are designed with everyday wearability in mind.

The brand’s Blemish Cream works overnight using a combination of kojic acid and glycolic acid, ingredients widely recognised for helping address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. The formulation supports skin renewal while helping reduce the appearance of dark marks associated with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Importantly, the campaign does not position skin of colour as a problem needing correction. Instead, the targeted skincare collection is focused on informed care that respects the biology and realities of diverse skin tones. In the beauty industry, consumers with pigmented skin have often struggled to find products developed specifically for their skin concerns, and that distinction matters.

From UV exposure and barrier disruption to reactive pigmentation and inflammation, the skincare experiences of consumers with skin of colour are often different. Unfortunately, education around those differences has historically been limited.

Dermopal® believes skincare education should feel empowering rather than intimidating.

This is why the campaign places equal emphasis on accessible information and product performance. The goal is to help consumers understand what is happening beneath the surface of their skin and why consistent daily care matters.

As awareness around skin health continues to grow globally, the brand sees an opportunity to bring skin of colour further into the centre of the skincare conversation, not as an afterthought, but as the starting point.

“Skin of colour deserves more than assumptions, generic care advice, or products never designed with it in mind,” concludes Dr Nteta. “People should not have to choose between protecting their skin and feeling seen by the products they use. This specialist facial care range was specifically created because

South Africans with darker skin tones deserve focused care that understands them, respects them, and was made specifically with their skincare needs in mind.”

Source: Briefly News