Tired of getting the question, she found an answer

Dr. Susan Taylor has launched a new skin care line for people of color. Taylor’s rx for Brown Skin line features cleansers, toners, and moisturizers and is geared toward people of African, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent.

The Philadelphia-based dermatologist has spent over two years conducting research and working with chemists and partnered with Anna Thomas to form T2 Skincare to bring the line to the marketplace.

Sephora, a leading beauty chain, recently became the line’s exclusive retail carrier for one year. The line is currently sold on Sephora’s Web site and in 30 stores throughout the county, including the retailer’s new Center City location. The line will eventually be rolled out to all Sephora locations.

As the practicing dermatologist and founder of the Sin of Color Center at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York, Taylor has treated major problems for skin of color. She was spurred to develop the product line after realizing that patients were continuously asking her for recommendations on what they should be using as a skin regimen.

“What I heard repeatedly from people were “Dr. Taylor what should I use on my skin? What is there for me?” They weren’t happy with what existed, “ Taylor said.

Many retailers have stocked their shelves with an array of skin care products for the general market, however products geared towards skin of color are not commonplace.

“Rx for Brown Skin, a brand created with needs of the ethnic consumer in mind, is positioned to become the leader within the ethnic skincare market,” said Jani Friedman, head of Demeter Group’s beauty practice said in a release.

“Until now, no one has addressed specific brown skincare needs with a customized product solution and as a result, there is a major untapped market opportunity at hand”.

Taylor suggested large companies feel that one size fits all and that what’s good for one consumer is good for all consumers.

“What they don’t know is that there are structural and functional differences between brown skin and Caucasian skin and we have to address those particular difference, “ she said.

“Women and men with brown skin have very special needs. Brown skin is easily irritated and easily inflamed and when that happens the skin can produce discoloration, dark marks and uneven skin tone”.

With that in mind, the Rx for Brown Skin line is free of potential irritants such as alcohol, lanolin, dyes, fragrances and propylene glycol.

The line, which retails from $18 - $36, offers three different regimens – Bright and Healthy which is geared towards those with normal to dry, sensitive and irritated skin; Bright and Clear, a regimen for those who are oil and acne prone; and the Bright and Even, which features products for people with dull, uneven or hyper pigmented skin.

The line also features two special prescription products and a sunscreen. The line contains a blend of what Taylor calls essential ingredients – hyalurlonic acid, fresh soy and pomegranate.

By Ayana Jones Tribune Staff Writer