ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Ethnic differences in skin physiology and reaction to environmental stimuli are more and more described (1), but notwithstanding the increasing number of studies, data are often conicting. In fact, it is dif‘cult to de‘ne and interpret the cutaneous pathophysiologic phenomena that are not only anatomical and functional characteristics of ethnic groups but also the result of socioeconomic, hygienic, and nutritional factors. Furthermore, skin status may be inuenced by climate, circadian rhythms, and changes in circulating sex hormones or stress hormones. Indeed, even though it is well established that all humans belong to the same species, many physical differences exist among human population. This chapter reviews the more consistent differences reported between racial groups and their implications in determining different responses after use of topical products and in treating skin aging.
