The South Side of Chicago is renowned for its diversity, with comprehensive cultural and social activities, as well as housing several medical institutions. Chicago-based TONE Dermatology delivers an exemplary ethnic dermatology medical service in this area, with healthcare focusing on wellness, nutrition, and preventative medicine.

TONE Dermatology does educational work in a society where skin disorders are not recognized. Empathetic staff at the ultra-modern facility puts patients at ease when making an appointment. The independent practice is not restricted by medical insurance regulations, and therefore an innovative approach to screening patients if followed.

According to Dr. Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, the founder and owner of Tone Dermatology, “Being based in Chicago has afforded us the opportunity to become involved in a society that boasts cultural diversity. Although challenging, it is a rewarding path. As an academic, avid researcher and dermatologist, I have a reasonable understanding of ethnicity and the complexity surrounding it. As a woman of color and an advocate for diversity in dermatology, it is necessary for me to raise awareness for discrimination in ethnic skin care.”

Although the general perception is that, all human skin is essentially the same, with color a mere reflection of the melanin levels, in reality it is quite the opposite. Subtle differences bring a need for dedicated knowledge. Skin of color is highly susceptible to eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and acne, and at the same token not less prone to injury, scalding, or burns.

All of these factors can however create a different reaction, or healing process. Skin color can affect the patient’s reaction to the type and number of treatments, which will in turn have diverse reactions to the skin condition and the healing process. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on specific treatments for specific skin colors to obtain the optimum outcome regarding successful treatment.

Darker complexions are more prone to hyperpigmentation, a discoloration of areas of the skin, due to the increased presence of Melanocytes, reacting to environmental, or temperature change. Other symptomatic factors could also affect medical insight necessary when safely prescribing treatment for patients with the range of skin color. Similar skin conditions bring different visual symptoms in darker skinned patients, which many lead to misdiagnosis, or late detection of potential problems.

Remarkable success can still be achieved with the correct diagnoses and treatment used on different skin types. Certified Dermatologists at TONE Dermatology in Chicago will realize the challenges and distress caused by skin disorders, as the white patches caused by vitiligo on darker skin, and will be able to treat the condition with the necessary empathy and in-depth knowledge of ethnic dermatology.

About Us

Dr. Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Chicago, is the founder and owner of Tone Dermatology, a private practice established in March 2020. She is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist. This inclusive practice offers excellent procedures, focusing on ethnic skin dermatology, acne sequela in skin of color, cicatricial alopecias and culturally inclusive aesthetic medicine. Serving as an advocate for diversity in dermatology, Dr Robinson raises awareness to inequities in ethnic skin care, whilst being a clinical associate at the University of Chicago. As a Cornell graduate, she obtained her medical degree from the University of Louisville, with a distinction in research, and then completed her residency at Southern Illinois University. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Skin of Color Society, a committee member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. For more information, please contact https://tonedermatology.com/