TikTok Video Exposes Skincare Allergy Affecting Black Women

Pigmented Contact Cheilitis: A Skincare Allergy Affecting Black Women Washington, D.C. – A recent TikTok video has brought attention to pigmented contact cheilitis, a condition causing dark discoloration of the lips, particularly affecting women with darker skin tones. The video, created by Saron (@saronthings), details her personal struggle with the condition, which she attributes to an allergy to fatty acid esters present in certain cosmetic products. "I know a lot of you have been struggling to figure out what’s happening with your lips and I hope this helps," Saron explains in her video, which has garnered thousands of views and hundreds of comments. Saron's experience highlights a significant gap in awareness and diagnosis. Dermatologists, she claims, often fail to recognize or adequately address the condition, which is frequently linked to specific ingredients in popular lip products. She urges viewers to carefully check the ingredients of their cosmetics and to use SPF to mitigate the effects of the allergy. The video's popularity underscores the need for increased awareness and research into this under-recognized condition. While Saron's experience is personal, it underscores a broader issue within the beauty industry and medical community. Further research and open discussion are crucial to improving diagnosis and treatment for those affected.