In this episode, Dr. Tina Lasisi walks us through how we genetically inherit skin color. Have you ever been convinced that you’re adopted because your parents have a radically different skin color?

Context Explanation

(Special to The Root) — Skin color is one of our most important biological traits. Its many shades evolved as humans moved far and wide into regions with different intensities of sunlight. Skin color ... There are five skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive.

Insight Material

You can test your skin type at home by observing oil, dryness, or redness on your skin. Age, sun damage, and hormonal changes ...