The Hidden Truth of Melanin Care & Skin Safety, with JoElle Lee
May 26, 2026
You’d think safe and skillful treatment of melanin-rich skin would be a thing by now. But unfortunately, the aesthetics industry continues to fall short. In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, host Elaine Sterling sits down with JoElle Lee, a powerhouse in medical aesthetics with nearly three decades of experience, to discuss why treating melanin-rich skin safely and skillfully is not just a specialty - it's a moral and professional imperative. From launching the Skin of Color Global Institute to addressing systemic gaps in esthetics education, JoElle shares battle-tested protocols, myth-busting insights and her candid view of how the industry needs to change.
It may be 2026, but the aesthetics industry continues to fall short when it comes to the safe and skillful treatment of melanin-rich skin. In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, host Elaine Sterling sits down with JoElle Lee, a powerhouse in medical aesthetics with nearly three decades of experience, to discuss why quality melanin care is a moral and professional imperative, how the industry needs to change and the systemic gaps in esthetics education that need correction.
What You'll Learn:
- Why inflammation is the enemy in melanin-rich skin treatment
- The PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) Score Framework
- How to start conservative and build trust through thorough consultation
- Why chemical peels are the gold standard for melanin-rich skin when done right
- The critical difference between skin tone and skin sensitivity
- How to position your esthetics practice for the future
Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about the state of aesthetics today and what needs to change.
About JoElle Lee:
JoElle Lee, Founder of JoElle Lee Advanced Esthetics Training, is a licensed esthetician, educator, and internationally recognized Skin of Color expert with nearly 30 years of clinical experience. She is known for advancing safer treatment protocols for melanin-rich skin and for educating estheticians, medical spa professionals, and global beauty brands on clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and treatment safety.
Her expertise has been trusted by high-profile clients, including former First Lady Michelle Obama. Her work now focuses on raising the standard of care for skin of color worldwide through advanced education, clinical training, and industry partnerships. She is currently building the Skin of Color Global Institute, an initiative focused on advancing global clinical safety standards for treating melanin-rich skin.
Episode Resources: