Should Cultural Competency Be Mandatory in Advanced Skin Education?

As professionals, we’re trained to assess, treat, and support all skin types, but are we equally trained to understand the cultural, genetic, lifestyle, and lived‑experience factors that influence skin health? 

In many Canadian metropolitan areas, our client base is incredibly diverse, shaped by migration from all over the world. At the same time, there are regions where populations may be less diverse, and exposure to different skin tones, hair textures, cultural practices, and health beliefs may be limited. Both realities exist side by side. 

So the debate is this: 

Is cultural competency something professionals should opt into as they advance? Or should it be considered a core competency in advanced skin education, no matter where you practice?