OSAKA : ROBERT DEUTSCH-USA TODAY SPORTS ; LEGEND , UNION AND WADE : DAN MACMEDAN-USA TODAY |
As asmall child , Naana Boakye and her sister moved from Ghana to the Bronx with their parents , both doctors who were doing their residencies in the U . S . For Boakye , it was the first ofmany moves tocommunities where residents had different skin tones . In Ghana , the population was predominantly Black ; in the Bronx , where her family settled first , people came from avariety of backgrounds . When Boakye ’ s family moved across the Hudson toRiver Vale , she was surrounded by white people . “ We were one of the only Black families , and we didn ’ t have Black teachers ,” she recalls . “ Luckily for me , myparents always brought me back to Ghana . Seeing family members and others who look like you makes you more comfortable in your skin .”
Now adermatologist with amaster ’ s degree in public health , she has made aprofession of helping people feel good in their skin , too .“ My practice is a little Model UN , which Ifeel comfortable with due to my upbringing ,” says Boakye , who still lives inNorth Bergen County . Using aholistic approach that combines medicine and healthy behaviors , she treats patients inNew Jersey and nationally through telemedicine who have lighter skin tones , but she has special expertise treating skin that is melanin-rich ( with more pigmentation that makes it darker ).
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STAR POWER ( Clockwise from top ) Tennis great Naomi Osaka , singer John Legend , actress Gabrielle Union and NBA hall of famer Dwayne Wade are some celebrities that Dr . Boakye has worked with to develop their respective skin care lines .
To address issues encountered by people with dark skin , Boakye consults with celebrities including John Legend , Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union to develop products specifically for people with darker pigmentation . It is afulfilling aspect ofher career as adoctor , which first started taking shape inher mind when she was 6 .
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ANOTHER DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE
When Boakye was 6years old , she thought she might grow up to be an artist . That thought balloon was shot down quickly , though . “ My dad laughed and said no ,” she says .“ Education is important in African culture , which isfull of accountants , doctors and lawyers . My mom is apediatrician and my dad is an obstetrician / gynecologist , so Idecided Iwould do what myparents did and become adoctor .”
Her mother had abad case of acne when she was in her 30s that was treated and cured by adermatologist in Englewood , and that made animpression on Boakye . The specialty also offers kinder hours than the medicine practiced by her father , who she witnessed being called into the operating room at 11 p . m . on aFriday night . A cousin who is adermatologist in New York , Dr . Andrew Alexis , offered support when she committed to practicing in the field .
“ Dermatology involves alittle bit of artistry , soIcame full circle ,” Boakye says with alaugh .
Achieving best results requires addressing health issues outside her chosen field , she found . She first became aware ofthis two years after having her daughter , now 10 . “ I thought I ’ dgoto the gym and eat healthy , but Iwasn ’ t dropping any weight ,” she says .“ So Italked to adoctor who gave me a foundation in nutrition , and how it ’ s
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