Faith Durden, Dermatologist: Most Interesting People 2026

Why She’s Interesting: Dr. Faith Durden is a board-certified dermatologist in Beachwood and one of only a handful of Black dermatologists in Ohio. She is on a mission to raise awareness about how skin care can differ across racial and ethnic groups and can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis by health care providers. 

Keratin Kid: At age 8, Durden told her mother that she wanted to be a doctor and attend Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. “She said I would change my mind. I said, ‘No I won’t.’” Durden did indeed graduate from CWRU. Durden’s father, Edward, was a civil rights activist in East Cleveland who died protesting injustice. 

Skin Care: When Durden advises that everyone wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, she means everyone, and every day. “Even if you have the darkest skin tone and it’s the cloudiest day, that sunscreen can save you.” Her advice surpasses skin cream. She recommends wearing a white brimmed hat that covers the face and behind the ears. 

Doctor Dearth: Durden says her extremely competitive field is why there are so few Black dermatologists. She urges more support within the specialty. “Mentorship is so very important. If you don’t have a mentor, you’re already behind the eight ball.” 

Medical Trust: With historically marginalized groups seeking medical help at far lower rates than their white counterparts, Durden acknowledges the mistrust and wants Black patients to do their research. “Look up the doctor online, ask around about them, and if one doesn’t feel comfortable, that’s not the one for you.” 

Dermatological Distinctions: Misinformation abounds that Black people cannot get skin cancer. “Black people not only get skin cancer, but they have a higher mortality rate. It is critical for everyone to get checked out.” 

Meet the rest of the 2026 class of Most Interesting People >>

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