Changing Skintones of Existing Sims Doesn't Work

[Kestin]

More than once, I've tried to change the skintone of a Sim after I've created it. When it works (it often doesn't), it only changes the face area, and the rest of the body is still the other tone. I've tried using Sim Surgery, and I've tried just changing the DNA. I've tried using the mirror and the dresser as well, just in case, but neither did anything except update the thumbnail. I don't really know if this is where to ask about this, but I need help and this is the only place I've found that's likely to be the right place to ask. So...help please?

[Neder]

I've had a similar problem. I found a solution on the SimPE site that has worked for me (I just did a search there and was unable to find the info again).

Back up your data.
Open the Sim's character file. This can be done when you have the character chosen in SimPE. Among the resources for the character is one called Age Data (AGED).
Opening this will give you a list of properties, including skincolor. This is the expressed appearance of the Sim. Copy the same 32 digit number that you used for the DNA change into the skin color here.
Commit and save.
You may need to change clothes/change appearance on the Sim in-game to get it to take, but like I said, this has worked for me several times (I've had to repair Sims that were damaged when I accidentally deleted a skintone that was in use).