When it comes to beauty treatments, people with darker skin tones need to take special considerations into account. In-office treatments such as chemical peels, light-emitting treatments, and dermabrasion can cause dark spots, permanent loss of pigment, and even scarring if not done properly. It's important to find a dermatologist who specializes in this area and has experience with colored skin. Darker-skinned patients tend to have more uneven skin tone around the mouth and eyes.
Hydroquinone is the go-to treatment for this, but mandelic acid is also an option. This aromatic alpha hydroxy acid is rarely used in the U. S., but it can be effective for pigmentary disorders. Darker skin is also more prone to side effects from laser therapy, so it's important to find a clinic that specializes in laser therapy for dark skin.
Dr. Arisa Ortiz recommends oral tranexamic acid for pigmentary disorders in darker skin tones. Cynosure states that laser treatment is safe for all skin types, but professionals must modify the amount of energy and wavelength used when treating darker skin tones.
Microneedling
is another option for producing more collagen and repairing the skin.For laser hair removal, providers must also modify the amount of energy they use and the wavelength they use to attack the skin. Botulinum toxin indications are similar across the spectrum, and many patients with colored skin want treatment for their forehead lines. Chemical peels are generally considered safe for all ethnicities when properly formulated and used as directed. Dermatologists may need to use stronger and thicker yarns when treating darker patients in order to achieve the same level of elasticity.
Finally, it's important to remember that touching or picking on pimples and acne can stop the healing process and leave dark spots or scars on the skin. Eating a nutritious diet and using topical products can help you get the skin you want.
