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The Best Treatments For Beautiful Dark Skin

Unique treatments for unique skin

Skin treatments are no different from any other health treatments. After all, they are designed to treat unhealthy skin or to enhance and bring the best out of your skin.

There is no magic bullet approach to skin treatments. Different types of skin require unique techniques. Applying the same treatment procedures and products to different skin tones simply won’t work. This article discusses treatments that work for darker skin tones and how different skin tones affect the results in specific cosmetic treatments.

Working beyond the surface

Cosmetic skin procedures work far below the skin’s surface. The type of skin and colour are some of the factors affecting the outcome of a cosmetic procedure the most. Skin colour plays a big part in the outcome of treatments, especially with laser treatments. On the first consultation for hair removal, most people will be surprised to learn that darker skin tones will need extra cosmetic procedures over a longer length of time.

What your cosmetic treatment practitioner should know about darker skin tones

Darker skin will absorb more energy during laser treatments and other skin technology treatments in comparison to lighter skin. The chances of something going wrong increases when the skin absorbs more energy. Adverse conditions common in darker skin undergoing high energy cosmetic treatments include hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), uneven pigmentation (skin takes on an unnatural multicolour appearance) and hypopigmentation (skin lightening). Lighter skin tones, therefore, respond better to energy-based treatments such as laser and are rarely susceptible to these effects.

Low energy laser treatments and other options

It’s only in the last decade that other treatments have come onto the market to replace a variation of laser treatments such as alexandrite and diode lasers. Laser radiofrequency with microneedling techniques now offer people with darker skin tones treatments with more positive outcomes than before. Fewer practitioners appear to lack the knowledge of secondary effects some treatments may have on darker skin, further stressing the need to do your research before choosing a clinic for an aesthetic procedure.

Treatments to take with caution

Cool lasers

There are assertions from a number of doctors about Erbium lasers, also known as Cool lasers, and CO2 lasers that they may be a safe option for treating dark skin tones. However, most doctors advise that these ablative lasers expose the skin to unnecessary heat and should be avoided. They harm the skin with ample inflammation and should be labelled high risk.

Hair removal lasers

Hair removal laser treatments such as IPL and Fraxel should be evaded in treating dark skin. Fraxel, although often used, can be highly dangerous as it causes rebound hyper-pigmentation if used improperly. It burns and affects the overall texture of the skin. IPL hair removal also has a chance of causing both hyper and hypopigmentation.

Energy-based cosmetic treatment should not be the basis for skin rejuvenation in dark skin. Implementation of at-home treatments like dermal rolling, a good skincare routine and face peels should be the focus.

Top aesthetic treatments for darker skin

Chemical peel

 Enlighten is Dr Emer’s signature treatment addressing pigmentation, pores and spots on dark skin tones. In addition to liquorice root, hydroquinone and vitamin C, this peeling treatment also uses kojic acid and retinol. Unlike other chemical peels, this peel works on reducing and reversing signs of skin ageing. Enlighten achieves a brighter and lighter tone of the skin without the possibility of damaging the pigment.

Micro-needling with radio-frequency

There are treatments that work best from under the skin surface for those wanting to indulge in advanced skin rejuvenation. Micro-needling involving radio-frequency treatments uses needles that have been chemically plated to pierce and emit energy below the skin surface.  Overall, these treatments attend to scars resulting from acne and pigmentation. In addition, it treats fine and shallow wrinkles in dark skin tones. Skin tightening can also be achieved using this technology.

Brand name treatments: Clear + Brilliant

This laser treatment can safely be used for dark skin tones as it uses low energy lasers. Successful results are earned when the treatment is used over a period of time. Clear + Brilliant treats melasma, hyperpigmentation and burns. It also rectifies the outcomes of improper procedures. Dr Emer recommends this treatment for sensitive skin, acne treatment and melasma. He also recommends it for those patients who need to get back to their daily routines quickly.

Heat-free salt facial scrub

A salt facial does not use heat or external energy and is the ideal skin resurfacing and rejuvenating treatment for people with darker skin. As a combination treatment, salt facial involves applying some pressure on the skin using sea salt to alleviate acne, smoothen pores, fine lines and encourage the exfoliation process It serves as three-step skincare routine that exfoliates the skin’s outer layer and deposits customised serums deep beneath the skin. Finally, it deploys LED therapy which helps in reducing inflammation and soreness. This treatment can be done monthly for maintenance of a youthful, rejuvenated and bright skin.

Hair removal Yag laser technology

Hair removal by laser procedures appears uncomplicated, but a darker skin tone sometimes tricks the laser into giving attention to the skin instead of the hair due to its dark pigment. Treatment using the Yag laser is the ideal choice compared to the long-existing hair removal lasers. It flashes easily such that the upper skin surface is not affected while the laser is busy working on the follicles. South Asian and African skin tones can safely use the Yag laser treatment as this is the best hair removal treatment for their dark skin.

The Gold Standard and Next Steps

The gold standard in achieving the best results for any treatment procedure is combining the treatment with a Glycolic cream and Vitamin C serum. This works best in reducing inflammation on the skin, promoting exfoliation and reducing the risks associated with more pigmentation.

Thankfully, advancements in the understanding of darker skin tones when it comes to beauty treatments now mean there are more options available for people of colour. Industry professionals now have a growing appreciation of the differences, meaning treatments and procedure are now more specific and accessible to everyone. Never again should you feel that you have to make compromises when it comes to beauty treatments. This is now time for any type of skin to shine. Have a consultation with your dermatologist to guide you all the way to a brilliant healthy and beautiful skin.

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