The Treatment of Skin of Color

In the past, patients with skin of color have been told that laser and cosmetic treatments are not safe for darker skin tones.

Or they suffered adverse events like burns, skin discoloration, or scarring after undergoing a procedure with a provider that did not have adequate knowledge or experience treating skin of color.

For these reasons, it’s extremely important to seek a board-certified dermatologist that understands how skin of color reacts to various aesthetic therapies, and the issues that are more prevalent for these patients.

Keep reading to learn which factors must be considered when treating skin of color.

The Initial Consultation Is Crucial

Many well-meaning, but inexperienced providers base their treatment recommendations on skin appearance alone.

However, while a patient’s skin may look as though they on the lower end of the Fitzpatrick Scale, he or she may have a relative of Asian or African descent.

That’s why it’s essential to be fully-informed about an individual’s genetic make-up, including maternal and paternal background, as these factors can significantly influence skin’s reactivity to a laser or other aesthetic treatment.

Three Issues That Are More Prevalent for Skin of Color

Patients with skin of color are more prone to certain skin conditions, which must be taken into account when developing a customized treatment plan.

Here’s why these three issues can affect skin of color.

1. Hyperpigmentation

Due to larger melanin granules that are deposited in a wider, more uniform fashion, individuals with skin of color are more susceptible to darkening of skin following treatment.

In other words, because melanocytes in darker skin tones are more reactive, these patients have a greater likelihood of experiencing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

2. Acne

Acne is another concern for patients with skin of color, as they tend to have a more tightly-packed outer layer of skin and larger oil glands.

Nevertheless, when it comes to addressing acne breakouts, it’s important to avoid over-treatment with aggressive topicals and exfoliants which can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

3. Hypersensitivity

Higher levels of trans-epidermal water loss in patients of Asian and African descent can lead to increased hypersensitivity with chemical peels.

Therefore, to start, the gentlest solution should be applied to skin of color to limit inflammation, irritation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

To learn more about the treatment of skin of color, please call Cultura today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliot Battle.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.