Best Skin Treatments for Dark Skin Tones
Different skin types, tones, and textures call for different treatment approaches. Specifically for individuals with darker skin tones, there are underlying challenges when selecting cosmetic procedures. Specific options can cause damage, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring.
If you have dark skin, your aesthetic goals do not have to be daunting. But if you have a more melanated skin tone, it is important to be educated about the most suitable treatments for you. It is also important to select a treatment provider who is well-versed in diverse skin types and has experience working with them.
In this article, we will explore the science behind skin color variations. We will also share the best skin treatments for dark skin tones so you can be better equipped to move forward on your skincare journey.
Biggest Concerns for Darker Skin Tones
Dark skin has more naturally occurring melanin. While melanin is a pigment that protects against damaging UV rays, it can also create challenges for some cosmetic treatments.
Over the years, skin care treatments and products have not always included diverse skin tones. For example, laser skin care was initially designed with lighter skin tones in mind. Darker skin, when exposed to the laser, could become hyperpigmented or even cause burns or scarring.
When the laser technology was initially developed, the treatment could not distinguish between the pigment in the skin and the targeted treatment area, such as hair follicles or age spots. Thankfully, lasers today can safely treat a variety of skin tones.
Everyday occurrences can also cause extra melanin, such as clearing a pimple or mosquito bite, the healing of an injury, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, or certain types of medications and skin care products.
The most common concerns for individuals with dark skin are reviewed below:
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation — This condition occurs when the skin produces excess melanin. This can be in response to inflammation or injury, causing dark patches or spots.
- Hypopigmentation — This condition happens when the skin produces less melanin, causing areas of lighter skin. This often occurs after aggressive treatments.
- Scarring — When exposed to some lasers or trauma, dark skin is more likely to over-heal, which causes raised and thickened scars.
What Are the Best Skincare Products for Darker Skin?
When selecting products for dark skin tones, ingredients are important to help even out skin tone and avoid hyperpigmentation. This is achievable with over-the-counter products. However, your dermatologist can help guide you on the best products for your particular skin care concerns.
What to Use
Look for fragrance-free, gentle products with one of the following ingredients, which can help fade existing dark spots and slow the production of melanin:
- Azelaic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Kojic acid
- Retinoid
- Vitamin C
Also, the skin condition must first be addressed if you are trying to treat hyperpigmentation caused by a specific skin condition like acne or eczema. When the breakout or flare-up stops, the hyperpigmentation will decrease as well. New dark spots often stop, and existing spots can clear over time.
What to Avoid
Be sure to avoid products containing steroids, which can cause breakouts or rashes. Over time, steroids can also cause the skin to become fragile or discolored. Products of unknown origin can also contain mercury, which can be very harmful to the skin. Be sure to choose trusted products or those recommended or prescribed by a dermatologist.
People with darker skin tones should avoid several procedures:
- Ablative Laser: Ablative laser resurfacing is a type of laser that removes layers of skin. Experts say this is too aggressive for dark skin tones, as it can cause an increased risk of hyper- or hypo-pigmentation and scarring.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): This type of light targets the melanin in the skin, posing a hyperpigmentation risk for darker skin.
- Shorter-Wave Tattoo Removal and Hair Removal Lasers: These types of lasers target melanin and can cause unpredictable results and even cause damage to dark skin.
Safest Aesthetics Procedures for Darker Skin
If over-the-counter products do not deliver the results you were hoping to achieve, it may be time to speak to a dermatologist or expert treatment specialist. You may need a prescription treatment or a safe procedure for dark skin tones.
Here are some of the procedures that have been proven safe and effective:
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes tiny penetrations in the skin. These micro-wounds stimulate the healing response and promote collagen production. Overall, the treatment improves a variety of skin concerns, from texture and dark spots to acne scars and wrinkles to improve skin’s texture.
Because microneedling does not rely on light-based technology or chemicals, the results are natural and safe for all skin tones. Clinical studies have shown that 90% of patients recommend SkinPen, the FDA-cleared microneedling device. Three steps in as little as 30 minutes can improve skin for darker skin tones.
Both fillers and botox are highly popular cosmetic procedures that can improve fine lines, wrinkles, and facial symmetry. Because these treatments are localized and do not impact melanin production, they are perfectly safe for dark skin.
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment utilizing botulinum toxins to temporarily prevent the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles in the frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Botox is safe, effective, virtually pain-free, and requires no downtime.
Fillers are another non-surgical option that helps people attain a more youthful-looking appearance. Dermal fillers can help replace lost volume by plumping and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to lift the eyebrows or plump the lips.
Chemical peels are a simple, easy, non-surgical treatment option for dark skin tones. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin, improve texture, and improve pigmentation issues, all without having to use a laser. The process triggers the skin’s healing process and therefore helps fight the signs of aging. Trained professionals can provide the correct formulations during a chemical peel to safely treat dark skin.
Laser Treatments
In recent years, laser treatments have improved for darker skin tones. Because of these improvements, non-ablative lasers, acne lasers, fat removal lasers, and long-wavelength hair removal lasers are safe options. It is important to work with a skilled provider. The settings must be correctly adjusted to minimize risks for dark skin.
MOXI is a laser specifically designed to reduce skin irregularities with little downtime. This procedure uses a gentle, non-ablative fractionated laser to trigger the skin resurfacing process. The water in the skin cells is targeted, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and reducing the signs of aging.
BBL (Broad Band Light) lasers should not be used in high amounts for individuals with darker skin, but with the correct measures, it can be an effective way to rejuvenate the skin. Studies have shown this procedure can improve skin with all levels of UV damage. The laser treatment can improve aging cells and tissues to unlock youthful skin.
Bare LHR is a laser hair removal technique that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy. The process targets the hair follicle without damaging the skin around it. Because of the targeted laser approach, the procedure is a safe option for dark or more melanated skin types.
Liquid Gold refers to the healing benefits for the skin when injecting your own plasma back into your skin. Licensed providers can provide plasma injections as a regenerative, anti-aging technique. This new branch of skin care treatment uses your body’s healing properties to rejuvenate aging skin.
Best Skin Practices for Darker Skin Tones
Both before and after any cosmetic procedures and treatments, it is important to use the best skin care practices to protect yourself.
- Apply sunscreen. Effective treatment against dark spots begins with proper sunscreen use. Select an SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection. Look for water-resistant formulas with active ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Also, try to avoid the outdoors when the sun is strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Gentle skin care products are important. Harsh products can irritate your skin, causing hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Learn What Treatments & Products Work For Your Skin in Naperville, IL
Selecting the right provider is key when considering the best skin treatments for dark skin tones. Darker skin tones need careful consideration due to their high melanin content so the skin is not damaged. For clients in the Naperville, IL, area and surrounding Chicago suburbs, Santé Medical Aesthetics can help guide you.
Santé offers a team of experienced professionals who can help you determine the right procedures for your skin care needs. They can help you choose the right skin care journey to protect, heal, and nourish your skin to unlock the most radiant you possible.
To schedule your consultation, call (630) 586-6244 or fill out the online form below.
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