Ethnic Skin Care

Training and working at four inner-city university hospitals in NYC and Philadelphia we are fortunate to have the opportunity and experience to treat a broad range of skin of diverse ethnicity. People of different origins have indeed significant differences in the composition of their skin.

On one hand, darker pigment protects our skin from the sun but on the other hand inflammation of the skin may result in significant unwanted discoloration. As darker skin runs into a potential risk of discoloration, different lasers, procedures, and medications may be appropriate to safely and effectively treat not only medical but also cosmetic conditions.

As a large portion of our patients is from a diverse and mixed ethnic background, we invested in technology that is specifically suited or even “color blind”. We provide peels that correct dark pigment, we remove dark “moles” (dermatosis papulose nigra), we treat keloids with unique cryoscope technology and more

Treatment of keloids

Keloids are a genetic condition that is more common among black and the Mediterranean. For more information about keloids and the treatment of keloids visit our keloids page.

Keloids treatments at a black skin person

Treatment of acne scars on darker skin

Treating acne scars on dark skin requires special considerations. Improper treatment can result in permanent damage to the skin without improving the scar texture. Fortunately, there are now two new technologies that allow us to treat scars with minimal risk of damaging the healthy skin around the scar.

With the Picosure laser, we can safely soften scar tissue, and the Infini microneedling treatment that follows triggers collagen production that raises the skin in the scarred area. A new treatment protocol has been developed for darker patients that is now able to achieve results that were previously not possible.

Acne scar and skin texture treatment

Treatment of acne on dark skin

For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to be prevented, it is imperative to control inflammation caused by acne as early as possible. Topical medications that contain irritating ingredients should also be avoided.

For those who find it difficult to control their acne and have dark marks that can be focal or widespread, Picosure laser, Microdermabrasion, Photodynamic therapy, and Melanage treatments can help lift the dark pigment and restore the original and lighter complexion.

Laser hair removal for dark skin

For dark skin, there is no laser hair removal that is safe and effective. NDYag lasers can permanently reduce 80-90% of the hair in 6-8 treatments. Other laser types can be less effective and can cause hyper and hypopigmentation.

In contrast, the diode laser (often referred to as “the laser for all skin types”) requires more treatments and is not suitable for darker Indian or African American skin tones. There is a high risk of hyperpigmentation with IPL hair removal, and the effectiveness of hair removal is very low. Alexandrite laser hair removal should never be performed on Mediterranean or darker skin.

To see more information about laser hair removal for dark skin click here

Hair Removal for dark skin