Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, chemical peels–the list of skin-enhancing treatments is long. But what treatments are safe for darker skin? When it comes to basic skin care and cosmetic treatments, it pays to know what’s best for your complexion. To avoid potential problems, our dermatologists recommend following some guidelines.
Basic Skin Care
Great skin starts with a solid skin care routine that is appropriate for your skin type. Determine whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin and use products designed for your needs. Individuals with darker skin may be more susceptible to uneven skin tone, discoloration, excess oil, and scarring. If you have darker tone and acne-prone skin, try to stay ahead of flare-ups. This will help decrease the risk of developing acne scars or hyperpigmentation. Topical antibiotics, retinoids, and vitamin A fortified topicals, are considered safe for all shades of skin.
A gentle reminder: The sun’s harmful ray’s affect everybody, even those who do not burn easily. So be sure to apply sunscreen or use a moisturizer with SPF everyday.
Safe Bets for Cosmetic Treatments
Anti-aging and rejuvenation: As we grow older, our skin begins to produce less collagen and other substances that give our skin its resilience. Forehead wrinkles and lines between the brows can be treated safely with Botox, and those with darker skin can benefit from injections. If you want to recover lost volume in the cheeks or minimize deep creases around the mouth, hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvéderm are an excellent option. Hyaluronic acid fillers are well tolerated by most and can be used on all skin types.
Scar repair: Skin injuries such as scratches, acne and piercing can lead to scarring. A keloid scar is a type of scar that occurs when scar tissue grows excessively–and people with darker skin are more likely to develop them. Fortunately, there are laser treatments that can reduce their appearance. The SRT-100 laser is a safe and effective option for keloid removal.
Treatments to Avoid
Laser resurfacing: Laser treatments are associated with certain complications for darker skin. The treatment can cause superficial burns on the skin, which can lead to discoloration. However, laser technology has improved in the last few years, so talk to your dermatologist about the risk factors for your skin tone.
Deep chemical peels: Chemical peels are available in different strengths. While stronger peels can achieve excellent results, they carry the risk of scarring. Lighter chemical peels may be safe and effective, depending on your skin type.
Some safe alternatives to lasers and deep chemical peels include microdermabrasion and microneedling. To avoid serious damage, consult with your dermatologist about the benefits and risks of resurfacing treatments.
Skin Treatments at Advanced Dermatology, NY and NJ
If you have darker skin and would like to know more about safe skin care options, contact Advanced Dermatology in New York and New Jersey. Our dermatologists have extensive experience treating all types of skin. With offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, we offer a range of medical and cosmetic dermatological services.