When it comes to cosmetic procedures, it’s important to choose ones that are safe and effective for your skin type. While this is true for any patient, this is especially important for people with skin of color, as some procedures can cause hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that occurs when there is an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, in certain areas of the skin. This excess melanin can cause dark patches or spots to appear on the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin types, but it is more common in people with darker skin tones.
There are several different types of hyperpigmentation, including:
- Age spots: Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown spots that typically appear on the face, hands, and arms. They are caused by sun exposure.
- Melasma: Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that is characterized by large, irregular patches of brown or gray skin. It is often triggered by pregnancy, birth control pills, or other hormonal changes.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is a type of hyperpigmentation that can occur after an injury to the skin, such as a burn, acne, or eczema.
Safe cosmetic treatments for skin of color
Injectables
Botox is a type of injectable that can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. A filler is another type of injectable that can be used to plump up areas of the face to enhance contours or smooth out wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid Skin Boosters, such as Skinvive, is another type of injectable that can be used to increase hydration and smooth skin across the entire face. All these injectables are safe for all skin types, including skin of color.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use acids to remove the top layer of skin, revealing a brighter, more youthful complexion. They can be effective for treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. It is important to choose a med spa that offers chemical peels that are safe for dark skin. The peels offered at Capizzi MD are tested on all skin types and recommended for patients with darker skin.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that involves the use of tiny needles to create channels in the skin. This process boosts the production of collagen and elastin, which improves the appearance of wrinkles, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture. Microneedling is tolerated well on all skin tones, with minimal downtime. An in-office microneedling treatment with a trained professional is safer and more effective than at-home microneedling treatments.
Morpheus 8 Skin Tightening: Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves using microneedling to deliver radiofrequency energy to the skin. This process stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin and is commonly performed on the face and neck, or areas of the body that have lax skin (thighs and buttocks). Morpheus8 is safe for all skin types and tones without the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Cosmelan Peel
A Cosmelan Peel is a chemical peel that is one of the most powerful non-laser cosmetic treatments for managing melanin pigmentation disorders in the skin. It is commonly recommended for melasma (hormonal pigmentation) which can occur in very fair skin or darker skin tones. It targets the root cause of pigmentation and reduces melanin production.
*Some* Laser Treatments
From hair removal to skin resurfacing, laser technology has improved greatly over the years. However, not every laser is safe for every skin tone. Since lasers involve applying heat and energy to the skin, this can activate inflammatory and pigment cells.
The HALO laser at Capizzi MD Med Spa is considered to be one of the safest laser treatments on the market for dark skin due to its extremely customizable settings and its ability to target imperfections deep below the surface of the skin. As with all laser treatments, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is greater in patients with darker skin. That said, our practitioners are extensively trained and have completed numerous HALO treatments on patients with darker skin tones with amazing results! Make sure you have a trained and trusted provider at your side, and they will be sure to discuss all the risks and rewards of each treatment option with you.
Managing Hyperpigmentation
The best way to manage hyperpigmentation is to prevent it in the first place. All skin types need sun protection, so wear your sunscreen! Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation on its own and darker skin tones are more susceptible to this because of skin damage and aging.
If you are experiencing hyperpigmentation from a recent cosmetic treatment, there are options once your skin heals. The Cosmelan Peel is a tried-and-true favorite, or in some cases an IPL laser (not always, it does depend on your needs and skin type). Bottom line, if you have a darker skin color make sure that your medical aesthetician is well-versed in treatments available to their patients so they can collaborate with you for the best skincare options. If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation with a Capizzi MD provider, please give our office a call at 704-655-8988.