Rufus R. Noble African American women from age 31-49 shared that they stay in touch with other women such as Heather Dubrow, Kylie Jenner and the Kardashian sisters, and the cast of Real House wives various reality Housewives brands to stay informed about the newest skincare products and treatments in the office. While Hispanic women are more likely to undergo treatments later in life, generally in their mid-to-late 40swhen they reach that age, they’re willing to undergo treatments like sclerotherapy, which can reduce veins’ appearance, and other laser treatments to rid themselves of hyperpigmentation, and other concerns. Asian as well as Pacific Islanders tend to start attending appointments earlier and are more inclined to IPL as well as laser hair removal as well as other laser procedures.
Although certain people of color seem more open to working on their skin, we must not forget the fact that there are differences between races in the field of dermatology. Apart from the absence of education in medical schools in treating skin color issues, various treatment options, including lasers, were not initially designed with melanin as a primary ingredient in mind.
Things are beginning to turn around, but. However, there are a few things that women of color need to consider when looking for cosmetic treatments, such as what is appropriate and the most effective doctors to visit.
What anti-aging products are suitable for skin with color?
According to Dr. Elyse Love, laser treatments have been thought to be harmful to people with darker skin; however, over the last few years, there’s been a change.
The two treatments, Fraxel Clear as well as Brilliant, are the most dependable anti-aging procedures for patients with darker skin tones. But, she emphasizes that what’s important is that the person who does the procedure is skilled enough to treat dark skin colors.
“Fraxel can be performed on skin of color, but there are specific adjustments to the treatment settings that should be performed,” she clarifies. “Those with skin of color looking to undergo Fraxel should seek out skin of color experts who practice the procedure.”
If not, treatment could possibly aggravate your main concerns.
“One Fraxel treatment can deliver more dramatic reversal of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots than multiple Clear and Brilliant treatments, but there is more downtime and a significantly higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Love shares.
“Reading skin of color requires significant experience.”
Clear and Brilliant Clear Brilliant However, with Clear and Brilliant, on the other hand, success are slower, but the treatment is believed to be much safer.
“This laser is often referred to as ‘baby Fraxel’ because it has the same wavelengths as Fraxel, but the settings are much lower,” Dr. Love explains. “This allows the procedure to be safe in all skin types and with little to no downtime. I consider Clear and Brilliant to be more of a preventative treatment than Fraxel, and it’s an excellent option for those in their late 20s to 40s to delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to improve skin texture and tone.”
Aerolase lasers can also be a reliable and safe choice for people with darker skin, according to Dr. Michelle Henry.
The doctor adds that she typically suggests patients go through a series of six treatments per year. 4 weeks apart to get the optimal results.
“It is great for acne, laser hair removal, and pore minimalization,” she says. Lasers can also address many other skin issues like scars, melasma and Psoriasis.
What are the best practices for women of color to steer clear of?
Although our research found a large number of Asian or Pacific Islander women to be interested in IPL however, doctors. Love warns that this is a procedure that you should be extremely cautious with.
“IPL is the one laser that I would practice extreme caution as a woman of color,” she declares. “The target of the laser is not as specific as other lasers, so there is a much higher risk of burn in patients of color.”
Dr. Henry cautions against aggressive lasers for resurfacing, such as CO2. Well. They are usually effective but maybe a risk to skin with color.
Aside from treatments in the office, She also advises to be cautious when using certain ingredients for skincare at home.
“We should be careful with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, which may irritate skin of color more readily,” Dr. Henry explains. “But we can mitigate this with liberal moisturizer use.”
How do you choose the best doctor
If you’re a person with a color difference, then the unfortunate fact is that you shouldn’t choose a dermatologist from any clinic in the event of deciding to get cosmetic treatments.
“Reading skin of color requires significant experience,” Dr. Henry says. Dr. Henry. “Understanding laser and aesthetic procedures on skin of color is an advanced skill.”
And even though Doctor. Henry and Dr. Love acknowledge that you don’t need to visit a Black, Asian, Hispanic, or any other MD of shade; it is important to make sure that the doctor you choose is experienced in working with darker skin tones and is board certified.
“A person who is unfamiliar with treating your skin type has a greater risk of making one of two mistakes,” Dr. Love shares. “Over-treatment, with the development of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, and under-treatment, with underwhelming results. I see this a lot with laser hair removal where my patients swear it didn’t work for them, but see results [with me] almost immediately.”
If you feel the most secure talking to someone who resembles you, then take whatever steps to make you feel comfortable. You wouldn’t risk it with any other organ that is important; therefore, it’s wise to consider your skin with the same care.
“My patients will sometimes ask me, ‘Have you done this on my skin tone before?’ and I often giggle but I think it’s a really important question to ask,” Dr. Love continues. “As a dermatologist of color, I have learned how to treat skin of color on every device I use because patients of color seek me out and trust me. I also have almost every other Black dermatologist on speed dial to consult with if needed. With that being said, I do also refer my patients to colleagues who are not of color when I think they will give them the best result.”
