Cosmetic Treatments For Darker Skin Tones 

The Safest & Most Effective Procedures Available For Patients With Brown & Darker Skin Tones 

Cosmetic procedures, aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery are on the rise in the Black community, but that begs the question: why were reported rates so low in the first place? This trend — or lack of one — goes back to the history of research and education on aesthetic procedures. 

When treatments like injectables were first introduced, initial research was only done with white patients. This led to uncertainty over what was effective for Black people. Additionally, the technology of some treatments has proven to not be safe for darker skin.

This combination of factors has led to misconceptions about surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures that are still standing. However, getting extra boosts of confidence from visiting the world of aesthetics is for everyone! 

Microneedling: A Little Skin Stimulation Can Go A Long Way

This is an excellent option for removing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other unwanted spots from dark skin. Microneedling does not target skin color, rather it uses a series of tiny needles to manually create micro-injuries in the skin. It goes deep enough to meet the dermis but it does not go into it; otherwise, this would cause scarring, which is a common and valid concern. 

Instead, the micro-injuries stimulate growth factors in the area, which overturns the cells and rejuvenates the complexion.

Morpheus8: Harness The Power Of Heat & Radiofrequency 

Morpheus8 is one of those treatments that is known by name because it sets the standard for all radiofrequency devices on the market. It has built such a strong reputation in the industry because it can treat so much, and it works for everyone!

Long story short, Morpheus8 uses a system of heat and small needles to emulsify fat and aid in the production of new collagen. It doesn’t rely on targeting skin pigment, so patients with darker and lighter skin can all enjoy tightened skin, reduced texture, minimized hyperpigmentation and a contoured face and body.

Chemical Peels: A Relaxing Treatment To Brighten, Not Whiten 

Chemical peels are not skin bleaching. Medium-depth peels only treat the top layer of the skin. They will not penetrate deep enough to impact the melanin, so you’ll see brighter — not whiter — skin. 

Depending on the depth of your peel, your aesthetician may recommend applying your post-peel cream or repair cream more generously if you have darker skin. After the chemical peel, dark skin is more susceptible to developing hyperpigmentation if they don’t adequately protect their skin post-treatment by applying enough of their after-treatment skincare.

Laser Treatments: This Is Where Things Get Tricky

Halo lasers are safe for any skin color. Halo lasers are fractional which means that they penetrate small areas of the skin to focus on resurfacing. Because they are creating micro-injuries in the skin, you’ll see 

BBL lasers, on the other hand, are not safe for dark skin tones because their technology targets pigment, including acne scars, sunspots, age spots, freckles, etc. It was designed to find much darker pigment compared to its background. The laser picks up dramatic differences in tones. It cannot decipher between dark skin and a dark spot on the skin.

Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Reduction Treatments?

Laser hair reduction uses BBL technology, so this is also not safe for darker skin tones. Again, that is because the laser cannot tell the difference between dark skin and dark brown or black hair. Laser hair reduction is also not an option for people with light skin and blonde hair.

PRP For Hair Restoration: Decrease Symptoms Of Traction Alopecia From Tight/Protective Hairstyles 

You shouldn’t have to give up hair thickness or growth because of wearing a protective hairstyle. The point is to maintain your hair, but sometimes that tightness can cause hair loss. A great non-surgical solution for this is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for hair restoration. 

By using your own unique growth factors, our injectors are able to target areas of hair loss or thinning. You won’t have to deal with all-over hair growth from a vitamin or the inconvenience and invasiveness of surgery. PRP is quick and effective, especially among women patients and when combined with Nutrafol hair growth supplements.

Do Black People Get Botox?

Yes! Botox is safe and effective for darker complexions, and this aesthetic treatment in particular is gaining popularity within the Black community.

It is true that darker skin tones are less affected by signs of aging than lighter skin tones. Black people have more melanin in their skin, which protects against UV rays. If you don’t have much natural melanin and don’t wear enough sunscreen, then you will be more likely to develop wrinkles and other skin conditions. This is where cosmetic Botox can help!

The Mommy Makeover: Surgical Procedures To Help Mothers Reclaim Their Confidence 

You’ve put in years of work to raise your kids (maybe oftentimes going unrecognized), and now it’s time to take back your favorite parts of who you are that might have gotten lost along the way.

A Mommy Makeover is a sequence of cosmetic surgeries that is completely customized to you, your body and your unique goals — as it should be. Everyone is different. You shouldn’t feel wrong for wanting to see a surgeon who has experience with patients who look like you! Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson is responsible with how he works to minimize the appearance of scars and the way beautifully contours the body to look natural but still within the requests of the patient. 

Darker Skin Tones Require A Different Approach During The Post-Op Healing Process

Your surgeon and patient care team must be mindful of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and respond accordingly to guarantee your best outcomes. Together, your team will work to help you reclaim your confidence and live life as the best version of yourself — from the initial planning stages, to the day of your procedure, through the surgical recovery phase and beyond. 

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About The Author

Stacie Isler, PA-C is an esteemed aesthetic injector, PRP expert and laser treatment specialist. Her advanced techniques and incredible results are the product of decades of practice, hard work and her natural eye for aesthetics. With great experience in surgical and aesthetic spaces, she finds genuine joy in helping people smile a little brighter by enhancing their beauty.