You’ve got gorgeous Black skin, and you’d like to keep it that way by trying a few cosmetic treatments. Maybe you’re starting to notice fine lines, wrinkles, loss of volume, and a whole host of other disheartening signs of aging. Or perhaps you’ve suffered from acne and deal with breakouts or scars. If so, you’re not alone. Aging is inevitable, and no one goes unscathed.
Fortunately, there are advancements in aesthetics technology that make budget-friendly, regenerative treatments available to treat all sorts of bothersome skin issues, but you’ve heard many of them aren’t safe for Black skin. Never fear! We’re here to clear up the confusion and bust some myths about cosmetic treatments for black skin.
Myth 1 – Lasers mean trouble for Black skin
The myth says lasers aren’t sophisticated enough to differentiate between your natural pigment and dark spots, melasma, and hair follicles, so you run the risk of hyperpigmentation and burn marks. But, experts say it’s a myth.
Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael, MD, FAAD, says laser treatments were never unsafe. The latest laser devices are safe and effective for Black complexions. So, you can have laser hair removal, anti-aging treatments, and skin resurfacing treatments and enjoy the fantastic results.
Dermatologists recommend the long-pulsed 1064 Nd: YAG laser and the Aerolase Neo Laser to target a wide range of your issues from hair removal to scarring to skin laxity. And you can treat marks, texture, and tone issues with fractional lasers, but only if you have your treatment with a laser expert.
Myth 2 – Black skin and chemical peels don’t mix
You may have heard that chemical peels can burn and scar your skin or cause hyperpigmentation, which sounds scary. Why would you try a cosmetic treatment when you might walk away with skin damage rather than lovely skin? Fortunately, some chemical peels are perfectly safe if you want smoother, clearer, younger-looking skin.
Superficial and medium strength peels are safe and effective for Black skin, but make sure you see a highly-trained, experienced professional for your treatment. But do avoid deep peels since they’re phenol-based and often require anesthesia and sedation. If you opt for a chemical peel, stop using retinoids, retinol, or scrubs a week before your treatment to avoid burns.
Myth 3 – No customized hair loss treatments for Black hair
Hair-loss treatments are one-size-fits-all, right? Doctors often prescribe special medicated shampoos for hair loss and tell you to use them daily. Black hair is significantly drier and tends to break or snap off when it’s washed too often.
Some dermatologists will suggest a scalp biopsy to diagnose your hair-loss woes before offering a treatment plan. If your hair is receding at the forehead, temples, and nape, it’s probably from years of tightly pulled hairstyles, which is common if you’re a Black female. But Black hair loss is often misdiagnosed, so be sure to see an expert who will take the time to give you a proper diagnosis.
Myth 4 – Black women don’t get injectables
Loss of volume in your cheeks, lips, and under your eyes is one of the first signs of aging. We all age, but different skin types age differently. If you’re Black, you likely see aging around your eyes and flatness in your midface more readily than you’ll ever see wrinkles. Caucasian skin tends to wrinkle and shrink, whereas darker skin tends to sink and sag more. So more and more Black women are opting for injectables.
Injectable fillers instantly restore volume to your cheeks, lips, and undereye area. They also work gradually to help you regenerate new collagen. According to New York City-based plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, “Hyaluronic acid-thicker versions (like Voluma or Restalift) are great for adding volume to your cheeks, jawline, or chin. Medium thickness injectables like Restylane, Juvederm, or Belotero are excellent for around your mouth to fill in laugh lines.”
Myth 5 –Micro-needling scars and darkens Black skin
Your skin is more sensitive to inflammation and irritation, so it would make sense to believe the horror stories about micro-needling. But Scarlett RF micro-needling is safe and effective at treating acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture in dark skin.
Radiofrequency micro-needling devices are colorblind. Other lasers are safe but only at such low energies that you’ll barely get any benefits. Radiofrequency micro-needling devices are colorblind, so your doctor can tune the power to suit your skin type. The radiofrequency gives you remarkable results at much lower energy settings.
Your Takeaways
Don’t let fiction dissuade you from trying the latest, non-surgical regenerative treatments available. These are just five of the prevalent myths surrounding Black skin and cosmetic treatments; no doubt there are countless more. So, if you have skin concerns or un-met aesthetic goals, schedule a consultation with an experienced, highly-skilled provider who’s well-versed in caring for darker skin.
At Allurant, we have a team of highly-trained experts available to answer all your questions. Contact us for a complimentary consultation today and discover which treatments are right for you.