Laser for black skin is a common procedure for treating discoloration, wrinkles and acne on the face. It’s important to know that laser treatment may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s best to consult with a qualified professional before deciding whether or not you’re a good candidate for laser therapy.
The process involves using a laser to remove pigment from the skin. The damaged tissue is then replaced by new, healthy cells. Because the procedure uses heat from intense light waves, it can be painful and cause burns if not performed correctly.
Read on to learn more about Laser For Black Skin, The Best Laser Treatments for Darker Skin and Skin Lightening Treatment Packages Available
Laser For Black Skin
From laser skin treatments to laser hair removal, tone matters — skin tone, that is. Laser therapy procedures are not one size fits all and the wrong treatment can cause lasting damage. So, how can you tell which laser treatments are right for darker skin tones? Here, we caught up with top dermatologists and an aesthetic nurse to find out why skin tone affects the outcome of certain laser procedures and the best skin refining and hair removal laser options for those with darker complexions.
The Relationship Between Lasers & Skin Tone
Not all laser and light therapies are safe for all skin tones. Generally speaking, those who fall above type IV on the Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype scale (the go-to measure of skin type for dermatologists) need to be careful when choosing a treatment. For the uninitiated, the Fitzpatrick scale was developed in 1975 by Harvard dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD, to classify a person’s tendency to burn (erythema) versus tan (induce pigmentation) — providing an estimation of the amount of melanin present in skin cells. The original scale had four types and was later broadened to six.
The best way to determine your Fitzpatrick skin type is to visit your dermatologist, but below are the general classifications for each:
- Type I: Pale skin; light blue or green eyes; red or blonde hair; always burns, never tans
- Type II: Fair skin; blue or green eyes; blonde hair; burns easily, tans poorly
- Type III: Light brown to olive skin; hazel or light brown eyes; dark blonde or light brown hair; burns mildly, tans gradually
- Type IV: Olive to brown skin; dark brown eyes; dark brown hair; burns minimally, tans easily
- Type V: Dark brown skin; dark brown to black eyes; dark brown to black hair; tans easily, rarely burns
- Type VI: Dark brown or black skin; dark brown to black eyes; black hair; never burns, tans easily
Aesthetic lasers target water, red hemoglobin, or brown melanin in the skin. Skin types IV to VI have a higher concentration of melanin, which means there is a greater risk of damage if the laser is used incorrectly. “Patients with darker skin tones and who are tan are more susceptible to complications, which is why it’s essential to see a board certified laser expert and someone with many different tools in their kit,” says Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a board certified dermatologist in New York City. The damage caused by improper laser treatments is often permanent and ranges from burns and scars to hypo- and hyperpigmentation.
But that’s not to say there aren’t cosmetic laser therapies that can safely be employed on a wide range of skin tones. When performed by a well-trained professional, there is an array of skin refining and hair removal treatment options. To ensure you’re visiting a provider with the right level of experience, Dr. Frank recommends asking the following questions:
- Do you have more than one technology in your office to treat the various skin types?
- Do you have experience with treating people with my skin type?
“Those are the two most important questions you can ask,” he says. And don’t be shy about asking to see before and after photos of patients who look like you — it can help you get a sense of how much experience the provider has.
The Best Laser Treatments for Darker Skin
Now that you have a better understanding of the relationship between skin tone and lasers, it’s time to learn more about which treatments are safe and effective. When it comes to refining skin tone and texture, non-ablative (read: non-wounding), picosecond, and Q-switched lasers are the way to go for darker complexions and there have been some notable technological advances in the last decade. “The skin stays intact, so patients can use makeup during recovery and they can be used on darker skin types,” Dr. Frank says.
NON-ABLATIVE LASERS
- Clear + Brilliant®
- Fraxel® Dual
- Lutronic Ultra™
PICOSECOND LASERS
- Enlighten®
- Pico Genesis™
- PicoSure®
- PicoWay®
Generally speaking, Dr. Frank says longer wavelength technologies tend to be safest for darker skin tones. Tara Garrick, nurse and aesthetic laser specialist at Neinstein Plastic Surgery in NYC, likes the Lutronic Ultra™ because the non-ablative, thulium laser works deeper in the skin without damaging the surface layer. “It’s a customizable, comfortable laser with minimal downtime,” Garrick says. It can for address fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne and body scars, large pores, actinic keratosis, even stretch marks in all skin tones, she notes.
LASER TREATMENTS TO AVOID
Those with darker skin tones should avoid traditional resurfacing lasers, like ablative Fraxel® and carbon dioxide (CO2) devices, because there is a risk of permanent hyperpigmentation, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board certified dermatologist in NYC.
Other light therapies that are best to steer clear of? Intense pulsed light (IPL) and broadband light (BBL). “We need to be extremely cautious, as IPL and BBL are really not safe for dark skin tones,” Dr. Frank says. He often sees complications in patients inappropriately treated with IPL devices by inexperienced practitioners. “You need to have laser-specific technology that works well on darker skin tones,” he explains, adding that those typically include the longer wavelength therapies mentioned above.
Laser Hair Removal for Darker Skin Tones
For many years, laser hair removal technology wasn’t sophisticated enough to work for dark skin. “Traditionally, lasers work by beaming intense light at the follicle, which causes permanent damage so the hair no longer grows there,” Dr. Engelman explains. “The key was the contrast between the follicle and the skin.” That means people with fair skin and a dark hair follicle enjoyed the best results, while people with dark skin and dark hair or light skin and light hair didn’t have many options.
In the case of patients with darker complexions, Dr. Engleman says the devices weren’t able to distinguish between the skin pigment and the pigment of dark hair follicles. As a result, there was a risk of damaging the skin and causing hypopigmentation (light spots), blisters, or even scarring. Fortunately, the technology has come a long way. “I’m excited about the Nd:YAG laser, which safely penetrates deeper into the dermis, totally bypassing the pigment of the skin,” she shares, adding that the Q-switched device is the safest option for laser hair removal for darker skin tones.
The Deka Motus AX is another Q-switched laser that can effectively remove light and dark hair from all skin tones. “The one-of-a-kind wavelength used by the Motus AX allows for the treatment of fine and light hair, whereas most lasers are only effective for dark hair,” Dr. Frank explains. “Additionally, it is also effective for darker skin tones, which are not able to be treated with some other lasers.” Another benefit? It’s painless and requires half the number of sessions compared to standard treatments. “This laser is unique because it treats and heats the area very slowly, instead of the classic stamping technique of hair removal,” he says. “It also features a cooling system for increased comfort.”
The Takeaway
While patients with darker skin tones should take special care in finding a provider, laser treatments (of all kinds) carry risks for everyone. “They are just instruments that rely on the performer,” Dr. Frank cautions. Generally speaking, you need to be careful using lasers on people with a history of eczema and psoriasis or any type of skin disease, he says. Taking the time to research and consult with several providers will help ensure you get the best treatment for your needs.
Dark skin laser treatment cost
With the increased options for various skin whitening treatments available globally, it has become easier than ever to restore the lost glow and skin tone. From laser treatments to bleaching, there are different ways to lighten your skin. Read this informative guide to learn more about various, skin lightening treatments, their estimated costs, packages and results.
Skin lightening treatment aims at reducing the excessive melanin content in your skin. Since the accumulation of melanin causes dark spots and uneven skin tone, a treatment to reduce it can give you a lighter complexion than before. A skin lightening treatment can help minimise melasma, sun damage, freckles and other types of marks.
Myth & Facts About Skin Whitening Treatment
Most people misunderstand skin lightening treatment to be equivalent to skin whitening or fairness solutions. According to expert dermatologists, skin whitening treatment is a popular myth. Skin whitening or altering the concentration of melanin with the use of harsh chemicals is unsafe and stems from social prejudices. It is a popular misconception and dermatologists strongly rule out the possibility of fading your complexion beyond the natural one.
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Best Skin Lightening Treatment Options
Different kinds of treatments are available to achieve skin lightening results. According to your needs, you can go with a skin lightening procedure on a specified body part or a face lightening treatment. Some of the most common skin lightening treatments are as follows –
- Chemical Peel For Lightening Skin: In this procedure, a dermatologist will recommend the application of a solution containing alpha-hydroxy acids extracted from natural sources to exfoliate the damaged upper layers of the skin. It helps to eliminate the melanin buildup and allows healthy tissue to appear on the surface. On the basis of the concentration, chemical peels can be of three types – light, medium, or deep. A chemical peel is a gentle option to lighten discoloured skin by effectively reducing facial blemishes, tan, dark spots and even out the skin tone. Chemical peels are suitable for a facial skin lightening procedure.
- Laser Treatment For Skin Lightening: While performing the laser treatment, the doctors use a concentrated beam of light to minimise the melanin buildup in the target area. The immune system of the skin eventually removes the remnants of the pigment. As a result, the skin appears healthier and brighter than before. The regenerated skin is flawless. Also known as laser peel or lasabrasion, the laser treatment helps in effectively reducing concerns like skin pigmentation, dark spots, sun tanning and dull skin. Laser treatment is safe for brightening the skin tone of both the face and specific body areas.
Neelam Dhillon’s story about laser skin lightening treatment at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic:
- Skin Lightening Injections: Skin whitening injections contain glutathione, a skin lightening agent that minimises the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which increases the melanin levels. As per popular perception, these injections can detoxify the body, protect the skin from harmful UV rays and enhance your skin tone. The “Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database” classified the use of this injection in the “possibly safe” category, though it does not comment on its efficacy as a skin-lightening agent. Some studies suggest a high dosage of glutathione is unsafe and may cause severe side effects. Currently, there is a paucity of evidence-based studies to ascertain the results of glutathione. Although selected skin clinics offer these injections, it is advisable you make an informed decision.
- Skin Lightening Products: You can find a wide range of chemical-based skin lightening products in the market. Most of them have ingredients like azelaic acid, arbutin, retinol, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, lactic acid and kojic acid. Some of these chemical components are popular for their bleaching properties which might lighten your skin immediately but will not offer lasting results and might cause some side effects. These are not advisable for long term use.
- Arbutin: It is a popular ingredient in many skin lightening products and anti-pigmentation solutions. It helps lighten the colour of the skin and is extremely effective for reducing freckles, stretch marks, as well as ageing spots.
- Skin Whitening Surgery: Today, there is a massive interest in availing medically invasive procedures to treat pigmentary concerns. However, “skin whitening surgeries” do not exist. Performed by experienced and qualified dermatologists, most of the skin lightening treatments like laser toning and chemical peels are safe, effective, non-invasive and in-clinic procedures that require no hospitalisation.
Skin Whitening Treatment Cost In India
The average cost of skin lightening treatment ranges from Rs 1,800 to Rs 5,500 for chemical peels, Rs 4,000 to Rs 30,000 for laser treatment and Rs 6,000 to Rs 40,000 for skin lightening injections. Similarly, the cost of fairness creams can range between Rs 200 and Rs 2,000.
Why Do The Skin Lightening Treatment Prices Vary?
- The cost varies because skin lightening treatments require customisation based on the individual skin type.
- The size of the target area is crucial in determining the price of the procedure. A treatment performed on the face is less expensive than one recommended for a larger area of the body like arms, legs or back.
- Other factors such as the geographical location of the clinic, the expertise of the dermatologists and therapists, equipment used, modality selected, and the number of sessions required also determine the overall expenditure.
Skin Lightening Before And After Results
Check out the before and after images to know the visible result of the skin lightening treatment on face.
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Is Skin Lightening Treatment Permanent?
The effects of skin lightening treatment can last between a few months to a few years.
Dermatologists recommend the following tips to maintain the results of any skin lighting treatment:
- Leading a healthy lifestyle
- Using a good sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful sun rays
- Following a basic skin-care routine
- Opting for maintenance sessions from time to time
- Consuming a balanced diet and increasing your intake of water
- The results of bleaching agents and chemical peels are not permanent. However, laser treatments offer a relatively long-term solution for skin lightening. Laser treatment can permanently remove tattoos and birthmarks but not tan and melasma.
Skin Lightening Treatment Packages Available
If you are looking for restoring your even skin tone safely and effectively reputed skin clinics offer various packages of skin lightening treatments customised to match your specific grooming needs. You can choose from the following options based on the target area:
- Lightening treatment for full body
- Brightening procedure for facial skin
- Lightening treatment for underarms
- Brightening procedure for neck, hands and feet
- Lightening treatment for private parts, including inner thighs and bikini area.
Yag laser for dark skin
It’s a pretty common misconception that laser hair removal won’t work for people with darker skin tones. While this might have been true when the FDA first approved laser hair removal back in the late 90s, technology has advanced over the years in order to make it safe for even the darkest of skin tones.
However, it’s important to mention that some places that advertise laser hair removal services are really using IPL or Intense Pulsed Light technology—the same outdated technology found in most at-home devices. This is not a real laser and should NEVER be used on darker skin tones! Not only does it offer inferior results, but for people of color it may lead to burns and complications.
Our laser, the GentleMax Pro, provides the safest treatments for darker skin tones. It uses two lasers — one fair skin (Alexandrite) and one that’s for darker skin (Nd: Yag). The Nd: Yag technology has a weaker melanin absorption rate, and longer wavelengths which make it safe to use on dark skin tones.
This combination of technologies allows our highly-trained medical professionals to create customized treatment plans to fit the exact needs of each client’s skin tone and hair type. With us, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to treatment plans. It’s this customization that enables us to safely and effectively perform laser hair removal on any skin tone—from the fair to the darkest.
The only question now is: Are you ready to get the smooth, hair-free skin that you’ve always wanted? Schedule your free consultation today!
Laser Hair Removal for
Darker Skin Tones
When done properly, laser hair removal is safe for all skin tones. However, there are a few things that you’ll want to know before choosing who does your laser hair removal.
- Technology. It’s important to make sure that the right laser technology is used for your treatments. For darker skin tones, Nd: Yag laser technology—which is what we use— is the best for providing safe and effective laser hair removal treatments.
- Expertise. Finding out if the treatment provider has experience performing laser hair removal on darker skin tones should be a crucial part of your research. For instance, our providers are all Authorized Candela Practitioners and are supervised by medical doctors.
- Life-Long Results. The Nd: Yag laser usually requires more treatments to achieve your hair-free goals. With Milan’s exclusive Unlimited Package™, which comes with every purchase, you get unlimited treatments for life at one affordable price.
Have unanswered questions about laser hair removal for dark skin tones? Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions you may have.