Chemical peels are one of the best ways to treat hyperpigmentation and age spots. This can be done safely with a chemical peel or laser therapy. Chemical peels work in two ways: They help to break down dead skin cells, but they also stimulate new skin cell growth. While chemical peels can be effective at treating hyperpigmentation and giving a more even tone to your skin, it is important to keep in mind that results can take several treatments before you will see results. Also, always remember that while you might want to try a series of chemical peels at home, this can actually increase your risk of injury as well as cause irritation if done incorrectly.
Exfoliating agents such as professional chemical peels, enzymes and at-home skin care treatments are a great option in treating hyperpigmentation for all skin colors, especially darker skin tones
Read on to learn more about Is Chemical Peel Good For Black Skin, microdermabrasion or chemical peel for black skin, Natural Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Is Chemical Peel Good For Black Skin
Simply put, it’s the application of an acid solution that sloughs off old, scaly, dull and poor performing skin cells to improve the appearance of the skin and hasten skin regeneration.
Why would you need a chemical peel?
Used at its simplest a chemical peel will lift and brighten the tone of your skin. But you can have a chemical peel for any number of reasons – fading age spots, improved texture and smoothing rough skin, fading scarring, hyperpigmentation and imperfections, evening out and unifying your skin tone, tackling early fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenating ageing skin and reducing outbreaks of spots and acne.
What types of peels are there?
Peels are classified in four levels, starting with superficial peels which target the top layers of skin (epidermis), medium peels affect the dermis and deep peels penetrate right through the dermis. For most skin concerns, a course of superficial peels is ideal. They have very little down time, the skin heals quickly and it is easier to control the outcome. Medium peels tend to be too aggressive for black skin, whereas deep peels are wholly unsuitable due to the risk of severe scarring.
What types of peels are suitable for black skin?
With so many different types of chemical agents available, it’s important to know something about how they work and what they can be used for. Most peels will have an alpha-hydroxy (AHA) or beta hydroxyl (BHA) base, though sometimes peels agents are used singularly in a pure form or in combination with each other.
Lactic Acid (AHA)
This is a gentle peel derived from soured milk and good for sensitive skin types. Lactic acid is also found naturally in the skin and is a natural humectant, so not only will it remove afore mentioned dullness but it will also help your skin draw and retain moisture, leaving it smooth and plumped out.
What is it good for? – Mild skin ageing, early onset wrinkles, mild hyperpigmentation, refining the skin texture, rosacea.
Mandelic Acid (AHA)
This has gentle surface action and is both anti bacterial and anti inflammatory. It is derived from bitter almonds, so nut allergy sufferers beware.
What is it good for? – Oily and congested skin, superficial to medium acne, superficial hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Great for oily and congested skin types. It is a mild anti-inflammatory peel that can deep cleanse pores to remove debris and built up oil. It also contributes to the effective shedding of old skin cells. If you’re allergic to aspirin, then beware of salicylic acid as they are from the same chemical family.
What is it good for? – Deep cleansing the skin prior to other peels, controlling oil production, reducing pore size.
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
One of the original chemical peeling solutions made from sugar cane. A highly efficient, high performance work horse for many aestheticians.
What is it good for? – Mild to severe ageing skin, loose skin, lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, acne and associated scarring.
Citric Acid (AHA)
Derived particularly from oranges and lemons. It creates a mild peeling effect but is often added to other peels as a gentle booster for its antioxidants, plumping and brightening effects.
What is it good for? – Light pigmentation, smoothing and reconditioning skin and brightening.
Precautions for black skin
One of the primary concerns for black skin when having any skin treatments, including peels is the potential to develop Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. That is, instead of clearing the hyperpigmentation the treatment does the opposite and creates more hyperpigmentation, dark marks and scarring.
Therefore, it is important to ensure your skin is properly prepped and primed in the weeks leading up to the peel. This could be in the form of a preparatory peel or using home-care products with similar ingredients to the peel.
It is also important to leave adequate time between treatments to allow skin to heal. Ten to fourteen days is ideal, though some peel treatments can require up to four weeks.
It is also important that a full medical history is disclosed including discussing your propensity to scar. If you’ve suffered from keloid scarring in the past, then peels are not advisable.
Are you applying sunscreen on a daily basis? If you want to have peels, then it is a must to wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 everyday to prevent further damage to your skin and post treatment inflammation.
Microdermabrasion Or Chemical Peel For Black Skin
Simply put, it’s the application of an acid solution that sloughs off old, scaly, dull and poor performing skin cells to improve the appearance of the skin and hasten skin regeneration.
Why would you need a chemical peel?
Used at its simplest a chemical peel will lift and brighten the tone of your skin. But you can have a chemical peel for any number of reasons – fading age spots, improved texture and smoothing rough skin, fading scarring, hyperpigmentation and imperfections, evening out and unifying your skin tone, tackling early fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenating ageing skin and reducing outbreaks of spots and acne.
What types of peels are there?
Peels are classified in four levels, starting with superficial peels which target the top layers of skin (epidermis), medium peels affect the dermis and deep peels penetrate right through the dermis.
What types of peels are suitable for black skin?
With so many different types of chemical agents available, it’s important to know something about how they work and what they can be used for. Most peels will have an alpha-hydroxy (AHA) or beta hydroxyl (BHA) base, though sometimes peels agents are used singularly in a pure form or in combination with each other.
Lactic Acid (AHA)
This is a gentle peel derived from soured milk and good for sensitive skin types. Lactic acid is also found naturally in the skin and is a natural humectant, so not only will it remove afore mentioned dullness but it will also help your skin draw and retain moisture, leaving it smooth and plumped out.
What is it good for? – Mild skin ageing, early onset wrinkles, mild hyperpigmentation, refining the skin texture, rosacea.
Mandelic Acid (AHA)
This has gentle surface action and is both anti bacterial and anti inflammatory. It is derived from bitter almonds, so nut allergy sufferers beware.
What is it good for? – Oily and congested skin, superficial to medium acne, superficial hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Great for oily and congested skin types. It is a mild anti-inflammatory peel that can deep cleanse pores to remove debris and built up oil. It also contributes to the effective shedding of old skin cells. If you’re allergic to aspirin, then beware of salicylic acid as they are from the same chemical family.
What is it good for? – Deep cleansing the skin prior to other peels, controlling oil production, reducing pore size.
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
One of the original chemical peeling solutions made from sugar cane. A highly efficient, high performance work horse for many aestheticians.
What is it good for? – Mild to severe ageing skin, loose skin, lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, acne and associated scarring.
Citric Acid (AHA)
Derived particularly from oranges and lemons. It creates a mild peeling effect but is often added to other peels as a gentle booster for its antioxidants, plumping and brightening effects.
What is it good for? – Light pigmentation, smoothing and reconditioning skin and brightening.
Precautions for black skin
One of the primary concerns for black skin when having any skin treatments, including peels is the potential to develop Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. That is, instead of clearing the hyperpigmentation the treatment does the opposite and creates more hyperpigmentation, dark marks and scarring.
Natural Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Acne is the most common skin problem in the United States. And many people who suffer with acne later find themselves with a new problem: acne scars.
Acne scars are actually part of the healing process, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). After acne has cleared, the skin attempts to correct the damage that’s been done by the blemish. By producing collagen, it heals the skin. Too little collagen, and you’re left with a concave scar. Too much, and you’ll have a raised scar.
However, acne scars can make you as self-conscious as acne itself, so what can you do about them? While the AAD suggest things like surgery and laser resurfacing, you might also find relief through these less invasive, natural treatment options.
1. Black Seed Oil
Also known as Nigella sativa, black seed oil is native to Eastern Europe, western Asia, and the Middle East. It is a relatively common medicinal plant, and the oil can be found online. In addition to having antibacterial and anti-viral properties, the oil is anti-inflammatory. But reducing inflammation isn’t the only way in which it may aid in scar reduction. Studies have found it to be able to speed up as well as improve wound healing. It can also even out pigmentation or even prevent acne altogether.
2. Rosehip Seed Oil
Marketed largely as a solution for aging, rosehip seed oil is widely available and is safe to apply directly to the skin. One study has also indicated that it can be used to treat scars. Though the study was specific to surgical scars, the oil could be similarly useful in reducing acne scars. Researchers found that applying it twice daily reduced the appearance of scars and discoloration.
3. Honey
You don’t even have to go to the drugstore for this potential acne scar remedy. Honey is used for numerous medicinal purposes, including burns, wounds, and herpes. And research indicatesTrusted Source that it can speed wound healing, reducing the potential for scarring. Researchers found that directly applying honey can help with wound clearing and wound cleansing because of its antibacterial properties. It is also able to fight infections that could otherwise cause more acne to appear.
4. Aloe Vera
Like honey, aloe vera is a common home remedy. In the case of acne, it works similarly to aid the healing process. According to a study in the Annals of Plastic SurgeryTrusted Source, applying aloe vera directly to wounds reduced inflammation and scar tissue size. You can find aloe vera gels and products at drugstores, but you can also grow the plant yourself. Cut into the leaves and apply the sticky gel directly to the skin.
5. Lemon Juice
There is no significant research out there that proves that lemon juice is effective at getting rid of your acne scars. However, anecdotal evidence is ample. Many say they’ve found great success in applying lemon juice to acne scars. Advocates say it helps reduce discoloration and even out your skin tone. Because lemon juice is highly acidic, apply just a few drops directly to scars.
Treatments for Hypertrophic Scars
A hypertrophic scar is a thickened, wide, often raised scar that develops where skin is injured. Scars are common during the wound healing process, but a hypertrophic scar is a result of an abnormal response to a trauma or injury.
In certain people, body cells called myofibroblasts produce too much collagen during healing. This can happen simply as a result of a person’s skin type and healing tendencies. More commonly, overproduction of collagen occurs when a wound is infected or inflamed, under a great deal of tension or motion (such as in injuries over a joint), or left to heal without stitches.
The scars are a frequent complication of burn injuries, but can also form after piercings, cuts, or even acne. Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars but tend to be milder and don’t grow beyond the boundaries of the original skin injury.
The scars aren’t dangerous or life-threatening. They can be itchy and painful, but more often are simply a cosmetic issue. Some people seek treatment to minimize the appearance of the scar. There isn’t an officially established treatment regimen for hypertrophic scars, but a variety of treatments can help get rid of the scar more quickly.
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How are hypertrophic scars treated?
Your doctor may recommend one or several of these treatments to help flatten and shrink your scar.
It’s important to remember that it can take a full year for a scar to mature. In that time, your body is remodeling and trying to improve the scar tissue on its own. Most doctors will therefore not treat an early hypertrophic scar. They’ll typically ask you to wait several months to a year before starting any treatment.
Medical treatments
Corticosteroid treatments: Corticosteroid injections are considered a first-line treatment for hypertrophic scars. Injecting a steroid into the scar every six weeks may help flatten and soften the scar. There’s a limit to the number of times this can be performed, however, as the steroids may also weaken normal tissue around the scar.
Laser therapy: Laser therapy is more effective in newly formed scars than in older scars. The lasers work by burning and flattening elevated scars. They also target the red and pink pigments in the scars to lighten them.
Bleomycin: Bleomycin is a metabolite of a strain of soil bacteria. It’s shown promising results when injected directly into a hypertrophic scar. It may help improve the scars appearance and relieve itching and pain. More clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Cryotherapy: In cryotherapy, a doctor or dermatologist freezes the scar tissue with liquid nitrogen to help flatten it. Cryotherapy has been shown to be successful, safe, nontoxic, and well-tolerated in a number of small studies.
Surgery: After waiting at least a year, a hypertrophic scar can be excised, or cut out, and closed again with stitches. This treatment tries to re-heal the injury while eliminating the issues that may have caused the scar in the first place, such as infection, inflammation, or tension.
Home treatments
Silicone sheets: Silicone elastomer sheets are noninvasive and can be applied as soon the skin heals after an injury. They’re also considered a first-line treatment for hypertrophic scars. Many silicone products are available, including sheets, gels, sprays, and foams. Many are available over the counter (OTC). A sheet must be worn over the scar for 12 to 24 hours per day for 2 to 3 months. You have to apply the gel multiple times per day.
Pressure and massage: One of the cheapest and most effective ways to help heal the scar is to apply pressure and massage to the area. You can use bandages or tape to apply pressure. Over time, it can help weaken the scar tissue and improve the appearance of the scar.
Onion extract creams: Another OTC option is a topical gel made of onion extract. This product is commonly marketed as Mederma. However, limited clinical data shows its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of hypertrophic scars.
Bio Oil: Bio Oil is marketed as a treatment for all different types of scars. It can be purchased at many beauty supply stores. Clinical trials for Bio Oil showed positive results. However, the sample sizes were small. More research is needed to confirm that Bio Oil can effectively reduce the appearance of hypertrophic scars.
Hypertrophic scars vs. keloid scars
Before treating a hypertrophic scar, it’s important to differentiate it from a similar type of scar called a keloid. Keloid scars are smooth, hard, benign growths that also form when scar tissue grows excessively. Even your doctor may have difficulty telling the difference between a hypertrophic scar and a keloid, but it’s important to distinguish them because the treatment may be different.
In general, hypertrophic scars:
- are raised, but rarely more than 4 millimeters above the skin
- are red or pink in color
- can develop anywhere on the body
On the other hand, keloids usually:
- are raised more than 4 millimeters from the skin
- grow beyond the boundaries of the original incision or wound
- are pink to purple in color
- evolve and grow over time
- form on the earlobes, shoulders, cheeks, and chest above the sternum
Both scars tend to occur more commonly in darker skin types. Hypertrophic scars tend to be easier to treat than keloids, which have a high recurrence rate despite treatment.
Preventing hypertrophic scars
In you experience an injury, especially a burn injury, or if you have surgery, there are ways to help prevent hypertrophic scarring. These include:
- cleaning and caring for the wound properly, such as by applying wound dressings to prevent infection
- using silicone sheeting after a surgery
- injecting a corticosteroid after a surgery
One studyTrusted Source found that immediately cooling a burn with cold water compresses and applying tea tree oil can help the skin heal better. This treatment may help prevent hypertrophic scars from forming, but more research needs to be done.