That’s because darker skin is more prone to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Many dermatologists recommend swift and stringent treatment courses for acne, rashes, and eczema on brown skin tones.
Full Answer
What beauty treatments should women with dark skin avoid?
4 Beauty Treatments Women With Dark Skin Should Avoid. At home, Benjamin recommends broadband SPF 30 or higher (duh), retinol, and products with exfoliating and skin-brightening ingredients like lactic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, and licorice extract, all of which will help with skin texture and tone irregularities.
What is darkened skin?
What is darkened skin? Darkened skin, or hyperpigmentation, is the appearance of patches of skin that become darker than the surrounding area. Hyperpigmentation can also diffusely involve the total skin surface of the body.
How do I take care of my dark skin?
6 Things I've Learned About Taking Care of My Dark Skin 1. Use sunscreen every day. 2. Start an antiaging regimen early and use it often. 3. Treat skin irritation ASAP. 4. Pick products that help with hyperpigmentation. 5. Be careful—laser treatments aren't always OK for dark skin. 6. Find a dermatologist who understands dark skin.
Is it better to have darker skin?
The extra melanin does still have its advantages. “Darker skin individuals have more melanin content and are less prone to sunburn and UV damage over time,” says dermatologist Seemal Desai, M.D., president of the Skin of Color Society.
Why is my skin darker?
Since the role of melanin in the skin is to absorb and scatter energy from ultraviolet (UV) light, having a dark complexion reduces the risk of sun damage, particularly as it pertains to skin aging and skin cancer formation.
Why is acne bad for dark skin?
But due to its link to hyperpigmentation, it is of greatest concern for people with dark skin. Acne develops when there is an overproduction of oil in the skin. That oil mixes with bacteria within the pores and blocks the pore openings.
How long does it take for pigmentation to return?
When applied to the skin twice daily, research shows, normal pigmentation may return, although it may take months. Still another approach is the use of strong steroid creams, which can be effective if used on certain areas of the body such as the face and neck. Melanoma and Dark Skin.
What is PFB skin?
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) and Dark Skin. This skin condition is characterized by bumps under the surface of the skin, and is often confused with acne. But the problem actually stems from ingrown hairs. It most often occurs in black and Hispanic people, due to the distinct shape of the hair follicle.
What products are used to treat acne?
In fact, any skin care product ingredient that irritates or dries skin increases the risk. The most common products include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (used to treat acne) and anti-aging compounds such as retinoids and glycolic acid.
How long does it take for minocycline to fade?
This is also true of certain oral antibiotics, particularly minocycline. In some people, it can produce a darkening of the skin, which can take months to fade. If you have dark skin and develop acne, see a dermatologist skilled in treating ethnic complexions as soon as possible.
What is it called when you lose color on your skin?
When color is lost, it's called hypopigmentation, which results in light-colored patches.
Why is my skin dark?
Darkened skin can also be caused by hormonal changes in the body including: Addison’s disease (deceased production of hormones by the adrenal glands) Cushing’s disease (excessive circulating levels of corticosteroids) Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
What causes dark spots on the face?
In some cases, darkened skin may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include: 1 Addison’s disease (deceased production of hormones by the adrenal glands) 2 Hemochromatosis (a disorder characterized by excess iron in the body)
What causes a change in skin color?
The change in color happens when there is overproduction of melanin, the pigment normally found in the skin, forming deposits that darken the skin color. Darkened skin can develop in people of all races. Melasma is increased skin pigmentation that usually occurs on sun-exposed surfaces of darkly complected individuals.
What are the signs of dark skin?
Seek prompt medical care if you have darkened skin along with other serious symptoms including: Constipation. Depression or irritability and mood changes. Diarrhea.
Is dark skin a symptom of a life threatening condition?
However, certain disorders associated with hyperpigmentation can lead to complications that are life threatening.
Why do darker skins show photodamage?
“Those with darker skin tend to show photodamage with hyperpigmentation that worsens over time on the cheeks and lower face. An uneven complexion is the outcome of sun exposure in darker patients. ”.
What is melasma skin?
Melasma, a skin condition marked by areas of hyperpigmentation, is more common in darker-skinned people, and often occurs post-pregnancy, following sun exposure, or after taking oral contraceptives.
Does melanin help with wrinkles?
While my melanin surplus helps stave off wrinkles, it doesn’t guard against skin cancer or hyperpigmentation. That’s why I’ve started to get more serious about my skin-care regimen, and people with darker skin tones have specific issues to look out for. We spoke to two dermatologists who specialize in treating skin of color to get their tips ...
Can laser treatments darken skin?
Sun exposure can also darken any hyperpigmentation that is already visible. 5. Be careful—laser treatments aren't always OK for dark skin. While fair skin patients can handle laser treatments to get rid of brown spots or wrinkles, darker skin must be cautious using these types of machines.
Is the Nd:Yag better for dark skin?
However, there are some machines, like the Nd:Yag, that are better for darker skin tones. You always want to see a certified practitioner who has worked on brown skin before. 6.
Is a dermatologist a darker skin type?
Not all derms are equally familiar with the particularities of darker skin. “It’s important that darker skin type patients seek out a dermatologist who is an expert in skin of color or who has work in treating pigmentary disorders,” says Desai.
Why do lasers make my skin darker?
The issue with lasers and some other technologies when treating different skin colors, and the reason behind adverse outcomes on darker complexions, is the amount of energy absorbed by the skin. Darker skin types absorb more energy and are thus prone to developing hyperpigmentation, irregular pigmentation, and hypopigmentation.
What is salt facial?
A salt facial uses sea salt to apply pressure to the skin to decrease acne, promote exfoliation, and smooth pores and fine lines. It’s a non-energy/non-heat based resurfacing treatment safe for darker skin types. This three-step treatment exfoliates the outer layers of skin, deposits customized serums into the skin, and uses LED therapy to decrease inflammation. It’s an all-in-one treatment that can be done every month to maintain youthful, rejuvenated skin.
Why is my skin dark?
Diabetes. Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker. Conditions associated with diabetes include acanthosis nigricans, which causes darkened, velvety skin, and shin spots or diabetic dermopathy, which people may confuse with age spots.
How to prevent dark spots from getting darker?
There are, however, a few things people can do to decrease the chances of dark spots and prevent them from getting darker: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when the sun is not bright . Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the skin further .
What causes dark spots on the face?
Anyone can develop dark spots on the skin. Certain risk factors appear to increase a person’s chances including: 1 sun exposure 2 pregnancy 3 skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis 4 trauma or injury to the skin 5 medications that increase pigmentation 6 liver disease 7 diabetes
What kind of laser is used to remove dark spots?
Different types of lasers are available. The most common laser to treat dark spots on the skin uses an intense pulse light laser. The light targets melanin and breaks up the dark spots.
What are the dark spots on your skin?
Sun damage. Also called sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots, people can develop dark spots on their skin after being exposed to the sun or tanning beds. Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots.
What color are dark spots on the body?
Dark spots on the skin can range from light brown to dark brown. The color of dark spots may depend on the tone of a person’s skin. The spots are the same texture as the skin and are not painful. Dark spots also vary in size and can develop on any part of the body but are most common in areas often exposed to the sun.
How does prescription lightening cream work?
Prescription skin-lightening cream. Prescription-lightening cream works by bleaching the skin. It typically works gradually and takes several months to decrease the appearance of dark spots. Hydroquinone, which is the active ingredient in the creams, prevents the skin from producing melanin.
Can people with dark skin even get chemical peels?
A friend, family member, or even your dermatologist may recommend a chemical peel to clear up a troublesome skin condition. Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that are applied to the face and neck to remove damaged skin cells. Your board-certified dermatologist will combine different acids to create a solution suitable for your skin concern.
Key uses of peels
Why would you use a chemical peel anyway? There are hundreds, if not thousands of skincare products on the market to deal with almost every skincare concern. So is a peel really necessary? Most skincare products send ingredients to the surface level of your skin. These can work over a long period, but the results may not be as expected.
Types of chemical peels
Before you get a chemical peel, it’s essential to understand both the types of peels and what’s in your peels. This knowledge will help you to understand what’s happening during your peel and if what your provider is suggesting is right for you. Chemical peels are classified as superficial peels, medium-depth peels, and deep peels.
Here are the best chemical peel for dark skin
So which one of these peels is best for dark skin? As we mentioned, people of all shades can get chemical peels. Darker skin, pigmented skin, or People of Color need the right peels to effectively tackle their skin concerns while being safe to use.
Avoid these peels at all costs
Deep peels or phenol peels should not be used on skin of color. There i a high risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation. If there is deep scarring or skin damage, there are other solutions your dermatologist can use which are both safe and effective. For peels of all types, discuss any concerns you may have.
Protecting yourself before and after your peel
If you have acne, scars, hyperpigmentation, or other skin concerns, you can benefit from a chemical peel. People with dark skin, however, should focus on superficial peels. To minimize the risk and improve the effectiveness of your peel, your doctor will provide some instructions to prepare your skin before your session.
Chemical peels for dark skin- Choose the right peel for you
Remember, chemical peels for dark skin are possible. They are safe and effective but only when administered correctly. Superficial peels are best for dark skin. Your dermatologist will gradually increase the concentration of acids to gauge your skin’s sensitivity.
