Aesthetic Treatments for Skin of Color
Healthy, radiant skin looks different across diverse skin tones and ethnic backgrounds. Ethnic Skin Care focuses on addressing unique concerns while respecting how skin of color responds to treatment.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board-certified dermatologists provide advanced, science-backed solutions designed for safety, precision, and natural-looking results across all skin types.
Dr. Wu Shares Skin Treatment Tips for Skin of All Colors
Xeomin For Masseter Muscle Treatment with Dr. Fabi
What Treatments Are Safe for Skin of Color?
Patients with skin of color can safely benefit from a full range of cosmetic dermatology treatments when care is guided by experience and precision.
Our approach focuses on adjusting techniques, energy settings, and treatment plans to respect melanin-rich skin while delivering visible, natural-looking results. From lasers and injectables to skin rejuvenation treatments, each option is selected to enhance skin quality without compromising tone. The result is healthier, clearer-looking skin that reflects your natural beauty with confidence.
Read our blog on Melanated Beauty to learn more about how advanced treatments are designed to support and enhance a wide range of skin tones.
Ethnic Skin Care Treatments
Advanced Laser Safety
Laser, light, and energy devices are carefully selected and adjusted for skin of color to help minimize the risk of pigmentation changes while delivering effective results.
Customized Treatment Planning
Every treatment plan is matched to skin tone, ethnicity, lifestyle, and long-term skin goals for thoughtful, individualized care.
Pigmentation Expertise
Specialized treatment for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), sunspots, and uneven tone using proven protocols.
Acne and Scar Management
Targeted solutions for active acne and acne scarring designed to improve skin clarity while protecting surrounding tissue.
Skin Tightening and Rejuvenation
Non-surgical technologies that stimulate collagen and support skin firmness without disrupting melanin-rich skin.
Board-Certified Dermatologists
All treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologists with extensive experience caring for diverse skin types.
Treatment Options for Ethnic Skin Concerns
Advancements in aesthetic technology have made it possible to safely and effectively treat skin of color with a wide range of options. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, these represent just some of the many procedures that can be customized to respect melanin rich skin while delivering beautiful, natural looking results.
With more than 50 laser, light, and energy based devices, along with injectables and medical grade skincare, treatments are thoughtfully selected to match individual skin needs and goals. Below is a list of just some of the many treatments we offer for skin of color.
UltraClear®
UltraClear is an advanced laser treatment that improves skin tone, texture, and overall skin quality while prioritizing safety. Its controlled energy delivery limits surface heat, making it a safe and effective option for all skin tones, including melanin-rich skin, with consistent and predictable results.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light improves uneven tone and visible pigmentation while supporting overall skin clarity. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, the Lumenis Stellar M22 IPL is used because it was developed to be safe for all skin types and tones and is the most widely used laser, light, and energy device throughout Asia.
Injectable Treatments
Neuromodulators help relax muscle activity that contributes to expression lines and masseter bulk, while dermal fillers restore structure and subtle volume. When performed by experienced dermatologists, these treatments are suitable for all skin tones.
Clear + Brilliant® Laser
Clear + Brilliant is a gentle fractional laser that improves texture, early signs of aging, and melasma while supporting healthy skin renewal across a wide range of skin tones.
RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling stimulates collagen beneath the surface to improve acne, acne scarring, texture, and pore appearance.
Ultherapy®
Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to target deeper structural layers of the skin to support lifting and tightening without affecting surface pigment.
Thermage®
Thermage is a radiofrequency technology that firms skin and stimulates collagen while preserving the integrity of surface pigmentation.
Sofwave
Sofwave improves skin firmness, elasticity, and overall texture by stimulating the production of natural collagen, elastin fibers, and hyaluronic acid. Its focused ultrasound energy works beneath the skin’s surface without affecting pigment, making it a safe and effective option for all skin tones with no anesthesia or downtime.
Ethnic Skin Treatment Before and After Results
Hear From Our Happy Patients
5/5 STARS
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
Personalized Consultation
Each visit begins with a comprehensive skin evaluation, including a discussion of goals, skin history, and previous treatments.
Technology Selection
Devices and techniques are selected based on skin tone, sensitivity, and response patterns to support safe, effective outcomes.
Thoughtful Treatment Process
Pre- and post-care instructions are carefully designed to promote healing and long-term skin health.
Gradual, Natural Results
Improvements develop progressively, allowing skin to renew while minimizing downtime.
Different Type of Ethnic Skin Concerns
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, we recognize that skin aging, healing responses, and pigmentation activity vary widely across ethnic backgrounds. Patients with skin of color benefit from careful planning led by board-certified dermatologists who understand these differences and address them individually.
Asian Skin Concerns
Asian skin may be more reactive to inflammation, increasing the likelihood of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Common concerns include melasma, milia, and sun-related pigmentation. Treatment plans are customized to reflect the diversity within Asian ethnicities, including Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and others.
African American Skin Concerns
African American skin contains higher levels of melanin, which requires specific wavelengths and techniques for safe treatment. Advanced technologies now allow effective care for concerns such as dermatosis papulosa nigra, café-au-lait macules, melasma, and PIH.
Hispanic and Latin Skin Concerns
Hispanic and Latin skin is often prone to pigmentation changes following inflammation or injury. Acne-related discoloration and melasma are common concerns. Early intervention and customized care help manage pigment activity while protecting overall skin health.
Ethnic Skin Care FAQ
Asian skin may be more reactive to inflammation, which can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation following injury or overly aggressive treatments. Our board-certified dermatologists carefully select laser, light, and energy devices, adjust energy levels, and space treatment intervals to protect pigment-producing cells while addressing concerns such as melasma, age spots, milia, and uneven texture. Customized pre- and post-treatment care plays a critical role in supporting safe healing and long-term skin clarity.
African American skin contains higher levels of melanin, which can make it more sensitive to heat-based treatments. Common concerns include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, dermatosis papulosa nigra, and uneven texture. Advances in laser, light, and energy devices now allow these concerns to be treated safely by using longer wavelengths, integrated cooling, and alternative energy modalities designed to protect surface pigment.
Hispanic and Latin skin is particularly prone to pigmentation changes following acne, insect bites, or inflammation, and melasma is more prevalent in this skin type. Our approach emphasizes early intervention, pigment-conscious technologies, and combination treatment plans that may include laser, injectable treatments, and medical-grade skincare to manage discoloration while preserving skin integrity.
Yes. Advances in technology have significantly improved safety for all skin tones. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we use laser, light, and energy devices that have been carefully selected and studied for use in Asian, African American, and Hispanic skin. These include intense pulsed light, picosecond lasers, radiofrequency-based treatments, ultrasound energy, and non-ablative resurfacing options designed to minimize heat buildup in melanin-rich skin.
Yes. Proprietary treatments such as Take10, Take5, ThermiSculpt³, 3xFacial, and other signature combination protocols are designed with flexibility and safety in mind. Each treatment is customized by our board-certified dermatologists based on skin tone, pigment behavior, and healing response. Energy settings, treatment depth, and product selection are carefully adjusted to support safe, effective outcomes.
Take5 and Take10 are commonly chosen to refresh skin tone, texture, and clarity with controlled downtime while prioritizing pigment safety. ThermiSculpt³ is frequently selected for contouring and tightening, as it works below the surface without affecting pigment. The 3xFacial is favored for maintaining skin clarity, refining texture, and supporting long-term skin health across all ethnicities.
Yes. Injectable treatments such as neuromodulators and dermal fillers are safe for all skin tones when performed by experienced, board-certified dermatologists. Because these treatments do not rely on pigment interaction, they are commonly used in ethnic skin to soften expression lines, refine facial contours, reduce masseter bulk, and improve the appearance of the undereye area.
The number of sessions varies depending on the type of pigmentation, depth of discoloration, and individual skin response. Many patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced over time to achieve gradual, even improvement while minimizing the risk of rebound pigmentation. Individual results may vary.
Medical-grade skincare is essential for maintaining results and helping prevent future pigmentation concerns. Customized regimens are designed to support the skin barrier, regulate pigment activity, and enhance in-office treatment outcomes, particularly for Asian, African American, and Hispanic skin types.
Our board-certified dermatologists combine decades of clinical experience, advanced laser, light, and energy devices, and thoughtful treatment planning to protect long-term skin health. Treatments are approached conservatively, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments to help ensure effective results while maintaining pigment stability.
