Ethnic Skin Concerns

Treatment Options for Ethnic Skin

In the past, it was difficult for men and women with darker skin tones to be treated effectively with lasers, as many lasers were only effective on lighter skin. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. In our office, we have more than 50 different lasers, light and energy devices. Some of these lasers, such as Picosure, Picoway, and PiQ04 are both safe and effective on all skin types and tones. We also offer chemical peels, microdermabrasion, facials, and medical-grade skincare products to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

Other options might include:

Injectable Treatments

Our dermatologists use both neuromodulators and dermal fillers for aesthetic enhancement. Neuromodulators work by relaxing facial muscles that form lines on the upper portion of the face. Botox is also a popular treatment for masseter reduction. Dermal fillers add support to the dermal structure to smooth away wrinkles or add subtle volume in key areas. In small doses, fillers are effective in treating undereye circles as well. These injectable treatments are highly effective and safe for use on all skin types and tones.

Picosecond Lasers

Picosecond lasers feature rapid-pulse technology that works well on pigmentation irregularities, seborrheic keratoses, and ephelides (freckles). Picosecond lasers are also the treatment of choice for laser tattoo removal. We offer three different picosecond lasers, PicoWay, PicoSure, and PiQo4. The variety allows us to customize treatments to the unique needs of each patient to achieve the best possible results.

Clear + Brilliant Permea Laser

The Clear + Brilliant laser is a versatile device that is very effective in rejuvenating the skin and addressing aging symptoms. On skin of color, it is also effective in treating a common skin condition known as melasma. This laser is safe and effective for all skin types and tones and is a popular choice for many of our ethnic patients.

RF Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin to promote healing and boost collagen production. As cell turnover occurs and collagen levels increase, the skin becomes smoother and more radiant at a cellular level. RF microneedling is an effective method of treating both acne and acne scarring in skin of color and can be used for improving skin texture, reducing pore size and addressing aging symptoms as well.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a skin tightening device used to treat skin laxity. The machine uses targeted ultrasound energy to constrict underlying tissue and boost collagen production for skin that is firmer and more youthful. Because the ultrasound energy is delivered deep beneath the skin’s surface, it is both safe and effective for all skin types, including skin of color.

Thermage

Thermage is another nonsurgical skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to constrict tissue and increase collagen levels. Like Ultherapy, this device works deep in the dermal layers, making it a safe and effective option for all skin types and tones.

Kybella

Kybella is an injectable treatment used to eliminate submental fat underneath the chin. The medication works to destroy fat cells in the treatment area so they can be safely eliminated by the body. Many patients require a series of sessions to achieve full results, which will develop gradually in the months following the treatment. Treatment can be used for any skin type and tone with consistent results for all our patients.

Body Contouring

Body contouring is another popular request from our ethnic patients. CoolSculpting and CoolToning are two nonsurgical methods of fat reduction and body contouring that are safe for nearly everyone. CoolSculpting uses technology known as cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells on any area of the body where stubborn pockets of fat have formed. CoolToning is a new device that stimulates supramaximal muscle contractions to simulate thousands of crunches in a single treatment. The result of a CoolToning session is a tighter, more sculpted abdomen.

Schedule a consultation at our San Diego medical spa today.

Our experienced doctors know how to treat every skin type and tone, and will customize treatment plans to ensure you achieve your desired results with safe and effective options. We are a multilingual office, with doctors that speak fluent Spanish and Cantonese to communicate more effectively with our patients. Trust your skin to the experts!

African American Skin Concerns

African American skin is rich in melanin, which gives the skin its dark color. This melanin also makes it more difficult to treat the skin with some laser devices, since many lasers work by specifically targeting melanin. Patients with the higher melanin levels did not tend to see good results from laser treatments and also had a higher risk for severe side effects, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and epidermal burning.

Fortunately, there are more options available today, featuring technology such as epidermal cooling, longer wavelengths, and other energy sources that allow us to treat skin with darker pigmentation safely without the same risk of these side effects. In our office, we can address common concerns for our African American patients like café-au-lait macules, dermatosis papulosa nigra, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Hispanic / Latin Skin Concerns

Hispanic and Latin skin is also prone to hyper- and hypopigmentation due to the sensitivity of pigment cells to inflammation and injury. Hyperpigmentation is very common following acne outbreaks, insect bites, psoriasis, and other skin trauma. Hispanic skin will often require specialized treatment plans, and acne should be treated as soon as possible to avoid potential hyperpigmentation following an outbreak. Melasma is also more common in Hispanic skin and requires both topical skincare and laser treatments to control. Our team offers specialized treatment plans that effectively manage this stubborn condition, keeping discoloration at bay without risk of skin injury and unwanted side effects.