Laser hair removal treatments can be daunting for people of color. But thanks to modern advances, treatments are safer than ever and we should all consider trying it!
However, finding an African American-owned clinic is essential to reaching your desired results. This article will discuss this aspect.
1. Look for a Skin of Color Society Member
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) was created in 2004 to raise awareness of dermatology and skin color issues. The organization defines individuals with skin of color as those who identify as Asian, Hispanic/Latino, African American or Native American; or any combination thereof. SOCS members work to educate medical providers and the general public on health concerns that often arise with dark skin tones.
2021 marked SOCS’ most productive year to date and marked significant advances in skin of color research, education, mentorship and advocacy. SOCS established an innovative online learning management system which provided access to dermatology experts as well as educational resources and continuing medical education (CME) credits. Furthermore, an Institutional Research Fellowship Program was initiated which supported studies pertaining to diseases affecting skin of color patients.
SOCS recently unveiled the MelanatED series of short educational videos designed to increase cultural competency and broaden physician understanding of skin of color dermatology. Covering topics ranging from melanated skin cancer prevention in children and women of darker skin tone, sunscreen safe products are key in providing protection from further sun damage, to discussing sun-protection strategies suitable for melanated skin.
SOCS is taking the initiative in addressing dermatology’s lack of knowledge on skin of color diseases and conditions by creating several committees dedicated to these vital areas, and working with universities on developing curricula that incorporates more topics related to skin of color.
The annual SOCS Scientific Symposium, Where Science, Innovation & Inclusion Meets, showcases the latest advances in skin of color dermatology while providing future leaders with a unique opportunity to learn from industry luminaries. This year’s Symposium featured presentations by esteemed experts and researchers from around the world and featured presentations addressing four themes.
If you’re seeking black owned laser hair removal, SOCS membership could be the right solution. These professionals have been specifically trained to address the unique needs of individuals with diverse skin, providing safe and effective care. Furthermore, these experts know which treatments and products will work best.
2. Look for a Board-Certified Dermatologist
When selecting a clinic or doctor for laser hair removal, the key factor should be finding one who has achieved board certification as a dermatologist. This signifies they have completed four years of undergraduate school education, three or more years of medical school studies, an internship of one year duration, as well as three or more years of residency training specifically in dermatology. They must also pass rigorous exams while participating in continued professional education to keep themselves abreast of new advances and best practices within their field.
While many individuals claim to be dermatologists, those holding the title FAAD (Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology) truly are experts in this area. Some FAAD Fellows even possess enough experience to treat conditions ranging from cancerous lesions to warts!
Board-certified dermatologists possess an in-depth knowledge of all the conditions that affect skin, nails and hair and can evaluate your situation and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan – making them perfect to assist you with ingrown hairs (Pseudofolliculitis barbae) or razor bumps which often appear on faces, necks, arms and bikini areas.
Find a dermatologist experienced with treating people of color. Such doctors offer valuable insight into the unique challenges associated with dark skin tones and can significantly enhance treatment outcomes.
These doctors can often offer helpful suggestions and techniques that will enable you to maintain healthy and beautiful skin no matter your complexion, making them invaluable resources in helping navigate the complex world of laser hair removal.
3. Look for a Certified Laser Technician
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment used to reduce unwanted body hair. Additionally, it can treat razor bumps and dark spots on your skin. Experienced laser technicians understand the nuances of various skin tones and types in order to adjust machine settings safely to achieve maximum results in safe treatments that may require periodic follow up treatments depending on your individual skin needs. Depending on your results and skin type requirements, regular maintenance treatments may also be needed in order to keep them at peak effectiveness.
Many beauty salons, cosmetology schools and beauty therapy programs in Washington offer laser hair removal certification. No matter your career path, this certification could help develop your skills while earning extra income. Medical aestheticians or nurses with experience could find this a useful opportunity to expand their horizons by expanding into new fields with laser procedures.
Be mindful that only establishments inspected and certified to provide laser treatments should receive services. While laser services have become increasingly popular, not all establishments provide them equally; some medi-spas may be run by non-dermatologists, ob/gyns, or psychiatrists who may lack sufficient training in providing these services on people of various skin tones.
Some medi-spas use generic IPL technology that’s unsuitable for darker skin tones and can result in burns and discoloration, creating serious risks to patients with darker complexions. When searching for laser treatment centers to suit dark skin tones such as the GentleMax Pro laser system.
After years of unsuccessfully searching for an at-home hair removal device that would suit her skin type, Singleton founded Belle51 to offer laser devices designed specifically to work for black and brown skin to help people of color feel confident using cosmetic laser treatments at home safely and effectively. She hopes her products can empower people of color to use cosmetic laser treatments with confidence at home.
4. Look for a Center with Experience
Laser treatments have quickly become one of the hottest skincare trends today, from shrinking enlarged pores and sunspots, to removing fine lines and sunspots, or drastically reducing unwanted hair growth. Yet for some people of color there remains hesitation when it comes to undertaking such procedures despite being proven safe and effective.
Hesitation among many laser users stems from their lack of understanding melanin-related laser technology. Many tools used to treat darker skin tones cannot distinguish between melanin pigment found in hair follicles and that found within skin tissue, potentially resulting in damage.
Now, there are centers owned and run by Black people that specialize in laser treatment for darker skin tones. These facilities utilize long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers – known as GentleYags because of their ability to safely and effectively treat type V or VI skin without damage or pain – for laser hair reduction treatment.
Singleton was inspired to establish her own skincare company, Belle51, after experiencing firsthand how painful laser and microneedling treatments could be for people of color. These tools provide more confidence and comfort during laser skin treatments, giving people of color access to an improved experience with laser skincare treatments.
