Once upon a time, lasers were thought to become “confused” when exposed to dark pigment and burn light complexions; but thanks to advances in technology both ablative and non-ablative lasers are now safe for most dark skin types.
However, anyone with skin darker than Fitzpatrick 4 (Michelle Obama is a 5), should exercise extreme caution when considering any treatment that involves cutting away the top layer. Any procedure which cuts into or peels away at skin cells shouldn’t be attempted on those of darker complexion.
Nd:YAG
Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to reduce excess body hair and even out skin tone, yet it may not always be appropriate for people with darker skin tones as shorter wavelength lasers may damage melanated tissues. Long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers offer a safe option that targets dark hair without harming surrounding tissue.
Traditional hair-removal lasers target pigment, known scientifically as eumelanin, in both skin and hair to destroy follicles and stop growth. Unfortunately, darker skin contains more melanin than lighter skin types do and this can cause some lasers to get “confused”, transferring heat energy instead to burn it rather than destroy follicles resulting in post-treatment hyperpigmentation in some patients. Newer 1064 nanometer YAG lasers such as Cutera Excel HR 1064 or Sciton Joule 1064 lasers can bypass this issue by targeting melanin directly beneath the surface of skin surface allowing patients fewer burns with no post-treatment hyperpigmentation post treatment hyperpigmentation after treatment hyperpigmentation post treatment hyperpigmentation post treatment hyperpigmentation after laser removal treatment resulting from burnout instead of targeting melanin directly beneath surface skin surface of the surface layer of the skin surface layer of melanin present.
Although YAG lasers do heat hair follicles, they’re not as effective at targeting melanin pigment as an ablative or IPL laser would. Therefore, it’s crucial that you select an experienced practitioner who regularly employs one in order to maximize results.
Some patients may experience discomfort from YAG laser treatments, although it usually only manifests itself in mild tolerable sensations similar to snapping rubber bands. To alleviate discomfort during treatments, often cold gel is applied alongside bursts of cool air as a distraction mechanism.
Prior to your YAG treatment, it’s highly advised to refrain from waxing, plucking, and shaving in order to minimize the amount of hair present at the time of your appointment so the laser can more easily target and kill follicles. Tanning should also be avoided before your laser session as sunburn can increase skin irritation as well as risk for side effects like hypopigmentation and discoloration.
Diode
Laser treatment for hair removal is an efficient and safe method to permanently diminish unwanted hair growth, replacing shaving or waxing as necessary with an easy, quick and painless procedure that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Ideal for all body parts and skin types.
Previous lasers could not be used on darker skin tones as their melanin content would absorb heat and be burned by them; however, advanced 1064nm diode technology bypasses pigmentation directly by targeting hair follicles for removal; this offers long-term hair reduction with no collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
Diode lasers with 810nm wavelengths offer several advantages when treating dark-skinned patients, such as reduced hemoglobin absorption. Furthermore, its light is better absorbed by epidermal melanin layers of skin to penetrate deeply enough and destroy hair follicles without harming surface layers of the skin.
Another option available to people with darker skin tones is the 755nm alexandrite laser, which also produces good results in terms of safety but lacks efficacy compared to Nd:YAG lasers and diode lasers. While safe up to Fitzpatrick type IV skin conditions, additional sessions may be required before seeing results similar to those produced by these other laser types.
Diode laser treatment offers the ideal solution to those looking for relief from painful waxing and shaving, particularly African Americans with pseudofolliculitis barbae (ingrown hairs). Diode lasers produce effective results across all Fitzpatrick skin tones for treating this condition effectively.
Diode laser sessions are performed by cosmetic dermatologists who will assess your area, recommend appropriate speed, strength, wavelength of light for your skin tone, as well as perform a patch test prior to beginning full treatments.
Before your first laser session, it is wise to discontinue all other forms of hair removal such as waxing, electrolysis or chemical hair treatments for several weeks prior to commencing treatment. You should also apply sunscreen when going outside during this period and use an instant cooling device during your laser session to prevent discomfort or pain.
Pico
Harley Street cosmetic clinics often employ laser treatments that produce excessive heat, which can be damaging for darker skin tones. But the pico laser uses short bursts of energy to treat skin issues and increase collagen levels without producing heat damage to all skin tones; especially effective against hyperpigmentation issues on dark skin tones.
Hyperpigmentation, caused by sun damage, pregnancy hormones or even birth control medication can often manifest itself as freckles, age spots or more serious discolorations on both the face and body. Traditional laser treatments cannot effectively address hyperpigmentation as they involve too much heat or are unsuitable for darker skin tones; but with the new pico laser technology utilizing non-thermal wavelengths that use shockwaves to break up pigmentation the treatment can now treat specific hyperpigmentation as well as overall brightening/whitening efforts! It works perfectly on both specific hyperpigmentation as well as overall toning/brightening for all skin tones!
Some older laser technology may still not be suitable for treating dark skin tones, such as Fraxel’s ablative laser technology which uses too much heat. Newer pico lasers such as Lutronic Ultra (or Lutronic thulium) offer safe and effective treatments for wrinkles, sun damage, large pores, acne scars, actinic keratosis and more in all skin types.
Even though the new pico laser offers great promise for treating dark skin, it’s essential that you protect your complexion by staying out of the sun or using broad-spectrum SPF protection. Even light tanning can alter how laser treatments respond; therefore it is wiser to stay out of direct sunlight altogether or at least use an SPF with strong protection. When planning a laser session with a dermatologist be sure to inform them if you have tanned so they can adjust energy used or reschedule your appointment accordingly.
Fractionated
As opposed to traditional laser resurfacing devices that emit intense beams of light, fractionated lasers break down laser light into shorter pulses for safer and more customizable treatments for various skin tones. Fractionated lasers are also an ideal way to treat discoloration and wrinkles as well as broken blood vessels (telangiectasias), soften scarring, minimize pores and boost collagen production.
However, it’s essential that patients seek out an experienced board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive laser treatment experience in order to reduce risks of laser complications. Dr. Frank states that most complications from improper laser use or treatments administered by individuals without medical training (dentists, estheticians or those taking weekend courses in lasers) result in scarring, scarring and skin darkening for these patients who eventually seek help elsewhere.
If you are an African American looking for a laser device to address fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, and other skin concerns, a non-invasive fractionated laser skin resurfacing procedure could be just what’s needed. Fractionated lasers penetrate deep layers of skin where their energy induces remodeling which tightens it for months after treatment. Your physician can set the laser up so it targets specific spots on the face or body where heat from its laser heats them up; in affected areas this causes tissue vaporization and replacement by newer healthier tissues from within – all without incisions!
Q-switched nd:YAG laser treatments are an increasingly popular fractional laser treatment option for black skin, helping improve melasma, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, pore size and acne scarring. A low-fluence 1064nm Q-switched erbium laser can also be used on darker skin tones; however, these lasers should be avoided prior to sun exposure for maximum post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) prevention.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s always advisable to visit a dermatologist first for guidance in selecting an effective laser treatment option that suits your unique needs. Multiple sessions may be required depending on individual circumstances; when performed by qualified practitioners though, their benefits are long-lasting.
