Up until recently lasers could not be used on dark skin because the laser would burn the skin. People with dark skin not only include African-Americans, but a number of other ethnicities (Asian and Hispanic) and even deeply suntanned Caucasians. With the development of the YAG lasers using the 1065 nanometer wavelength, laser skin treatments can now be performed on people with dark skin without harm. For the purpose of this article we will concentrate on Black Skin Care.
One issue that many African-Americans face is uneven skin tone. The most common cause of this is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is caused by the excessive production of melanin in the skin due to sun damage or trauma to the skin. This results in dark spots on the skin. Laser facials are great for “complexion blending” – evening out skin discolorations and giving the skin a smooth, even tone and texture. These facials help stimulate collagen growth and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, the laser breaks up melanin in areas that have dark spots and helps to eliminate hyperpigmentation in the skin. Finally, laser facials can also minimize large pores and diminish the appearance of recent scars.
This type of laser can also be used for hair removal. African Americans often have skin troubles due to ingrown hairs. These ingrown hairs cause raised bumps on the skin that can become irritated and even infected. Since irritation and infection cause trauma to the skin once the irritation is gone a dark spot on the skin can be left behind. The advanced YAG laser can distinguish between the color of the hair and the color of the skin – targeting the hair without harming the skin. Once the hair follicle is destroyed by the laser it no longer produces hair thus permanently eliminating ingrown hairs. Shaving and plucking will be a thing of the past.
The YAG laser opens up a whole new world of treatments for African-American skin. If you would like skin with a smooth, even tone call today and set up an appointment with an expert skin technician and find out which treatment are right for you.
