Laser treatment is safer than ever for Black skin – here's what you need to know before booking a session

Laser treatment is safer than ever for blacks - here's what you need to know before booking a session

Twenty years ago, laser treatment for darker skin tones was almost a taboo, but advances in technology have made this service more accessible to women of color. In the world of skincare, lasers are the ultimate tool we can use to truly optimize skin health: from stimulating collagen to fading excess melanin for a more even skin tone to reducing unwanted hair.

Lasers basically work on the principle of a beam of light detecting darker freckles or hairs on light-colored surfaces - something that is quite difficult to do in the daytime with dark spots or hairs on dark surfaces, as in the case of black leather. . This meant the technology was too risky and out of reach for black women because the chances of burns and scars were quite high.

Fast forward to 2022 and lasers are a common tool in the skin care industry, but in my experience, a large number of black women are still unsure what a laser is and whether it's something that people of color can use or not.

The bottom line is that lasers are good for dark skin, but you have to be smart. These are the questions I get asked most often:

What is laser treatment used for?

Whether it's unsightly chin hair or discolored patches of skin, laser treatments go a long way in reducing hair growth and fading excess melanin in the skin that causes hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

However, if you have skin hair, especially facial hair, that is repeatedly pulled or pulled, it will eventually leave a discolored shadow, so consider laser hair removal to reduce trauma to the skin.

Is laser treatment suitable for black skin?

Light rays are now far more advanced and sophisticated than being able to detect dark hair or excess melanin pigment on dark surfaces. However, not all lasers can do this, so it's best to consult a doctor again. Nd:YAG technology is the best laser for darker skin tones today because it has a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin and effectively bypasses the melanin in the top layer of the skin.

Is laser treatment used differently on black skin?

Your doctor may start with a lower setting to test your tolerance and advance your treatment more slowly to keep you comfortable and your skin as safe as possible. You can also adjust the temperature of the cooling device to cool the skin quickly to avoid discomfort.

What questions should I ask before laser treatment?

It's important to trust and feel comfortable with your laser professional, so ask them how long they've been practicing, how many "naked" clients they have, and how satisfied those clients are.

How many laser treatment sessions do I need?

In general, you may need more sessions on darker skin than someone with lighter skin because of the slower pace, but there are no hard and fast rules.

If you are considering laser treatment, don't skimp on faster treatments. Finding a highly experienced practitioner is important and may cost more, but I think it's definitely worth it.