Today, more people of color are visiting dermatologists for skin care that treats their unique concerns. People of European, Asian, African, East Indian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic descent have a diverse range of skin tones in shades ranging from fair to dark. Many doctors are learning to recognize and treat skin conditions in multicultural clientele and provide specialized treatments that give them great results without damaging their skin.

The team at Tallahassee Plastic Surgery is taking strides in providing inclusive skin treatments, especially in specific concerns such as brown spots and their subsequent removal.

Brown Spot Removal for Diverse Skin Types

Almost anyone can suffer from hyperpigmentation, but it’s more common in people with darker skin tones. The term "hyperpigmentation" describes dark spots and patches or spots that form when skin experiences an inflammatory response to conditions like illness, hormonal imbalance, medication, acne, eczema, scratches, or burns.

Several over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments for hyperpigmentation contain ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, or cysteamine. Many of these treatments are suitable for treating hyperpigmentation in all skin tones, as long as they’re used correctly.

Mild chemical peels, certain laser treatments, and microneedling can also be effective at safely removing dark spots for all skin types. 

A word on the Enlighten Laser

One such treatment is the Enlighten Laser, the first and only treatment that offers dual wavelengths with both the nano and pico pulses.

We use the Enlighten Laser to emit precise bursts of energy that target melanin, the pigment responsible for the brown spots on the skin. The ultra-short pulses of energy penetrate the skin without causing damage to the surrounding tissue, effectively breaking down the excess melanin in the brown spots.

What we love about this treatment is that it’s:

  1. Precise, targeting only the pigmented areas of the skin without harming the surrounding tissue.
  2. Efficient, as it allows for faster treatment times and may require fewer sessions compared to other laser treatments.
  3. Versatile, because it can address other concerns such as tattoo removal, skin rejuvenation, and acne scar treatment.
  4. Almost painless, with little to no downtime afterward.

Some Treatments Are Unsafe for Skin of Color

We stand by the Enlighten Laser to remove brown spots because some treatments, even those that are available over the counter, can worsen dark spots and even cause scarring in skin of color. 

For instance, overusing alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and receiving a medium or deep trichloroacetic acid peel can damage the skin of color and worsen hyperpigmentation.

It’s important to consult with our experienced and knowledgeable surgeons about removing dark spots from different skin tones, because some cosmetic treatments and procedures may not be as effective as others.

All People Deserve Effective Treatment for Dark Spots

Everyone can benefit from inclusive skincare. Fortunately, it is becoming easier for people to seek treatment to effectively remove their dark spots, no matter their skin tone. People with darker skin tones should know that their skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation, are treatable. 

The team at Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic provides a safe and effective treatment that will eliminate dark spots on a wide variety of skin tones. Schedule an appointment with our board-certified surgeons who are skilled and experienced in treating darker skin tones will increase your chance of success.