Advancements in laser technology, combined with the right medical laser training, have made lasers in melanin-rich skin much safer and more effective. Nevertheless, skin with more melanin is always at higher risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring. This is mainly because of the reactive nature of the melanocytes that make pigment. These melanocytes can also make fibroblasts, which in turn can cause an overproduction of collagen.
Top Laser Treatments For Melanated Skin
There are many lasers that bypass surface melanin or generate less heat, thereby lowering these risks in darker skin tones. One of my favorite lasers is the Profractional Laser, a fractionated erbium resurfacing laser that smooths and tightens the skin, lightens discoloration, and evens skin tone and texture. I also use this laser to treat scars on darker skin as it doesn’t generate as much heat as the CO2 laser.
The Pico Laser uses short bursts of energy to treat dark spots and pigmentation and boost elastin and collagen. Since the bursts of energy are so short, it’s one of the most gentle lasers on the market and a great option for darker skin tones.
The Halo laser uses advanced elegant technology with 2 lasers in one device to target skin concerns on multiple levels. Using lower energy settings, it works great in all skin tones to address discoloration, pores, scars, skin tone, and texture.
1064nm Nd:Yag can be used for hair removal, toning, and tightening. This laser creates wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin, effectively bypassing the melanin on the skin’s surface.
Precautions To Take With Melanated Skin
You want to avoid high-heat lasers as these can cause hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. Remember that the operator is more important than the machine, so choosing the right Dermatologist is also extremely important. Anyone can pick up a laser and operate it so you need to find someone who specializes in lasers and knows the right settings to use.
Optimizing a customized skincare regimen before and after your treatment is also very important, particularly for melanin-rich skin. I like to put patients on a retinoid before resurfacing treatments because they heal faster and get better results. If they are prone to pigmentation then I start a brightening skincare regimen to prepare their skin before their laser session to reduce the risk of adverse effects. And of course, sun protection is always key!
How To Address Common Skin Concerns For Melanated Skin (Hyperpigmentation and Scarring)
Darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation and scarring due to their more reactive melanocytes, which produce melanin. These melanocytes are also linked to fibroblasts, which contribute to collagen production. When treating these skin tones, it's crucial to use lasers that target the melanin beneath the skin's surface. This allows for selective pigment removal without disrupting the surface melanin, reducing the risk of scarring and ensuring that collagen production remains balanced.
For hyperpigmentation, I like to use the Picosecond or Q-switch Lasers that produce short pulses of high energy and penetrate deeper into the skin to target melanin, making them particularly effective at targeting dark spots, pigmentation, and Melasma.
For scarring, I like to use Fractionated Resurfacing Lasers, which create micro columns in the skin, promoting the body's natural healing process to form new, healthy skin. These lasers help remodel scars, blend them into the surrounding skin, smooth skin texture, and remove discoloration.
