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Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Acne in Dark Skin Types

At Skin Renewal all patients with skin conditions are treated holistically by our qualified medical doctors. In an acne consultation, your doctor will take a comprehensive medical history to ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions which are contributing to your acne.
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Acne is a fairly common skin condition amongst dark-skinned patients and with this condition come quite a few side effects such as PIH (dark marks left behind after acne lesions have healed), scarring (due to acne lesions being picked, scratched or squeezed) and skin sensitivity (often caused by attempting to use the incorrect products on the acne).

Dark-skinned patients who are looking to treat acne with peels and lasers or lights would be well advised to consult with a medical doctor with experience in treating skin of colour as not all acne treatments can be performed on all skin types. One needs to have experience working with dark skins in order to prevent unwanted adverse effects such as full-thickness burns, permanent scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

At Skin Renewal, hundreds of patients with dark skin types have been treated. Every patient is provided with a fully customised solution depending on the patient’s age, relevant skin problem, skin type, budget, and expectations.

Acne ranges from mild to moderate to severe and it is important to tailor every treatment plan in such a way as to give the patient lasting results by combining the correct treatments with the appropriate home care products, thereby maintaining the results and preventing relapses.

The following treatments can be done safely and successfully on dark skin types:

frequently asked
questions

Is treatment for acne in Dark Skin Types available at all Skin Renewal branches ?
What are the causes of acne in dark skin types?

The two main causes of acne are blockage of the pores and bacterial growth. Oil and cells get trapped below the surface of the skin, creating a growth medium for the bacteria. White cells migrate to the site to fight the bacteria, in turn releasing chemicals that lead to swelling, redness and further attraction of white cells (inflammation). The result is a dilated pore, filled with white cells, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals and bacteria. This is the content of the acne pimple.

How can acne be classified in dark skin types?

Acne can be classified as mild, moderate or severe inflammatory acne and is based on lesion count and whether nodules are present or not. (Nodules are the very deep, hard, inflamed, painful lesions associated with moderate and severe acne)

  • Mild to moderate acne has mostly comedones and papules and pustules, but no or very few nodules present in the skin
  • Severe acne has many papules, pustules and nodules present in the skin

This severe acne may be more common in males and this kind of acne should be referred to a Skin Renewal doctor as scarring is inevitable if this is left untreated.

What are the important psychological aspects of acne in dark skin types?

The effects of acne should not be underestimated. It can persist for years; produce disfigurement and permanent scarring; and have significant psychosocial consequences, including diminished self-esteem, embarrassment, social withdrawal, depression, anxiety and unemployment. The extent and severity of these effects underline the importance of providing adequate therapy.

Frequently asked questions

Is treatment for acne in Dark Skin Types available at all Skin Renewal branches ?
What are the causes of acne in dark skin types?

The two main causes of acne are blockage of the pores and bacterial growth. Oil and cells get trapped below the surface of the skin, creating a growth medium for the bacteria. White cells migrate to the site to fight the bacteria, in turn releasing chemicals that lead to swelling, redness and further attraction of white cells (inflammation). The result is a dilated pore, filled with white cells, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals and bacteria. This is the content of the acne pimple.

How can acne be classified in dark skin types?

Acne can be classified as mild, moderate or severe inflammatory acne and is based on lesion count and whether nodules are present or not. (Nodules are the very deep, hard, inflamed, painful lesions associated with moderate and severe acne)

  • Mild to moderate acne has mostly comedones and papules and pustules, but no or very few nodules present in the skin
  • Severe acne has many papules, pustules and nodules present in the skin

This severe acne may be more common in males and this kind of acne should be referred to a Skin Renewal doctor as scarring is inevitable if this is left untreated.

What are the important psychological aspects of acne in dark skin types?

The effects of acne should not be underestimated. It can persist for years; produce disfigurement and permanent scarring; and have significant psychosocial consequences, including diminished self-esteem, embarrassment, social withdrawal, depression, anxiety and unemployment. The extent and severity of these effects underline the importance of providing adequate therapy.

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Very appreciated! My assigned doctor, Nicolette, was very passionate, knowledgeable and patient! Do not hesitate- just do it! Well worth it and highly recommended. Keep it up! All the best and many blessings!

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Susan is amazing and my skin looks great! The space looks like heaven! Love it!

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I have had such an incredible experience with Skin Renewal since I started my journey. I have seen a lot of improvement in my skin. It takes time, but the investment pays off. Dr Lawn - is the sweetest and most understanding doctor and my therapist, just fantastic service from you, and you are just a breath of fresh air.

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Received excellent treatment from Skin Renewal Bedfordview. Went in to treat acne and I could see improvement on my skin after 1st treatment, I love their products as well.

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Pro-active staff. I came for a peel and staff arranged an appointment with the doctor> as well. I saved time and got what I needed.

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The doctor examined my skin when I first came to Skin Renewal in March 2014 at the Fourways branch, and the prescription she made has worked wonderfully and my skin is currently looking healthy and beautiful. It seems like a miracle has transformed my skin. She is a very pleasant person and has advised me well. Nicole has also been my therapist, she has done incredibly well with my treatment and I will continue to do my treatments with her.

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I have been so with Happy with the service and treatments done by my therapist, Kelly! I have been a client for two years and will continue with Kelly hopefully for along time. I enjoy every session!!!

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Candice has been a very accommodating and great through all my treatments, especially during the painful times.

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My overall experience at the Morningside Skin Renewal has been amazing. The treatments with beauty therapists who try to understand your skin and make suitable recommendations has been helpful. In my case, Bianca has been great. I enjoy my visits and treatments.

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