Dark Skin Laser Treatments

Dark Skin Laser Treatments at a Glance

Best Results 8-10

Duration of Results 12 months

Treatment Recovery 3-5 days

Risks & Complications Medium

Anaesthetic None

Procedure Time 20 - 60 mins

Skin Specialist Therapist / Doctor

Back To Work Depends on treatment

Skin Renewal Tip

At Skin Renewal, with combination treatments every 4-6 weeks, in 6-12 months we can take almost any skin to the next level, looking radiant, luminous, smooth and tight.

It is important when considering laser and light based therapies for dark skin patients that not all treatments are appropriate or safe for the treatment of skin types 4, 5 & 6. Some light and laser therapies are in fact extremely risky and can cause disastrous effects if performed on skins with a lot of pigment.

At Skin Renewal we treat our Skin Type 4, 5 & 6 patients with the utmost care, ensuring that only devices which are safe and effective on dark skins are used. These treatments are performed by highly trained professionals who have had a wealth of experience in using these devices.

At Skin Renewal we have come up with customized solutions, combining excellent, effective treatments in affordable skin treatment solutions. As best results are seen after 4 to 6 treatments, every patient is provided with a fully customised solution with follow-up maintenance which is tailored according to each patient’s age, skin type, skin condition, relevant skin problem, budget and expectations.

The effects of each treatment is accumulative meaning that the results of each previous treatment is improved with each additional treatment and the best results come down the line when new collagen that is stimulated remodels and a further lifting & tightening effect is noticed.

The Laser and Light Based Treatments that are safest and most effective on dark skin types include:

Laser Genesis - anti-ageing, pore reduction, textural issues, superficial sun damage and pigmentation
ND:Yag Skin Tightening
Contact Yag - for Acne nodules and break outs
PDT (Photo Dynamic Therapy)
Laser Hair Removal
Fraxel DUAL Laser
Titan

Frequently Asked Questions

1
How does one define “skin of colour” ?

Read More
People of colour are a very large group, which in South Africa includes people of African and Asian descent. It also includes patients of mixed backgrounds who have more darkly pigmented skin.
2
Can Dark Skin be treated at all Skin Renewal centres?

Read More
Yes, these treatments are available in Johannesburg at Fourways, Parkhurst, Morningside, Bedfordview, West Rand, Waterfall and Illovo as well as in Pretoria at Brooklyn and Irene and in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Stellenbosch, Willowbridge, Paarl, and in KwaZulu-Natal at Ballito, Durban & Umhlanga.
3
Can lasers be performed on people of colour / darker skin types / Black skin?

Read More
Darker skin type people represent a significant and growing group of patients seeking aesthetic procedures. This is because of the increased awareness of safe, affordable aesthetic procedures. These procedures include amazing new lasers such as the Cutera Titan, Contact Yag (with ND:Yag Laser), ND:Yag Skin Tightening and Laser Genesis procedures that are colour blind and are less invasive than previous generations of lasers. Yet special concerns have to be addressed when treating skin of colour and not just any kind of laser can be used.
4
What side effects can occur with laser treatments?

Read More
One of the concerns in people of colour with regard to laser treatments is scarring and post treatment hyperpigmentation which can occur if the incorrect laser/light treatment is given. Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, a light treatment available at many beauty salons, is great for skin rejuvenation in lighter skin tones but is not indicated for darker skin tones as there is a high risk of burns, PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and scarring.
5
What skin conditions can laser treatments treat?

Read More
Skin rejuvenation with lasers on people of colour should be able to address most of the concerns such as pigmentation, acne scars, sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, dilated pores, rough texture and dull complexion.
6
What laser treatment is used for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH and hormonal pigmentation in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

Read More
Traditional skin rejuvenation treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion and bleaching agents are not successful for pigment such as melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH that has leached into the dermis. That is when the use of certain lasers such as the long pulsed Nd Yag or Laser Genesis procedure become effective to safely treat darker skin including skin type 6. The Laser Genesis procedure by Cutera gently heats up the dermis, causing cavitation bubbles, which disrupt the unwanted dermal pigment, breaking it into smaller particles which are able to move upward to the epidermis where it can be easily removed with exfoliation.
7
What other conditions can the Laser Genesis treatment by Cutera also treat in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

Read More
The Laser Genesis procedure also safely treats acne scarring, pores, fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks. As with most non ablative procedures, 8 to 10 treatments at monthly intervals are necessary to see an improvement.
·      Our innovative new treatment settings for the Laser Genesis procedure has dramatically improved our results for more difficult to treat skin problems such as skin laxity and stretch marks .
·      For keloids scars, especially red keloids scars, we have great success with our Laser Genesis procedure which shrinks the scar and the redness associated with it.
·      Laser genesis also improves the appearance of stretch marks especially if combined with Carboxytherapy and/or Dermapen
·      At a different setting, the Nd Yag laser can safely be used for laser hair removal.
8
Can laser hair removal be done in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

Read More
At a different setting, the Nd Yag can safely be used for laser hair removal in all skin types.
9
What awards has the Cutera Nd:YAG won in the international market?

Read More
In 2005, 2006 and 2007, in the USA, the Aesthetic Trends and Technologies Choice Awards™, nominated the Cutera Nd:YAG for the most diverse hair removal laser for all skin types, and for the non-ablative laser for collagen remodeling. In addition, Cutera Nd:YAG was also nominated for the best hair removal laser for dark skin types. See Laser Hair Removal
10
What tightening procedures can be done for sagging skin in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

Read More
For sagging skin and for collagen stimulation, infra red light treatments such as Titan and radiofrequency treatments such as Exillis Elite, Endymed Minishaper, RF Needling with Secret RF or Endymed Intensif, ND:Yag Skin Tightening and Monopolar RF, safely heat up the dermis in all skin types to cause an immediate tightening effect and collagen stimulation down the line.
11
Is the Cutera Laser Genesis and Titan laser treatment safe for dark skin types?

Read More
The laser/light treatments mentioned above offer exceptional skin rejuvenation, hair removal and skin tightening results with minimal discomfort and downtime for all skin types. At Skin Renewal, hundreds of laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation procedures have been safely performed in all skin types.
12
Why is it necessary to consult with a medical doctor before laser treatments?

Read More
People of colour who are looking at skin rejuvenation, skin resurfacing, pigmentation, scarring or acne treatments with lasers or lights would be well advised to consult with a medical doctor with experience in treating skin of colour to prevent unwanted effects such as full thickness burns, permanent scarring and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
13
What results can one expect form the Laser genesis procedure using the Nd Yag?

Read More
With Laser Genesis you can expect to see subtle yet consistent results after each treatment, without unwanted side effects such as swelling, redness or excessive skin irritation as one sees with more aggressive laser treatments such as the newer fractionated treatments. Treatments can be performed in a relaxed, comfortable manner without the use of topical anaesthetic. 4 to 6 treatments are needed for most of the treatments mentioned above. See Laser Genesis procedure.
14
What Options are there for scarring on Dark Skins?
Read More
- Dermapen
- Endymed RF Needling / Secret RF Needling
- Carboxytherapy
- Endymed FSR
- PRP
- Laser Genesis
- Subcision
- Injectable Mesotherapy
- Fraxel DUAL Laser
15
What options are there for treating the Body for fat & Cellulite in dark skin patients?
Read More
- Endymed Contour
- Exilis Elite
- Titania
- Lavatron
- Ceccarelli Injections with the Doctor
- Carboxytherapy for Fat & Cellulite
- Cryo Fat Freezing
16
What treatments target pigmentation in Dark Skins?
Read More
- Cosmelan
- Laser Genesis
- Azelaic Peels
- SAMA Peels
- TA Mesotherapy Injections
17
What treatments target acne & acne scarring in Dark Skins?
Read More
- Beta Peels
- SAMA Peels
- Laser Genesis
- Contact Yag
- Carboxytherapy
- Dermapen
- RF Needling with Endymed Intensif or Secret RF
- Endymed FSR
- Fraxel DUAL Laser

People of colour are a very large group, which in South Africa includes people of African and Asian descent. It also includes patients of mixed backgrounds who have more darkly pigmented skin.

Yes, these treatments are available in Johannesburg at Fourways, Parkhurst, Morningside, Bedfordview, West Rand, Waterfall and Illovo as well as in Pretoria at Brooklyn and Irene and in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Stellenbosch, Willowbridge, Paarl, and in KwaZulu-Natal at Ballito, Durban & Umhlanga.

Darker skin type people represent a significant and growing group of patients seeking aesthetic procedures. This is because of the increased awareness of safe, affordable aesthetic procedures. These procedures include amazing new lasers such as the Cutera Titan, Contact Yag (with ND:Yag Laser), ND:Yag Skin Tightening and Laser Genesis procedures that are colour blind and are less invasive than previous generations of lasers. Yet special concerns have to be addressed when treating skin of colour and not just any kind of laser can be used.

One of the concerns in people of colour with regard to laser treatments is scarring and post treatment hyperpigmentation which can occur if the incorrect laser/light treatment is given. Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, a light treatment available at many beauty salons, is great for skin rejuvenation in lighter skin tones but is not indicated for darker skin tones as there is a high risk of burns, PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and scarring.

Skin rejuvenation with lasers on people of colour should be able to address most of the concerns such as pigmentation, acne scars, sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, dilated pores, rough texture and dull complexion.

Traditional skin rejuvenation treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion and bleaching agents are not successful for pigment such as melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH that has leached into the dermis. That is when the use of certain lasers such as the long pulsed Nd Yag or Laser Genesis procedure become effective to safely treat darker skin including skin type 6. The Laser Genesis procedure by Cutera gently heats up the dermis, causing cavitation bubbles, which disrupt the unwanted dermal pigment, breaking it into smaller particles which are able to move upward to the epidermis where it can be easily removed with exfoliation.

The Laser Genesis procedure also safely treats acne scarring, pores, fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks. As with most non ablative procedures, 8 to 10 treatments at monthly intervals are necessary to see an improvement.

· Our innovative new treatment settings for the Laser Genesis procedure has dramatically improved our results for more difficult to treat skin problems such as skin laxity and stretch marks .

· For keloids scars, especially red keloids scars, we have great success with our Laser Genesis procedure which shrinks the scar and the redness associated with it.

· Laser genesis also improves the appearance of stretch marks especially if combined with Carboxytherapy and/or Dermapen

· At a different setting, the Nd Yag laser can safely be used for laser hair removal.

At a different setting, the Nd Yag can safely be used for laser hair removal in all skin types.

In 2005, 2006 and 2007, in the USA, the Aesthetic Trends and Technologies Choice Awards™, nominated the Cutera Nd:YAG for the most diverse hair removal laser for all skin types, and for the non-ablative laser for collagen remodeling. In addition, Cutera Nd:YAG was also nominated for the best hair removal laser for dark skin types. See Laser Hair Removal

For sagging skin and for collagen stimulation, infra red light treatments such as Titan and radiofrequency treatments such as Exillis Elite, Endymed Minishaper, RF Needling with Secret RF or Endymed Intensif, ND:Yag Skin Tightening and Monopolar RF, safely heat up the dermis in all skin types to cause an immediate tightening effect and collagen stimulation down the line.

The laser/light treatments mentioned above offer exceptional skin rejuvenation, hair removal and skin tightening results with minimal discomfort and downtime for all skin types. At Skin Renewal, hundreds of laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation procedures have been safely performed in all skin types.

People of colour who are looking at skin rejuvenation, skin resurfacing, pigmentation, scarring or acne treatments with lasers or lights would be well advised to consult with a medical doctor with experience in treating skin of colour to prevent unwanted effects such as full thickness burns, permanent scarring and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

With Laser Genesis you can expect to see subtle yet consistent results after each treatment, without unwanted side effects such as swelling, redness or excessive skin irritation as one sees with more aggressive laser treatments such as the newer fractionated treatments. Treatments can be performed in a relaxed, comfortable manner without the use of topical anaesthetic. 4 to 6 treatments are needed for most of the treatments mentioned above. See Laser Genesis procedure.

Dermapen
Endymed RF Needling / Secret RF Needling
Carboxytherapy
Endymed FSR
PRP
Laser Genesis
Subcision
Injectable Mesotherapy
Fraxel DUAL Laser

Endymed Contour
Exilis Elite
Titania
Lavatron
Ceccarelli Injections with the Doctor
Carboxytherapy for Fat & Cellulite
Cryo Fat Freezing

Cosmelan
Laser Genesis
Azelaic Peels
SAMA Peels
TA Mesotherapy Injections

Beta Peels
SAMA Peels
Laser Genesis
Contact Yag
Carboxytherapy
Dermapen
RF Needling with Endymed Intensif or Secret RF
Endymed FSR
Fraxel DUAL Laser

*Please note results may vary by individuals.

Review -Fantastic Service

Reviewed on 8 June 2022 by Kopani Mosidi

Skin Renewal Brooklyn

Dark Skin Laser Treatments

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

Review -Exceptional Customer Service

Reviewed on 7 June 2022 by Constatia Maloka

Skin Renewal Waterfall

Dark Skin Laser Treatments

I had such a great experience with Noma you are so lovely, you created such a beautiful atmosphere. Truly exceptional customer service and my skin was actually amazing afterwards. The shoulder massage was the cherry on top. Great hands. Thank you so much Noma. You will most definitely be seeing me again soon.

Review -Noma is a gem!

Reviewed on 30 May 2022 by Azola Nofemela

Skin Renewal Waterfall

Dark Skin Laser Treatments

I look forward to getting my treatments every month! It’s always such a treat! Noma is absolutely a gem and very friendly. She takes the time to explain everything she does and recommends the best products for my benefit. The branch is lovely and always immaculate. I love having my monthly treatments here!

Review -Great Service from the Whole Team

Reviewed on 11 May 2022 by Sithandiwe Ramokolo

Skin Renewal Illovo Sandton

Dark Skin Laser Treatments

I'm so grateful I got to know about you. My skin is feeling looking amazing. And your products works perfectly for my skin. Thank you so much Marisa for your great service. Actually the whole team.

Review -Improvement in Acne

Reviewed on 20 April 2022 by Zamantungwa Zwane

Skin Renewal Bedfordview

Dark Skin Laser Treatments

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.