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Ask our Doctors

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

Treatments
Treatments

Dark Skin Laser Treatments

Laser rejuvenation treatments have become popular for improving the appearance of all skin types. However, concerns about safety and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation have made some with darker skin hesitant to try them. Fortunately, advances in laser technology now allow for safe and effective treatment of darker skin types. At Skin Renewal, we understand these concerns and offer a range of laser treatments designed explicitly for dark skin, delivering impressive results. Our clinics are committed to providing information and guidance to help patients make informed decisions about their skin health. We prioritize safety and effectiveness, staying up-to-date with the latest laser advancements to offer quality care for individuals with darker skin tones.
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Dark Skin Laser Treatments at a glance

  • Best Results
    Best Results

    8-10

  • Anaesthetic
    Anaesthetic

    None

  • Duration
    Duration of Results

    12 months

  • Procedure Time
    Procedure Time

    20 - 60 mins

  • Treatment Recovery
    Treatment Recovery

    3-5 days

  • Skin Specialist
    Skin Specialist

    Therapist / Doctor

  • Risk Compliance
    Risks & Complications

    Medium

  • Back to Work
    Back To Work

    Depends on treatment

At Skin Renewal, with combination treatments every 4-6 weeks, in 6-12 months, we can take almost any skin type 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 skin with a lot of pigment.

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

We have come up with customized solutions,  combining excellent, effective treatments with 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 are accumulative, meaning that the results of each previous treatment are 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.

Safe Laser and Light-Based Treatments Include:

frequently asked
questions

Can Dark Skin be treated at all Skin Renewal centres?
How does one define “skin of colour” ?

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.

Can lasers be performed on people of colour / darker skin types / Black skin?

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.

What side effects can occur with laser treatments?

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.

What skin conditions can laser treatments treat?

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.

What laser treatment is used for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH and hormonal pigmentation in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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.

What other conditions can the Laser Genesis treatment by Cutera also treat in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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.

Can laser hair removal be done in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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

What awards has the Cutera Nd:YAG won in the international market?

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

What tightening procedures can be done for sagging skin in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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.

Is the Cutera Laser Genesis and Titan laser treatment safe for dark skin types?

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.

Why is it necessary to consult with a medical doctor before laser treatments?

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.

​What results can one expect form the Laser genesis procedure using the Nd Yag?

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.

What Options are there for scarring on Dark Skins?
  • Dermapen
  • Endymed RF Needling / Secret RF Needling
  • Carboxytherapy
  • Endymed FSR
  • PRP
  • Laser Genesis
  • Subcision
  • Injectable Mesotherapy
  • Fraxel DUAL Laser
What options are there for treating the Body for fat & Cellulite in dark skin patients?
  • Endymed Contour
  • Exilis Elite
  • Titania
  • Lavatron
  • Ceccarelli Injections with the Doctor
  • Carboxytherapy for Fat & Cellulite
  • Cryo Fat Freezing
What treatments target pigmentation in Dark Skins?
  • Cosmelan
  • Laser Genesis
  • Azelaic Peels
  • SAMA Peels
  • TA Mesotherapy Injections
What treatments target acne & acne scarring in Dark Skins?
  • Beta Peels
  • SAMA Peels
  • Laser Genesis
  • Contact Yag
  • Carboxytherapy
  • Dermapen
  • RF Needling with Endymed Intensif or Secret RF
  • Endymed FSR
  • Fraxel DUAL Laser

Frequently asked questions

Can Dark Skin be treated at all Skin Renewal centres?
How does one define “skin of colour” ?

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.

Can lasers be performed on people of colour / darker skin types / Black skin?

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.

What side effects can occur with laser treatments?

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.

What skin conditions can laser treatments treat?

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.

What laser treatment is used for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH and hormonal pigmentation in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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.

What other conditions can the Laser Genesis treatment by Cutera also treat in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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.

Can laser hair removal be done in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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

What awards has the Cutera Nd:YAG won in the international market?

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

What tightening procedures can be done for sagging skin in people of colour/darker skin types/Black skin?

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.

Is the Cutera Laser Genesis and Titan laser treatment safe for dark skin types?

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.

Why is it necessary to consult with a medical doctor before laser treatments?

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.

​What results can one expect form the Laser genesis procedure using the Nd Yag?

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.

What Options are there for scarring on Dark Skins?
  • Dermapen
  • Endymed RF Needling / Secret RF Needling
  • Carboxytherapy
  • Endymed FSR
  • PRP
  • Laser Genesis
  • Subcision
  • Injectable Mesotherapy
  • Fraxel DUAL Laser
What options are there for treating the Body for fat & Cellulite in dark skin patients?
  • Endymed Contour
  • Exilis Elite
  • Titania
  • Lavatron
  • Ceccarelli Injections with the Doctor
  • Carboxytherapy for Fat & Cellulite
  • Cryo Fat Freezing
What treatments target pigmentation in Dark Skins?
  • Cosmelan
  • Laser Genesis
  • Azelaic Peels
  • SAMA Peels
  • TA Mesotherapy Injections
What treatments target acne & acne scarring in Dark Skins?
  • Beta Peels
  • SAMA Peels
  • Laser Genesis
  • Contact Yag
  • Carboxytherapy
  • Dermapen
  • RF Needling with Endymed Intensif or Secret RF
  • Endymed FSR
  • Fraxel DUAL Laser
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What an amazing 5-star experience it is to visit Skin Renewal Cape Quarter! This amazing team isn't just friendly, helpful, and inviting, but extremely knowledgeable and instills confidence! Dr Michelle is very skillful in his approach, and made me feel very comfortable by explaining every step of the process. I would strongly recommend SRCQ

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Everyone is super friendly but Surita and Dr D are absolutely wonderful! Love love love them to bits . Surita has been doing my facials for a while now and my skin keeps getting better and better. It went from congested and acne prone to clear, soft and supple with her help. She Recommends the best affordable products too. Dr D is super friendly and knowledgeable, she gives you accurate info without making you feel intimidated, she also manages expectations quite well. 

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

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Susan is the best beauty therapist at Waterfall, I’ve been with her since 2017 when she was still at Brooklyn and she’s been amazing. Skin renewal Waterfall is a go to place. Excellent service

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Amazing service from the Skin Renewal staff in Irene!

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Soné at the morning side branch is the best. Thank you for the great service

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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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I had such a great experience with Noma, you are so lovely, and you created such a beautiful atmosphere. Truly exceptional customer service and my skin were 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.

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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! 

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

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