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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
dermatosis treatment in Philadelphia

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

African American and Ethnic Skin Care

Dark skin - Some common treatments:

  • Acne
  • Acne Scars
  • Keloids
  • Dermatosis
  • Laser hair removal
  • Tattoo removal
  • Melasma

Training and working at four inner-city university hospitals in NYC and Philadelphia allows us the opportunity and experience to treat a diverse range of skin ethnicity. People of different origins ineed have significant differences in the composition of their skin.

On one hand, darker pigment protects our skin from the sun but on the other hand inflammation of the skin could result in significant unwanted discoloration. As darker skin runs the potential risk of discoloration, different lasers, procedures, and medications may be appropriate to safely and effectively treat not only medical but also cosmetic conditions.

As a large portion of our patients are from a diverse and mixed ethnic background, we invested in technology that is specifically suited to their skin condition and it could even be said that it is ‘color blind’. We provide various treatments including peels that correct dark pigmentation, remove dark ‘moles’ (dermatosis papulose nigra) and treat keloids with unique cryoscope technology.

Treatment of Keloids

Keloids are a genetic condition that is more common among black and the Mediterranean. For more information about keloids and possible treatments please visit our keloids page.

Keloids Philadelphia - before and after
Keloids treatments on black skin

Treatment of Acne Scars on Darker Skin

Treating acne scars on dark skin requires special considerations. Improper treatment can result in permanent damage to the skin without improving the scar texture. Fortunately, there are now two new technologies that allow us to treat scars with minimal risk of damaging the healthy skin around the scar.

With the Picosure laser, we can safely soften scar tissue. This is followed by the Infini microneedling treatment that triggers collagen production and raises the skin in the scarred area. A new treatment protocol has been developed for darker patients that is now able to achieve results that were previously not possible.

Treating scars with Infini and Picosure
Acne scar and skin texture treatment

Treatment of Acne on Dark Skin

For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to be prevented, it is imperative to control inflammation caused by acne as early as possible. Topical medications that contain irritating ingredients should also be avoided.

Various treatments including Picosure laser, Microdermabrasion, Photodynamic therapy, and Melanage treatments can help lift dark pigment and restore the original and lighter complexion for those who find it difficult to control their acne and have focal or widespread dark marks.

Next New Patient Appointment: Wed, Mar 22 9:10AM

Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin

For dark skin, there is no laser hair removal that is safe and effective. NDYag lasers can permanently reduce 80-90% of the hair in 6-8 treatments. Other laser types can be less effective and can cause hyper and hypopigmentation.

In contrast, the diode laser (often referred to as "the laser for all skin types") requires more treatments and is not suitable for darker Indian or African American skin tones. There is a high risk of hyperpigmentation with IPL hair removal, and the effectiveness of hair removal is very low.

The Alexandrite laser hair removal treatment should never be performed on Mediterranean or darker skin.

Please visit our Laser Hair Removal page for more information about potential treatments for dark skin.

page for more information about potential treatments for dark skin.
Before and after picture of facial hair removal for a dark skin person
Hair removal for dark skin

How can we help you?

SKIN

# of surveys: 4008
Last updated: 3/15/2023 9:53 PM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0.05%

Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

Doctor was very pleasant and informative.

#12022-12-20

The doctor answered all of my questions and concerns

#22022-09-14

Everyone was extremely friendly. Doctor was fantastic. Would highly recommend.

#32022-08-17

Staff professionalism,crisp action,friendly engagement,and a well designed entry area.

#42011-09-21 17:08:06

I didn't feel rushed and felt like I was really listened to and taken seriously. I didn't feel like someone was just throwing ointments at me to get me out the door. I really appreciate the care I received here. Thank you.

#52022-07-12

The doctor was friendly and very thorogh -- I didn't feel rushed.

#62022-06-22

I think the doctor is very thorough in her evaluations and explanations and the staff is extremely professional and friendly. Definitely 5 star service!

#72011-09-22 13:13:46

The doctor was friendly and very thorogh -- I didn't feel rushed.

#82023-02-11

EVERYONE WAS VERY NICE AND FRIENDLY AND I ESPECIALLY LIKED EVRYONES SMILE!

#92010-12-14 11:35:36

The doctor answered all of my questions and concerns

#102022-08-11

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Can't think of anything, all was excellent.

#12011-05-03 10:51:30

I wasn't aware that you can register online as a new patient. Can you guys make new patience aware

#22011-07-12 14:35:20

I think I was served most excellently. I cannot thing of anything to add.

#32022-10-21

So far so good!

#42011-01-04 10:23:13

Nicer chairs in office

#52011-01-24 14:33:36

I cannot think of a thing that would make the visit any better.

#62010-11-03 15:36:43

Everything is just great!

#72022-07-18

More convenient office hours for those who work during the day. Perhaps one evening?

#82011-03-16 11:16:24

please make a reminder call. I checked my cell for one and you hadn't.

#92022-12-02

less waiting time for follow up appointments

#102022-09-17

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 402 ratings
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