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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: Thu, Jun 15 9:40AM

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: 4025
Last updated: 6/1/2023 3:17 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)

Explanation by both DR. and assistant Thanks!

#12023-04-15

THE DOCTOR WAS GREAT. REALLY EXPLAINED THINGS WELL AND LISTENED TO MY CONCERNS.

#22023-06-02

The Dr treated me as a Person, not a commodity. She talked to me so I could understand what needed to be done and what possible courses of actions needed to be taken. I enjoyed the fact that the Dr. took time to listen to me & took action considering my desires as well.

#32023-04-06

Appearance of office, professionalism and efficiency of staff and doctor.

#42012-10-03 12:03:35

Friendliness

#52023-03-29

VERY efficient.I loved that.

#62011-05-09 10:24:13

Friendly treatment from all personal

#72022-11-19

I actually was able to see the physician, the physician assistant and the aesthetician, which was awesome for one visit! It shows that the team works together to provide patients with the best possible results.

#82011-10-04 14:18:20

colors and plants

#92010-12-13 11:23:03

Mainly speaking with the Dr and being explained everything.

#102023-03-09

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Completely satisfied

#12010-10-20 09:59:20

was fine

#22022-12-13

receptioist is a little stiff and unwelcoming, but attentive proffessional.

#32022-11-08

REDUCE WAIT TIME TO SEE DOCTOR

#42011-01-10 12:20:58

A sign in front of office to locate parking for first timers would be helpful.

#52023-05-23

very satisfied

#62010-10-13 11:22:48

Nothing that I could think of would be better.

#72022-11-26

Everything to date that your office has performed has been done professionally and expeditiously. It's a pleasure to deal with all the staff.

#82023-04-21

Send the paperwork to my home address in advance of appointment. Provide better reading material in the reception area.

#92022-06-13

Everything was great.

#102023-03-06

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 402 ratings
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