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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: Fri, Oct 6 10:30AM

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: 4030
Last updated: 6/27/2023 11:10 AM

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)

The attentiveness I received by Dr. Ringpfeil. She explained everything well.

#12022-10-29

I followed the Dr. from Jefferson - Philadelphia. Dr. Ringpfeil is the best dermatologist I have had... and as a psoriasis patient I have had a few of them. For the first time, my skin reacts to treatment. Thank you!

#22023-03-11

Friendliness and comfort

#32012-09-27 14:38:45

Just friendliness.

#42011-01-05 14:23:47

I liked that the doctor was well informed about the proper medicines to help me with my acne, and also was well informed about my medical condition, and was able to prescribe medication to help both!

#52023-07-24

The appearance and presentation of the office.

#62023-09-21

Latte!

#72011-06-02 09:33:27

Everyone was knowledgeable and comfortable... clean, efficient, great!

#82011-04-18 09:46:06

The Dr. listened and was patient. I was nervous!

#92023-08-08

I really liked that I felt as though I was in a warm and friendly environment vs the sterile and cold feel many other physicians offices maintain. I also thought the tablet P.C. was very cool!

#102023-07-26

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Keeping me from dying of skin cancer would be good (I will behave and do the checks and annual exam to help out!!!)

#12010-11-29 11:47:11

Can't imagine any better first impression.

#22011-02-24 14:49:37

everything was great.

#32011-03-18 11:09:57

May be by considering the comfort of the patients by allowing a grace period of atleast10-15mins and also by functioning on weekends too

#42023-02-05

Keep me informed of specials on products that might be good for my skin.

#52011-01-05 16:01:31

No complaints - overall best experience at any dermatologist.

#62011-09-27 12:59:17

Today I had to wait 45 min. to see the Doctor. I understand that sometimes other appointments run over but I took time off work to come here and I felt like I spent most of my time here waiting to see her.

#72022-12-16

Nothing that I could think of would be better.

#82022-12-17

Don't know, you guys did a great job.

#92023-08-22

Being able to get an appointment at the time of the outbreak.

#102023-07-20

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 402 ratings
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