Marietta Dermatologists

Is Salicylic Acid Peel 20% or Jessner Peel Safe for African-Americans with Acne?

Is it true that.. Salicylic acid peel 20% or Jessner's peel safe for African American skin? I have a light brown skin complexion with mild acne on my face and back.

As an African American board certified dermatologist, I have a great deal of experience treating African American and skin of color in general.  I find Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and Jessner solution to all work well.  I will also sometimes combine these peels with Microdermabrasion and products for accelerated and more comprehensive results.  The type and strength of the peel used will be determined by several factors: retained dead skin cell thickness, skin tone and texture, degree of oiliness and congestion, degree of skin sensitivity, and hormonal status, among other factors.

In your search for a practitioner to guide you in this venture, I would definitely seek a specialist who understands and has a solid background in treating skin of color!  It matters!!!

Windell Davis Boutte, MD, Medical Director, Premiere Dermatology and Surgery, Lilburn, GA

Windell C. Davis-Boutte, MD

Atlanta Dermatologist

Laser Hair Removal Side Effects and Risks?

Concerned about side effects from LHR. Can I get permanent damage from the laser? what about hyperpigmentation or scars?

There is no doubt that Laser Hair Removal has revolutionized the laser techno era! As with any procedure, it is always smart to weigh the pros and cons.  Laser hair removal definitely offers more pros!  Not only can you remove unwanted hairs, but you can also satisfactorily address ingrown hairs and the excess pigmentation that comes with them! 

Side effects are usually an issue only when done improperly or if the patient has used a medication, depilitator or some other agent that has made the skin more vulnerable to burning and irritation.  Side effects include blistering, excess pigmentation, accidental removal of permanent make-up/tattoos, and stimulation of cold sores in areas previously infected with the herpes simplex virus.  Make sure you give your doctor/caretaker a thorough medical history beforehand.  Side effects are quite minimal and can be remedied usually very easily.

Windell Davis-Boutte, MD, Medical Director, Premiere Dermatology and Surgery, Lilburn, GA

Windell C. Davis-Boutte, MD

Atlanta Dermatologist

Laser Hair Removal to Get Rid of Ingrown Hair?

is laser hair removal the way i can remove them and razor bumps?

Ingrown hairs are frustrating, especially if you have coarse, dense hair!  Fortunately, laser hair removal offers a fantastic solution!  The darker and more coarse the hair, the better the results if done in capable hands.  Once the stubborn, unwanted hair is removed through a comprehensive treatment course, the ingrown hair issue is greatly minimized if not resolved permanently!!

Ingrown hairs in people of color are particularly frustrating, as they often cause inflammation and excess pigmentation.  This is not appealing cosmetically, especially if it occurs on the face.  I find laser hair removal to help with pigment issue as well.  Sometimes bleaching solutions and exfoliators are necessary adjuncts to laser hair removal, used under professional guidance, of course!

Windell Davis Boutte, MD, Medical Director, Premiere Dermatology and Surgery, Lilburn, GA

Windell C. Davis-Boutte, MD

Atlanta Dermatologist