Is a B-Liftx Peel Safe for Black (African) Skin?

asked 1 year ago by newbiee in Groves, TX
Latest answer by Lisa Kates, MD
Question viewed 640 times
Tags: African American, safety

I've had mthly peels (glycolic)for some yrs via facialist, but tend to have occasional bad acne flare up. The last one ~ 6mnths ago was really bad, but breakouts have since stopped with RX remedies from my Dr. Now Dr. recommends I do a B-Liftx (1st time) to clear the hyperpigm residual + other benefits for my oily/acne prone skin. Facialist thinks not suitable for black skin & could even damage my inherent protection against UV. I just want to make a informed decision, & avoid unnecessary risk

6 answers to Is a B-Liftx Peel Safe for Black (African) Skin?

Hyperpigmentation, acne and peels

Peels are great but from your short post, no one seems to be addressing your acne from a maintenance standpoint. Depending on many factors (ie, desire to get pregnant, sun exposure, the severity of your acne etc) you should make all effort to get your acne under control with topical medications (whether antibiotics, retinoid, accutane or whatever your acne dictates) and then go after improvement with peels as an adjunct. If you dont stop the acne process which I would bet is inflammatory in... more

Marcy Alvarez, DO
Miami Beach Dermatologist

Salicylic acid peel- Beta-Lift Peel

This peel is addressing both of the problems you mention. There is no contraindication for dark skin. It can work wonders for acne. If you are on other acne medications make sure whoever is performing the peel is aware of all the topical and oral medications I think you should seek your advice from one source. You can decide who you think would be the better judge, someone with years of training or someone who may or may not have any... more

Lisa Kates, MD
Annapolis Dermatologist

B-Liftx or beta hydroxy/salicylic acid peel safe for dark skin

I think the Beta peel is a nice idea for your acne and hyperpigmentation. I think it will be safe as long as you take care of your skin after the peel (keep it well moisturized and do not pick the peeling skin) and it will not increase sun sensitivity. You should use a daily sunscreen in order to prevent and treat the pigmentation.

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD
Charlotte Dermatologist

B-lift is a great choice for dark skin

Your doctor is correct. B-lift, which is a salicylic acid peel, is an excellent choice for dark skin. It is a light peel that has been shown to be safe on dark skin, effective for acne and the treatment of hyperpigmentation. If you are using any exfoliating medicines for. your acne, such as a retinoid, make sure you stop them before the peel-- consult your dermatologist as to how long.

Dina D. Strachan, MD
New York Dermatologist

Salicylic acid peel is a great and underrepresented.

The Beta lift is a beta hydroxy peel that is consists of salicylic acid. The acid is more lipophilic and can be taken up by acne lesions and reduces redness and activity due to its antiinflammatory properties. Other uses include the treatment of hyperpigmentaion/melasma. The peel is mild enough to be used by hispanic and African Americans without causing problems if used correctly. A test area should be performed to see how the body reacts to it first. The peel once applied need not require... more

Hassan Galadari, MD
Dubai Dermatologist

This is a mild peel.

Dear Newbiee This is a mild peel and should not cause harm. On the other hand, I am not sure that it will reach deep enough into the skin to lift out the hyperpigmentation. However, it is far safer to do a mild peel rather than a deeper peel for dark skin.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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