Does Microdermabrasion have additional risks for dark skin types?

2 answers to “Does Microdermabrasion have...”

A: Rarely. Only vigorous microdermabrasion may lead to further darkening of dark skin patients.

Don Mehrabi, MD

Thank you for your question. Microdermabrasion is a process by which the VERY top 1-2 layers of the top layer of the skin (epidermis) is removed either by a gentle rotary tool, or by microdermabrasion crystals. Microdermabrasion is safe for any skin type when done gently and appropriately. Darkening of the... more

A: Microdermabrasion and Ethnic Skin; Darker Skin Complexion

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Microdermabrasion can be performed in any skin type.  The depth, duration, and intervals of treatment should be determined based on the oiliness of the skin, complexion, and texture of the skin.  In darker skin patients, the microdermabrasion treatment can be performed without incident by an... more

Comments

breker
18 posts
21 Jan 2009

With proper evaluation of your skin and if you are on hydroquinone or a product designed to counteract the melanin response such as Kojic acid or Arbutin, Microdermabrasion should be a safe treatment.  With any treatment of skin with color, treatment should be approached with caution.  A good alternative to Microdermabrasion is Dermaplaning which is a procedure that removes that top layer of skincells safely by scraping them off with a surgical blade.  Since there is no friction, erythema or redness is kept to a minimum, therefore reducing the inflammation associated with forming hyperpigmentation.

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