When dark skin is damaged, the resulting mark is darker than the surrounding healthy tissue. An excess of pigmentation can be produced at the same time as the scar tissue, making an old wound more visible.
Even small cuts or lesions from acne, ingrowing hairs or insect bites can leave marks that do not fade with time. Indeed, they can even darken further with time and as a result of exposure to the sun.
When laser treatment first became available, it was not recommended for use on dark skin. The technology targeted darker colours, and there was a danger that the laser could be absorbed by both pigmented marks and healthy tissue, with a risk of causing further damage and even burns.
It has been found that darker skin needs laser treatment that uses different wavelengths, so it is imperative that you check that you consult an expert if you decide to have laser treatment for black skin.
The Laser Treatment Clinic offers two types of treatment to resolve pigmentation issues. AIPL targets the hyper pigmented areas, using the light to heat the pigment in a mark until it breaks up and is absorbed by the body.
Microdermabrasion removes the damaged superficial layers of skin while the laser stimulates the production of new healthy skin and collagen.