When it comes to obtaining the best skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatment, it is important to choose the one with the least risk. Your skin tone affects how various lasers may interact with its surface. The truth is that most patients with dark skin are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For years, the Fitzpatrick scale has been used to classify skin tone, but its limitations made it ineffective for women and men with darker complexions. 

The Monk scale came as an alternative to the Fitzpatrick scale. The Monk scale features 10 different skin tones as opposed to the six colors of the previous model. The extra six skin tones, which are oriented toward people with dark skin, made this scale more inclusive and allowed for better skincare choices. In this blog, you can learn more about the treatments you can receive, regardless of where you fall on the Monk scale.

Effective Treatments for Dark Skin

Men and women on the darker side of the Monk scale can enjoy treatments like:

1. Morpheus8™

Morpheus8™ is an effective treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy into one procedure. This process triggers skin renewal by encouraging collagen production. The treatment is colorblind, which makes it a great option for many women and men. 

2. PicoWay®

PicoWay® is a treatment that delivers pulses of energy to the skin in picoseconds. This process attempts to disrupt excess pigmentation bonds and can be effectively used by any of the one-third of people who regret their tattoos. The light delivered during this proceedure is precise, and the quick pulses of energy make it a safe and effective option for patients with a darker skin tone.

3. CUTERA®

CUTERA® is a groundbreaking treatment that uses a non-ablative laser to rejuvenate the skin. The procedure can address various concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to issues with the skin texture. The non-ablative technology of this laser makes it a gentle procedure that can be effective regardless of your skin type.

4. Light Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels are an excellent option for individuals with darker skin tones, as they do not penetrate the skin deep enough to cause damage. These procedures can be used by anyone on the Monk tone scale. Light chemical peels promote skin resurfacing by causing the top layer of the skin to peel off, which can reduce imperfections, including pigmentation marks, acne scars, large pores, and fine lines.  

5. AviClear™ 

Made by CUTERA®, the AviClear™ laser sends 1725 nm light beams into your sebaceous glands, preventing it from overproducing oil. As excess oil is one of the leading causes of acne breakouts, AviClear™ can help prevent the recurrence of acne. The laser is gentle for dark skin, and most redness and brown spots should clear once the treatment takes effect.

6. DiamondGlow®

DiamondGlow® is a gentle exfoliating and nourishing treatment that can be used by patients with light and dark skin alike. The skin is cleansed and exfoliated during this treatment, and a diamond-tipped tool is used to extract dirt from the pores. At the end of the procedure, the skin is infused with a nourishing serum based on your skin type.

7. BOTOX® 

BOTOX® is a purified protein, injected into precise areas to smooth facial creases and lines. It helps relax and prevents the overuse of targeted muscles that create a tired, heavy facial look. BOTOX® can be used to treat forehead lines and creases, bunny lines on the nose, upper lip lines, as well as lines on the neck and jawline, and excessive sweating in the hands, feet, and underarms. 

8. Hyaluronic Acid Filler

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, works wonders by attracting and retaining moisture, plumping the skin for a refreshed, youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers add moisture and volume and can be injected to smooth wrinkles, lines, and folds to enhance your features and restore volume to hollow areas. 

Treatments Recommended for Light Skin 

All the treatments recommended above for individuals with dark skin are also safe for women and men with light skin. This is because lighter complexions have lower melanin content, which makes them less likely to negatively react to the lasers. However, stronger lasers or deeper-penetrating treatments can be used in fair individuals with significantly less chances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Dr. Ariel Ostad can select an alternative that uses softer wavelengths, but the following procedures are mainly recommended for those with light skin. 

1. Oxylight® Facial

The Oxylight® facial is a great treatment for individuals who wish to reduce the signs of aging. LED light irradiation can cause pigmentation spots in those with darker skin tones. However, it could be very safe for lighter skin. 

2. miraDry® 

miraDry® is a procedure that uses electromagnetic, thermal energy to reduce the size of your sweat glands, therein diminishing excessive sweating. In high settings, this procedure can cause side effects such as excess pigmentation, which is why it is mostly recommended for light skin. However, when set to a lower frequency, it can be helpful for those on the darker side of the Monk scale. 

3. Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a procedure that every person with a light skin tone should be able to enjoy. The lighter the skin and the darker the hair color, the more effective the procedure can be after several treatments. While patients with darker skin tones can experience some challenges when removing their hair with laser, Dr. Ostad can set the laser on lower frequencies to reduce pigmentation and discomfort.

4. Deep Chemical Peels

While superficial to medium chemical peels can work effectively for darker skin tones, deep peels can be potentially problematic for women and men with skin on the darker side of the Monk scale. As the name suggests, deep peels go deeper into the skin and cause a more intense injury. For those with dark skin, this process can cause scarring, pigmentation loss, and hyperpigmentation. However, for women and men with lighter complexions, this procedure can provide a profound resurfacing effect. 

5. Fraxel

Fraxel Restore is a non-ablative, fractionated laser that treats the skin’s underlying layer without harming the surface, triggering natural collagen production to create firmer, more youthful skin. A series of Fraxel Restore laser treatments can improve tone, texture, and radiance in aging, scarred, or sun-damaged skin. 

6. BOTOX® 

BOTOX® is a purified protein, injected into precise areas to smooth facial creases and lines. It helps relax and prevents the overuse of targeted muscles that create a tired, heavy facial look. BOTOX® can be used to treat forehead lines and creases, bunny lines on the nose, upper lip lines, as well as lines on the neck and jawline, and excessive sweating in the hands, feet, and underarms. 

7. Hyaluronic Acid Filler

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, works wonders by attracting and retaining moisture, plumping the skin for a refreshed, youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers add moisture and volume and can be injected to smooth wrinkles, lines, and folds to enhance your features and restore volume to hollow areas. 

The Bottom Line

Your skin’s placement on the Monk skin tone scale can determine whether or not a treatment is right for you. If you have dark skin, you should be extra careful with the procedure you choose. Dr. Ariel Ostad can establish your skin’s tone and advise you on the treatment.

For more information about the Monk scale and the procedures recommended based on your skin type, please contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. We can offer numerous alternatives to ensure your skin receives quality care. You may also fill out our online contact form and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.