I really love being an aesthetician who can help my clients look and feel their very best. But I also love being an educator, so that means teaching as much as I can about mind, body and skincare. But there is still so much we can learn about ourselves, our world and our history. That brings me on to Juneteeth which commemorates the freeing of 250,000 slaves in the state of Texas in the last days of the US Civil War. Marking days like this is crucial to increasing our education and understanding of the history of the American people. It also got me thinking about the lack of education that exists amongst aestheticians when it comes to different skin colors. Because of today’s significance I want to focus on skin of color and how it has to be treated differently to lighter or pale skin.
You’d be surprised how many clients ask if I can treat their skin after they’ve been harmed by less thorough practitioners. So what kind of thing are we talking about? As an example I use CO2 fractional lasers which are ablative lasers meaning they remove parts of the skin. They are not advised for use on skin of color because they can cause hyper (too much) or hypo (not enough) pigmentation. ND:YAG lasers are safe for darker skins because they penetrate deeper and bypass the pigment layer and are unable to disrupt it. So why does the pigment cause an issue? Darker skin types absorb more energy from the laser and are difficult to regulate and predict how they will behave, lighter skins don’t absorb the laser energy so the pigment isn’t disrupted. IPL is also a no-no, and that includes for hair removal as well as skin rejuvenation because it does not discriminate between the skin and hair pigments. As a rule energy-based treatments are best avoided when you have darker skin. So what do I recommend?
Morpheus8 RF Microneedling doesn’t employ light energy and is not attracted to pigment, the energy is delivered under the surface and will easily address pigmentation, acne scars and signs of aging in skin of color. Red light therapy is another great choice because it does not generate heat in the skin, it’s gentle and effective at rejuvenating the skin and healing it at the same time. It stimulates the collagen really well and can even out scars and wrinkles. I also love chemical peels in Centennial, CO., for skin of color but again, I use a peel that won’t introduce a lot of inflammation into the skin. I also like to tailor topical skincare so retinoids and vitamin C serums are not off the table.
The moral of the story with darker skin tones is… less is more. That includes facials and exfoliation treatments. In general a gentler approach is needed. If you’re unsure about a treatment, just ask! I’d rather explain what will be safe and effective than to have anyone be misled and injured. Not on my watch!
Come in and see us at Invigorate Advanced Aesthetics in Centennial, Colorado for your Morpheus8 RF Microneedling or Red light therapy needs.
Alexis Pepple2024-03-09Robyn & her team are truly fantastic. They have come up with a whole skin care routine for me. I love knowing that I have a plan to accomplish the skin care goals that I want. I also love their new membership program. It is such a great value I would highly recommend.
Alanna Rohloff2024-03-01I’m feeling as motivated as ever to build muscle and lose body fat, working with Caitlin as my nutritionist and coach. She’s so smart and kind. I also love going into the med spa- it’s beautiful and comfortable. Highly recommend this company to anyone.
Elexis Zamora2024-02-26Robyn was Great! She answered all of my questions she was professional and listened to what I wanted my results to be. I got Botox and lip filler. I’m currently four days out and I can see results but still waiting on the Botox to kick in! But overall a clean environment cute spa! And so far I love the way my lips turned out. Great experience!!!
vibes amanda2024-02-24The work I’ve had done here was truly life changing. Aside from the clinic being so inviting and extremely elegant, the staff is so kind and beyond talented. I’ve gotten my lips done here twice now and both times I’ve gained a new found confidence that has made all the difference in the world in my day to day life. This is the greatest investment I’ve ever made into how I feel about myself and I will continue to get all of my aesthetic work done here. I cannot recommend this place enough!
Vicious Vanity Ink Tattoo Studio2024-02-23Caitlin is absolutely amazing! She is very helpful and extremely knowledgeable! She is super supportive and is there to help you every step of the way! I highly recommend Caitlin to assist you in all your wellness and nutritional needs!
Nikki Cox2024-02-23Do it! You'll love how you look after!
Ashley Campbell2024-02-22Everyone at Invigorate is so welcoming and kind. I got a facial with Robyn and she was wonderful and my face feel nice and fresh. Excited to continue to go back back for my other skin care needs.
Kathy Coffey2024-02-22Wonderful experience
Jenny D2024-02-20Amanda is amazing and made me feel so welcome and cared for!Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 111 reviews
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