Cosmetic procedures that smooth, tighten and resurface skin have come a long way, but for people with darker complexion, not every treatment is equal. Devices using light, heat and sound can slow visible aging, but the wrong approach can trigger inflammation that leads to unwanted dark spots, scarring or patches of lighter skin.
Dermatologists who…
For decades, in office laser treatments have been marketed as the ultimate fix for hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines, and uneven texture. But for people with deeper skin tones, the reality has been far more complicated and at times, far more dangerous.
Darker skin tones, classified as Fitzpatrick types IV through VI, require a fundamentally…

