Korean Laser Treatments for Dark Skin and Hyperpigmentation Posted on August 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... South Korea is known for skincare products and dermatology. But I am a black woman living in South Korea, and I thought my skincare needs could not be met. I am so glad I was wrong. There are many opportunities for sistas with dark or black skin to get laser and other dermatology treatments for hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, acne, and anti-aging. Table of Contents Korean skincare for dark and black skin tones My Experience with Laser Treatments at BL Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in South Korea Why I Need a Dermatologist Laser Treatments for Black Skin Treating Hyperpigmentation, Folliculitis, Acne, and Anti-Aging Brightening vs. Lightening R-Toning Laser Treatments Therapy for Melanin-Rich Skintones Is the Laser Painful? Laser Treatment Results and Aftercare Conclusion Need to Know My Experience with Laser Treatments at BL Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in South Korea Dermatology Services for Black Women in Korea A few years ago, I contracted measles from my youngest child. As a result, I developed dark patches and scars on my chin. I also suffer from a form of folliculitis. Folliculitis is a common skin condition, especially as we age, in which hair follicles become inflamed. Small bumps form around the hair follicles, causing itching, discomfort, and pain. It became hard to ignore, so I would try to alleviate the irritation using tweezers to pull out the hair. This, unfortunately, led to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Type your email… Subscribe Join 5,100 other subscribers Cafe Poseidon: Your New Dessert Hotspot in Waegwan Laser Treatments for Black Skin Treating hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, acne and anti-aging I heard about BL from a friend and decided to go for a consultation. Thankfully, the clinic provides an English-speaking translator. Her name is Lee, and she is awesome. My doctor was able to communicate with me as well. I told him about my concerns. As a result, the dark patches made me self-conscious and were the only reason I wore makeup. He examined my skin and said he could lessen the scarring, possibly even alleviate them all together over time. After the initial consultation, my doctor prescribed laser therapy as a two-fold treatment. First, we needed to make the ingrown hairs thinner to stop irritating my skin eventually. And second, we needed to attack the hyperpigmentation, thus brightening the dark scars. I feel compelled to mention that I felt like the advice I received was honest. No one tried to sell me any procedure or product they felt wouldn’t be successful. Honestly, I was told at every stage that I was using better products. Grab Ocean Songdo Hotel: Paradise Found in Busan Brightening vs. Lightening I admit. I was confused about the terms brightening and lightening. Lightening reduces pigmentation, and brightness increases the radiance and glow of the skin. Lightening has to do with discoloration and evening-out skin tone. Brightening is more about restoring vibrancy to the skin. While I want to do both, I am more concerned with the latter. Brightening is not the same as whitening. Laser Treatments for Black Skin R-Toning Laser Treatments I paid for a package of 8 treatments for $900. It seemed pricey at first, but my doctor was confident the laser treatments would result in a brighter complexion. My skincare regimen called for laser treatments every three weeks. Each treatment begins with a multi-step facial that includes cleansing, a vitamin serum infuse treatment, numbing cream, an ice cooling treatment, clay mask, moisturizers, and sunscreen. The facial sells for approximately $60 alone but is included with every laser treatment. Red Light Therapy for Face Wrinkle Blue Light Therapy Mask This multi-light therapy device uses LED technology to address different skin concerns. It combines red, blue, and green light wavelengths to target wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Easy to use at home, it offers a non-invasive way to improve your skin’s appearance over time. Shop Amazon Not All Lasers are Suitable for Darker Skin Therapy for Melanin-rich Skintones Laser therapy has made significant advancements even in the Asian beauty market which is pretty homogenous. Outdated lasers did not differentiate between the melanin in the skin and hair, causing hyperpigmentation or even scarring. The wavelength of the laser at BL goes deep into the skin, so it effectively bypasses the pigmentation in the skin. This means the amount of melanin in your skin has no effect on the effectiveness of the laser, making it a safe option for medium to dark skin tones. Have you been to Ulsan before? Well, when you go, here are my favorite coffee shops to visit. Is the Laser Painful? After the numbing gel is applied, I relax for approximately 20 minutes to let it take effect. After which, I am then led into the treatment room, where my eyes are covered with a pair of goggles. The doctor does his best to let me know exactly what he is doing. The laser doesn’t hurt, but the stinging or tiny pinpricks can be a little intense without numbing the skin. There is also a slight tinge of burning hair during the procedure. He usually makes two passes over my face, including the area under my eyes. He concludes the procedure with complimentary acne shots into any visible pimples. This doesn’t hurt either. After the laser treatment, I return to the facial room for the cooling mask. This mask is probably my favorite treatment because, at this point, my face is on fire. The staff also applied sunscreen– something I never bothered with but now understand is a critical step in my skincare routine. Laser Treatment Results and Aftercare Before moving to South Korea, I was doing well if I washed my face before bed. Now I have a full-fledged skincare routine. And after only 4 (R Toning) laser treatments, I noticed a significant reduction in hyperpigmentation under my eyes, chin, and cheeks. As a result, my face is brighter and smoother too. I feel confident in going without makeup. There’s no need to continue covering the dark spots and I no longer wear makeup. Now the only makeup I wear is permanent. Now my eyebrows are tattooed. The treatments have gone so well, I don’t go every three weeks anymore, just when I get an outbreak, need a little pampering, or want to catch up with Lee, who has become a friend. I never leave the house without sunblock and apply vitamin C serum and moisturizer to my skin before bedtime. At 55, I feel and look younger than ever. Glo Melanin Organic Turmeric Soap for Dark Spots & Acne Glo Melanin’s Organic Turmeric Soap helps fade dark spots and fight acne, leaving your skin glowing. Made with natural ingredients like turmeric, Vitamin C, and Alpha Arbutin, it evens out skin tone. Oat protein and goat’s milk gently exfoliate and moisturize, making it perfect for all skin types. Free of harsh chemicals, this vegan soap is a simple, natural way to achieve clear, radiant skin. Shop Amazon Conclusion It’s my experience, don’t let anyone tell you Korean dermatologists can’t treat black skin. Ultimately, you just need to find the right one for you. So if you have any questions about the procedure, cost, or aftercare, let me know in the comments below. For more information about BL Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, contact Hwon Lee, the English Coordinator & Interpreter, at 010-8377-8101 for a free consultation. [KakaoMap] 비엘성형외과의원95, Dongseong-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu http://kko.to/EkxDDX5aJ Need to Know Skincare Diversity: South Korea excels in skincare products and treatments, catering to diverse skin types, including dark and black skin. Hyperpigmentation and Scarring: Treatments for hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, acne, and anti-aging are widely available and effective. Language Support: Many clinics, like BL Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, offer English-speaking translators to help communicate your needs clearly. Cost of Treatments: Laser treatments can be pricey, with packages around $900 for 8 sessions, but they often include comprehensive facial treatments. Treatment Process: Sessions typically start with a multi-step facial, followed by laser treatments. Numbing creams and cooling masks are used to minimize discomfort. Aftercare: Post-treatment care is crucial. Regular use of sunscreen, vitamin C serum, and moisturizers will maintain and enhance results. Expertise: Modern laser technology is safe for melanin-rich skin tones. Choose a clinic with advanced equipment and experienced staff. Results: With consistent treatments, expect significant improvements in skin brightness and texture. Proper skincare routines enhance these benefits. Pain Management: While the laser can cause mild discomfort, numbing gels are applied to reduce sensation. Consultation: Always start with a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options. Honest advice and a tailored approach ensure the best outcomes. Like it? Pin it! This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own. Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe! Share this:FacebookXLinkedInTwitterPinterestThreadsEmailPrintLike this:Like Loading... 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