Ethnic Skin=Hyperpigmentation

If your skin tone naturally falls in a range from golden to black you are a prime candidate for hyperpigmentation. This is not to say that if you have the coloration of Gwyneth Paltrow you will not hyperpigment. But ethnic folks tend to experience this reaction with their skin more frequently and the dark marks can occur from seemingly “normal” skin care regimes.

Most women with melanin (the coloring agent in richer skin tones) discover by the time they are in their teens that there are simply things which they cannot do to their skin without leaving a tell tale mark on it which later morphs into a dark blotch. You cannot ever pick your skin or “pop a pimple”. And lately with the many advances in skin care, ethnic women are discovering that certain products which are too acidic or abrasive can also cause hyperpigmentation as can hair removal by waxing or electrolysis procedures which don’t take melanin into consideration.  And some of the most popular laser skin rejuvenation services can literally fry a darker skin if an improper level or laser system is used.

Currently, in  2012  the vast population on this planet has melanated skin. So what can you do to ensure that the staff of whatever beauty emporium you select knows exactly how to treat your particular skin type’s needs? Ask them. Do not assume. Ask if they understand how to work with a darker skin tone to avoid hyperpigmentation. Any spa that is multi-culturally savvy with a trained staff will be only too glad to tell you, and they will tell you why they are qualified and who their staff specialist is. Many spas that are not prepared for your question may respond that their skin care lines are universal and work for everyone. But that is not really the issue is it? They may tell you that all of their staff is excellent. But that’s not what you asked either. If they become defensive, then clearly this  should not be your spa of choice. Compare this situation to having curly hair and looking for a stylist who is an artist at cutting curly hair. It’s a specialty which takes training and years of experience to master but it’s sooo worth it when you find your person. You have a right to expect the best.

Linda Harding-Bond is a licensed esthetician and President of Moontide Consulting specializing in ethnic skin care. www.lindatheskindiva.com