St. Louis University School of Medicine is to research the effects of non-ablative lasers on acne scars, specifically in those with darker skin tones.
Treating acne scars in people with dark skin has always been a tricky situation. Certain scar treatments, such as dermabrasion and laser treatments, often leave an unwanted side effect: skin discoloration. While hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hypopigmentation (loss of skin color) can occur in people of any skin tone, it is much more common in those with darker complexions, especially African-Americans and people of Hispanic descent.
The researchers at St. Louis University will study the effects of non-ablative lasers on acne scars in those with dark complexions. Non-ablative lasers work deeper in the skin's layers without causing damage to the epidermis, so there is less chance of developing pigmentation problems. The hope is that non-ablative lasers will smooth acne scars without causing unwanted changes in the skin's natural color.
The findings may someday help those with brown skin treat their acne scars more effectively.
