It’s probably no surprise that different skin types require different skincare routines. For example, products and procedures that work best for someone with dry skin may not work well for someone with oily or sensitive skin.
You may not know that different skin complexions also require different skincare routines. Some skin concerns are much more common for certain complexions, so it’s essential to consider your skin tone when treating skin concerns.
com·plex·ion:
The natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially of the face.
‘a smooth, pale complexion’
Source: Oxford Languages
Keep reading to learn which skin concerns are more common for different skin complexions and the best ways to care for them.
Lighter complexions and wrinkles
Skin aging and the symptoms that come with it are inevitable, but they often show up sooner for those with lighter skin tones. Lighter complexions have less UV protection from melanin, so people with fairer skin are more susceptible to sun damage and the resulting signs of aging. Because of this, wrinkles and fine lines are some of the most common skin concerns for people with lighter skin complexions.
Treating Fine Lines and Wrinkles
If you want to treat fine lines and wrinkles, Laser Genesis is an excellent choice. This treatment is both preventative and corrective, stimulating collagen production. This added collagen helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. This advanced laser procedure also plumps and rejuvenates your skin.
Forma Face Sculpting is another stellar option for toning and tightening your skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. During this treatment, your esthetician uses the Forma device to target deep layers of the skin. The device’s subdermal heating stimulates collagen and improves the skin’s elasticity. This results in fewer visible wrinkles.
Darker complexions and hyperpigmentation
Those with darker skin complexions are more likely to experience symptoms of hyperpigmentation. This skin concern often lasts longer and is more challenging to treat for people with darker skin tones than for individuals with lighter skin tones.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when too much pigment settles into a small skin area. Because people with darker skin complexions have higher levels of melanin, these high levels make it more likely for melanin to concentrate in small areas. This can cause hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Hyperpigmentation can also cause uneven skin texture. Textured skin can present large pores, bumps, rough areas, and discoloration.
Treating Hyperpigmentation
Hydrafacials can be used to treat hyperpigmentation. One type of Hydrafacial at SSNY is performed using the Vortex-Fusion Delivery System tool, extracting impurities and delivering deep hydration. It provides the same results as an extraction, peel, and facial, with less irritation. The gentle peel-like effect of a HydraFacial reduces the appearance of brown spots, hyperpigmentation, and other discoloration.
PCA Peels are a great way to treat the uneven skin texture and tone caused by hyper pigmentation. During a PCA Peel, an esthetician will cleanse and tone your face to prepare your skin for the procedure. Then, they will brush the peel over your skin, and it will be later removed with a cleanser. Your skin will likely peel for the next 3 to 5 days, which is completely normal. A PCA peel smooths and improves your skin texture and removes hyperpigmentation.
If you have any questions about which treatment is best for your unique skin complexion and needs, our experts are happy to help. Find a Skin Spa location near you.
Meet the author
Katie Werbowski
Director of Brand Strategy & Development at Skin Spa New York
