This week’s story is thanks to one of our patients, who has experienced first hand the difficulties those with black or Asian skin can encounter in getting appropriate skin treatments.
According to the latest Office for National Statistics, over 7% of the UK population is Black or Asian – including those of Indian, Asian, African, Caribbean or Chinese descent.
It is not just a question of pigmentation, the genetic makeup of black and Asian skin is different to white Caucasian skin and can pose unique problems, which any skin treatment doctor must assess and understand prior to treatment.
- Studies have found that acne is the most common skin condition in black people. However, it needs to be treated carefully to avoid the risk of post-inflammation hyper-pigmentation, which can be of more concern and longer-lasting than the acne itself
- The increased pigmentation in the skin (melanin) poses increased risk of pigmentation problems, as the pigment-producing cells tend to be more reactive to inflammation, so dark spots may appear at the site of injury
- Melasma, or “pregnancy mask” – dark patches on the face – is also a common pigmentation problem in black and asian skin
- Those darker skin also tend to be more prone to keloid scarring than people with Caucasian skin (keloid scars are over-developed and can grow lumpy and larger than the wound itself)
Understanding the make-up and response mechanisms of black and asian skin is key to treatment, and something that inexperienced doctors may not fully understand.
For example, chemical peels are commonly used by European for treating both acne and hyperpigmentation. However, with black and Asian skin, overly aggressive use of peels can actually trigger pigment problems and even scarring.
Dr Barbara Kubicka explains “I see a number of people with asian and black skin in my practice. Aesthetic treatments such as botox,fillers, some chemical peels, mesotheraphy, dermoroller, prp and lustre acne treatment are highly effective on black or asian skin. However, the practitioner must understand how differently the skin can respond and administer the treatment in accordance with the patient’s skin type. It is important to choose a skilled an experienced doctor who understands skin physiology as well as aesthetic treatments.”
Fully Trained Medical Aesthetic Physician
Dr Barbara Kubicka sees a number of very loyal Asian and black patients. Some have had difficulties with other clinics in the past and have sought Dr Kubicka for remedial therapy and/or skin treatments such as botox or fillers. Others have never been anywhere else.
Dr Kubicka has a unique understanding of the needs of black and Asian skin, based on her high level of specialist training, including a 2-year post-graduate course in Aesthetic Medicine at the prestigious College de International de Medicine Esthetique in Paris.
She is able to assess the patient’s skincare needs and work with them on gentle and appropriate skincare regimes, as well as effective cosmetic and medical treatments.
Contact Us
To book a private consultation with Dr Barbara Kubicka to discuss your requirements, concerns or possible treatment, please contact us on 0207 352 6803 or email drb@drbarbarakubicka.co.uk. We offer private consultations with Dr Barbara Kubicka for a confidential assessment of your treatment.