Black History Month is a time to celebrate, honour, and amplify the voices & achievements of Black communities – but it’s also a time to reflect on where society still falls short.
Across history, Black and brown people have too often been an afterthought in industries that shape how we see ourselves. Did you know it’s only been mandatory to learn how to do curly and afro hair in hair dressing courses since 2021?
Even something as simple as the colour of a plaster tells a story. For decades, “nude” meant one shade – a light beige that matched only lighter skin tones. The same was true for makeup, which for years catered almost exclusively to fairer skin. These examples may seem small, but they speak volumes about whose needs and identities have been prioritised – and whose have been overlooked.
Representation in the Aesthetic Industry
The aesthetics and skincare industry has made incredible strides in recent years — but the truth is, for too long, treatments, products, and even medical training were designed with lighter skin in mind. Many technologies, ingredients, and protocols were tested primarily on white skin, meaning that people with darker skin tones were often excluded or faced higher risks of adverse effects such as hyperpigmentation, scarring, or burns.
This lack of representation isn’t just about fairness – it’s about safety and trust. Everyone deserves to feel seen and understood when they seek treatments to care for their skin.
Why Darker Skin Needs Tailored Care
At SkinHD, we know that skin isn’t “one size fits all.” Every skin tone has its own strengths, vulnerabilities, and specific needs. Understanding these things is key to safe and effective treatment.
Darker skin tones, particularly Fitzpatrick types 4-6, naturally contain more melanin. This gives the skin its lovely colour & protection against sun damage! However, the extra melanin also means the skin behaves differently when exposed to inflammation or injury. Even small amounts of irritation (such as acne, insect bites or overly aggressive treatments) can trigger excess pigment, leaving behind stubborn dark marks.
Redness and inflammation can also appear differently in melanin-rich skin, sometimes making irritation harder to spot. Additionally, fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells) are often more active in darker skin, which can increase the likelihood of raised or keloid scarring.
These differences don’t mean treatments aren’t possible – far from it. It simply means they need to be tailored, gradual, and delivered by practitioners who are experienced in treating all skin tones.
Treatments: Safe and Effective Options
When it comes to aesthetic treatments, the key for darker skin is not whether something can be done, but how it’s done.
Chemical Peels
Peels can be fantastic for pigmentation, acne, and general rejuvenation – but they must be approached with extra caution. At SkinHD, we start gently – using mandelic, lactic acid, or a modified Jessner peel to prepare the skin beforehand to reduce risk. Stronger acids like glycolic or salicylic can be introduced once the skin is ready. Jumping straight into deep or TCA peels is never safe for any first-time clients, especially those with darker skin.
Laser Treatments
Not all lasers are suitable for all skin tones. Using the wrong laser can cause burns or pigmentation issues. At SkinHD, we use the Cutera Xeo Nd:YAG laser, which is the gold standard for safely treating darker skin – whether for rejuvenation with Laser Genesis or for long-term Hair Removal.
Skincare and Sun Protection
Healthy skin starts with good daily care. Darker skin benefits from a focus on hydration, barrier repair, and pigment control. And yes – SPF is a must, even for melanin-rich skin. While darker skin has some natural protection (equivalent to SPF 13), UV rays still contribute to pigmentation, melasma, and premature ageing.
Finding the Right SPF for Deeper Skin Tones
The SkinHD Approach: Inclusivity in Action
At SkinHD, we believe that beautiful, healthy skin comes in every shade. Our practitioners are trained to understand the unique physiology of darker skin tones, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored, safe, and effective!
We’ve invested in technology proven to work on all skin types, and we always take a gradual, thoughtful approach. Most importantly, we’re honest: if a treatment isn’t suitable, we’ll say so! Because at the end of the day, our goal is simple – to help every client feel confident in their own skin.
Moving the Industry Forward
Change begins with awareness – but it continues through education and action. The beauty and aesthetics industries are slowly becoming more inclusive, thanks to POC professionals, advocates, and clients who’ve demanded better representation and research.
At SkinHD, we’re proud to be part of that shift. We continue to learn, listen, and grow so that everyone who walks through our doors feels seen and valued!
A Final Thought
Representation isn’t a trend. This Black History Month, we’re reminded that inclusion starts with intention: creating spaces, products, and treatments that truly serve everyone.
Beauty doesn’t have a single colour – and neither should the industry that celebrates it.
At SkinHD, your skin is never an afterthought – it’s our priority!
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