Skin of Color

Expert Care for Every Skin Tone

Skin of color has its own patterns, risks and treatment needs. Melanin-rich skin is more prone to dark spots after irritation, raised scarring and certain types of hair loss, and some conditions look different on deeper skin tones than textbooks show. Getting the right diagnosis starts with a dermatologist who sees and treats skin like yours every day.

At Legacy Dermatology in Algonquin, IL, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Laurence Bradley, Jr., MD, FAAD, is a member of the Skin of Color Society. He has a focused interest in pigmentation disorders, keloids and hair loss, and he provides medical, surgical and cosmetic care for Black, Latino, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern and multiracial patients across the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Conditions We Commonly Treat in Skin of Color

• Pigmentary disorders and dark spots. Including uneven skin tone, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after acne, eczema, bug bites or injury, and melasma. See Hyperpigmented Spots.
• Vitiligo. Patches of skin that lose their pigment, which can be especially noticeable on deeper skin tones. Dr. Bradley creates treatment plans to help slow spreading and restore color where possible.
• Keloids and raised scars. Treatment plans may include steroid injections, excision and prevention strategies. See Keloids and Intralesional Injections.
• Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN). Small, dark, benign growths on the face and neck. See Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra.
• Hair loss and scalp conditions. Including traction alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) and other forms of hair thinning. See Hair Loss.
• Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae). Irritation and dark spots from shaving or ingrown hairs.
• Acne and acne scarring. Treating breakouts early to limit dark marks and scarring. See Acne Treatment and Acne Scars.
• Eczema and psoriasis. Which can appear purple, gray or dark brown rather than red on deeper skin tones. See Psoriasis & Eczema Treatment.

Skin Cancer Checks Matter for Every Skin Tone

Skin cancer is less common in skin of color, but it is often found later, when it is harder to treat. In darker skin, melanoma can appear on the palms, soles, under the nails or inside the mouth, areas that are easy to overlook. Dr. Bradley performs thorough skin checks and, when needed, Mohs micrographic surgery to remove skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue.

Cosmetic Treatments Chosen with Your Skin in Mind

Some lasers, peels and procedures carry a higher risk of dark spots or scarring on deeper skin tones when they are not selected and set carefully. Our team tailors cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling and the Aerolase laser to your skin type, with the goal of even tone and healthy skin, not new problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does skin of color need a specialized approach?
Melanin-rich skin reacts to inflammation differently. It is more likely to develop dark spots after irritation and raised scars after injury, and conditions like eczema or psoriasis may look purple, gray or brown instead of red. A dermatologist experienced with skin of color knows how to recognize these differences and choose treatments that do not cause new discoloration.

Can you treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation?
Yes. Dr. Bradley treats post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma and other dark spots with a plan built around your skin type. That may include prescription topical treatments, sun protection guidance, chemical peels or other in-office procedures.

What can be done about keloids?
Keloid treatment often combines approaches, such as steroid injections to flatten the scar, surgical removal in selected cases and steps to lower the chance of return. Early treatment usually gives the best results.

Are lasers safe for darker skin?
Some lasers can cause burns or dark spots on deeper skin tones if the wrong device or settings are used. Our team selects treatments and settings for your skin type and will tell you honestly if a procedure is not a good fit.

Do people with darker skin need skin cancer checks?
Yes. Skin cancer is less common in skin of color, but it is often diagnosed later. Melanoma in darker skin frequently appears on the palms, soles, nails or inside the mouth, so a full-body skin check by a dermatologist is worthwhile.

Whether you are dealing with stubborn dark spots, a keloid, thinning hair or a new spot you want checked, Legacy Dermatology is here to help. Book online or call (847) 603-4146 to schedule your appointment in Algonquin, IL.