Laser hair removal in skin of colour is safe and effective when the right type of laser is used and properly trained personnel perform the procedure.
I personally have been using a long pulsed Nd: YAg laser for more than 10 years now and have excellent results with no side effects.
I would advise use of machines with in built cooling and avoid the use of IPL machines and even diodes in dark skin types.
As per scientific studies conducted all over the world, the Nd:YAG laser is the preferred machine for long term hair reduction skin of colour.
Typically one would need anywhere forom 8 to 12 sittings approximately 4 weeks apart to achieve about a 60 to 80% reduction in the hair growth.
It is an excellent treatment and effective and long lasting results can improve one’s self confidence tremendously.

Stretch marks are often more visible in darker skins than lighter skins and people are more conscious of these nowadays.There are numerous treatments available for stretch marks and it is advisable to start treatment early as these reddish stretch marks respond much better than the older long standing whitish striae.

The monsoon is here and the rains are pouring down.Your skn often shows changes in this and one might need to modify one’s skin care routine in this season.
You will find a little exaggerated dryness and the use of a good moisturiser is recommended .
I particularly find the oil free products to be helpful as they dont aggravate any preexisting acne or induce new pimples.Skin of colour responds in mostly the same way as Caucasina skins in this climate but since the rains are heavier in this part of the world, and the humidity is high, one needs to take special care.

Many people with skin of colour think that they need less or no sunscreen.This is not true and skin of colour still needs regualr and repeated use of a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Based on where you live and the weather, you can choose an oil free sunscreen or a lotion or spray formulation to avoid the greasy feel in humid and tropical conditions, but you still need to use a sunscreen.

Hi-I am Mukta Sachdev, a consultant dermatologist working in Bangalore, India. I am basically from London UK and am settled and blogging from Bangalore, India.
I have been using the Baumann Skin Typing System in my practice in India.I have spent time with Dr.Leslie Baumann in Feb. to March 1999 where I completed my Fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology and have been in cosmetic dermatology practice for nearly 10 years.
I work with skin of color and deal with cosmetic dermatology issues. I see patients with all kinds of skin problems and deal with darker skin types on a regular basis.
I also work with numerous different kinds of chemical peels and lasers along with of course Botox and fillers.
So if you have a query which I can help you on, especially in skin of color please do send it along and I will discuss this and do my best to help you.