TO KNOW MORE

Collagen fibres and fibroblasts are denser and more compact in the dermis, which means that ageing occurs much later in coloured skin. The most common skin complaint in colored women is acne. Acne is the most common problem, not because ethnic skin is more prone to it but because it causes more damage to colored skin than it does to Caucasoid skin. After spots, ethnic skin is prone to pigmentation and patches.”

DOS AND DON’TS

Ethnic skin is better adapted to the sun: it sweats and hydrates itself naturally, a bit like internal air conditioning! However, when exposed to a cold, dry climate, this mechanism becomes less effective and the skin loses its protective hydrolipidic film and its natural radiance, often becoming dull and grey-ish.

There are certain products that aren’t recommended for ethnic skin. I don’t think regular exfoliation is ideal, though once in a while it can do your skin good as long as you use a gentle exfoliator. Peeling masks/wraps are generally okay, but you should never use just any old product on your skin. It’s important to see a dermatologist/skin consultant to find out what’s right for you. Laser treatment doesn’t always work on ethnic skin and can even cause permanent depigmentation, so you need to be careful.

Dr Philippe Hamida-Pisal, with 20 years of experience provides expert skin care, dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology services.  Harley Street practice with an international reputation in general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.

I personally see every new patient who visits our office. My goal is, quite simply, to provide the type of dermatology care which I  would seek for my own family. This is a very important point, since physicians often use the phrase “Doctor’s Doctor” to refer to those individuals who typically are selected by physicians themselves for personal care. I am confident that my practice fully meets that definition. This is the type of 5-star care and service that our patients expect, deserve and receive. I treat every patient the way I would want to be treated: with courtesy, dignity and respect. I carefully listen to their hair and skin-care concerns and offer a variety of options including a treatment plan that I believe will give them the best results

A significant percentage of my Hair Loss, Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology Conditions are diagnosed  on listening to the medical history of the patient alone, a further percentage on examination and the remainder on further detailed or careful examination and my patients teach me the rest. It is clear to me that history and examination skills remain at the very core of my dermatology practice.  I think that the pendulum has swung too far towards all these cosmetic procedures where  doing cosmetic procedures and not listening to patients.  This is an important point because if we don’t spend enough time with the patient during the consultation,  the cosmetic procedures will probably not work.

It is vital to undergo a full pre assessment to ensure that your skin type is fully assessed and to be  accurate about your medical history. This particular procedure might not be the right treatment for you.  It is crucial that the Doctor does a full History and Physical Examination and listens to your concerns.  It very important to understand the individual needs of each patient because one procedure could work on one patient and then not another.

Each patient’s condition is carefully evaluated and the best treatment(s) are chosen to ensure an optimal outcome. Treatments are performed by Dr Philippe who has extensive cosmetic dermatology experience and training. This allows the Doctor to offer top-quality services in every area of the cosmetic dermatology field, while ensuring patients safety and satisfaction.