Skin of Color: Expertise, Representation, & Confidence

Why It Matters...

For too long, Black and brown skin has been underrepresented in both aesthetic research and the media images that define “beauty.” Drawing inspiration from Deja Ayodele’s groundbreaking work Black Skin, we embrace the movement toward visibility, inclusion, and advanced understanding of melanin-rich skin. At Integrated Vision & Aesthetics, we recognize that skin of color is not a “special case” — it simply deserves knowledgeable, evidence-based care. Our technologies and treatment protocols are thoughtfully selected and customized for every complexion, with particular care toward minimizing post-inflammatory pigmentation, respecting the natural integrity of melanin, and ensuring consistently safe and beautiful outcomes.

Safe, Effective Treatments for Melanin-Rich Skin

Many of our most advanced treatments are not only safe, but especially beneficial for darker skin tones when used by experienced clinicians. At Integrated Vision & Aesthetics, we recognize that deeper skin tones are unique, resilient, and beautifully complex. Melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI) deserves treatments that respect its biology and highlight its natural brilliance. Every protocol we design begins with an understanding of what makes this skin type exceptional — and how to treat it safely and effectively.

  • Naturally Resilient-Yet Easily Reactive- Melanin offers powerful protection against many visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and sun-related wrinkles. But that same pigment can also react strongly to irritation or inflammation. When skin of color is injured or overstimulated, it may develop dark spots or uneven tone — a process known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). That’s why every treatment we perform is designed to enhance, not stress, your skin’s natural defenses.

  • Gentle Precision In Every Procedure-Energy-based and exfoliating treatments require careful calibration for darker skin tones. We use advanced technology with longer wavelengths, lower energy levels, and slower pulse durations — allowing us to achieve visible, lasting results while protecting pigment balance and skin integrity.

  • Preparation and Protection Matter-Healthy skin responds best to care that begins before your appointment. Our pre-treatment priming and post-treatment maintenance plans include barrier-strengthening serums, pigment-balancing antioxidants, and daily sun protection. These simple steps help minimize sensitivity and keep your results smooth, even, and radiant

  • Safer,Smarter Rejuvenation-For our patients with melanin-rich skin, we focus on treatments that deliver renewal without risk: gentle chemical peels, microneedling, and non-ablative laser resurfacing. These options help refine texture, improve tone, and restore glow while avoiding the complications—like light spots or scarring—that deeper procedures can cause.

IVA Melanin Maintenance Collection

Real results start here — professional facials, exfoliation, and rejuvenating treatments designed to maintain balance, hydration, and long-term skin vitality.

IVA Melanin Signature Facial

 A refined, multi-step facial designed specifically for melanin-rich skin — targeting uneven tone, hydration, glow, barrier strength and pigmentation prevention—using advanced aesthetic protocols and specialized post-care

- Includes professional exfoliation, targeted serums, massage, and finishing masks to restore balance.

-Ideal for first-time skin-of-color patients, pigment-concerns, uneven tone, texture issues, glow restoration

Recommended: Every 4–6 weeks for healthy, well-conditioned skin.

Also Choose from any or our IVA Signature Facials

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IVA Melanin Radiance Diamond HydroFacial

A tailored version of your existing HydroFacial platform, enhanced with modifications for darker skin to maximize safety and results: focusing on congestion, hyperpigmentation, texture and barrier integrity. Our Signature Hydrofacial experience deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with customized serums. Ideal for monthly or Bi-Monthly maintenance, it instantly boosts hydration while supporting long-term skin barrier health.

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EnergEyes HydroFacial

A unique fusion of aesthetic skincare and ocular wellness, designed to restore and prevent dry eyes, Clean lids & Lashes, remove build up on lid margins.

Includes:

• Full Melanin Radiance Diamond HydroFacial

• Equinox® Light Therapy for dry eye relief

• BlephEx® lid & lash exfoliation-ideal for lash extensions

• Meibomian gland expression

Also available as an upgrade to the Diamond HydroFacial … + $50

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IVA Pigment Balancing

Target discoloration. Restore luminosity. Reveal balance.

~Superficial peels (e.g., light AHAs/BHAs) are generally safer and preferred for skin of color. 

We match the right peel to your skin goals—ranging from mild maintenance formulas to deeper corrective options.

This advanced SkinCeuticals chemical peel is designed to visibly improve uneven tone, dark spots, and dull texture — while preserving the integrity and safety of melanin-rich skin.

The Pigment Balancing Peel combines a powerful blend of brightening and exfoliating agents—including 40% glycolic acid, vitamin C, and emblica—to accelerate surface renewal, break up existing pigmentation, and restore a more radiant, even complexion.

At Integrated Vision & Aesthetics, we customize the intensity of this peel to your unique skin tone and tolerance, ensuring visible brightening without inflammation or risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Our technique includes careful pretreatment priming and soothing post-care — essential steps for safely treating deeper complexions.

■ All IVA Peels include professional consultation, customized preparation, soothing

hydration, and SkinCeuticals medical-grade sun protection.

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IVA Precision Melanin Radiance InFusion

Experience a next-level, microneedling-inspired treatment, designed to deliver potent serums or exosomes precisely where your skin needs them most. Using a sterile micro-channeling pen, active ingredients penetrate beyond the surface to stimulate renewal, improve tone, and enhance elasticity.

Base Price (Face Only): $199

Upgrade with Benev Exosomes: +$150

1. Melanin Radiance • Bright & Even

Best for: Uneven tone, post-inflammatory pigment, dullness.

Mask: Discoloration Alpha Arbutin Hydrojelly®

Step 1 — Infusion Serum:

Vitamin C Serum (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate + Centella + Hyaluronic Acid)

→ Brightens safely, neutralizes free radicals, evens tone.

Step 2 — Topical Finisher:

Hydro (Urea) + Ceramide Serums

→ Replenishes hydration, reinforces barrier, seals treatment.

Depth: 0.25–0.40 mm

Key Focus: Gentle brightening while preserving melanin integrity.


2. Melanin Shield • Recovery & Repair

Best for: Post-laser, peel, or sensitized complexions.

Mask: Intensive Aftercare or Cica Complexion Care Hydrojelly®

Step 1 — Infusion Serum:

Nano EGF Serum (sh-Oligopeptide-1, Ceramide NP, Squalane)

→ Stimulates epidermal repair and cell renewal without inflammation.

Step 2 — Topical Finisher:

Collagen + Ceramide Serums

→ Hydrating, soothing, and lipid-rebuilding protection layer.

Depth: 0.25 mm

Key Focus: Calm inflammation, rebuild barrier, prevent Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation


3. Melanin Renew • Firming & Texture

Best for: Early laxity, texture refinement, collagen renewal.

Mask: Diamond Glow Boost Hydrojelly®

Step 1 — Infusion Serum:

Peptide Serum (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 + Avocado Extract)

→ Stimulates collagen and elasticity safely for darker skin.

Step 2 — Topical Finisher:

Nano EGF + Collagen Serums

→ Amplifies firming, supports healing, restores bounce.

Depth: 0.45–0.60 mm

Key Focus: Smooth texture and lift without triggering pigment response.


4. Melanin Clear • Calm & Clarify

Best for: Acne-prone melanin skin, congestion, PIH prevention.

Mask: Cica Complexion Care Hydrojelly®

Step 1 — Infusion Serum:

Firming (Snail Mucin) Serum

→ Anti-microbial, promotes healing, balances oil.

Step 2 — Topical Finisher:

Hydro (Urea) + Ceramide Serums

→ Hydrates, calms, reduces inflammatory risk post-infusion.

Depth: 0.30–0.45 mm

Key Focus: Calm, repair, and clarify without over-drying or irritation.


5. Melanin Hydrate + Glow

Best for: Dehydration, barrier compromise, prep for corrective series.

Mask: Hyaluronic Acid Hydrojelly®

Step 1 — Infusion Serum:

Hydro (Urea) Serum

→ Humectant infusion to draw and retain water in skin.

Step 2 — Topical Finisher:

Ceramide + Collagen Serums

→ Restores lipids, elasticity, and long-term barrier strength.

Depth: 0.25–0.35 mm

Key Focus: Deep hydration to enhance tolerance for advanced treatments.

Add-Ons

• Neck / Décolleté Treatment: +$75

• Benev Exosome Infusion Upgrade: +$150

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IVA Dermaplaning

Smooth, refine, and reveal radiant skin.

Dermaplaning is a precision exfoliation treatment that uses a surgical-grade blade to gently lift away dead surface cells and fine vellus hair (“peach fuzz”). This creates an instantly smoother, brighter complexion and allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively.

Dermaplaning is safe for darker skin, when it’s performed correctly and paired with the right post-care.

At IVA, our Velvet Glow Dermaplaning is performed by advanced aestheticians using medical-grade technique and post-care serums to calm and hydrate the skin. It’s the perfect monthly maintenance treatment or pre-event glow booster — and an ideal companion to Hydrofacials, peels, or light energy treatments.

Benefits:

-Instantly smoother, softer skin

-Improved product absorption

-Enhanced radiance and even tone

-Makeup applies flawlessly and stays longer

-No downtime; suitable for most skin types

Post-Treatment

Our Advanced Aesthiticians Apply Ceramide or Hydro (Urea) serum → rehydrate and seal barrier. We Can Follow with an Optional Cica Complexion Care or Hyaluronic Acid Hydrojelly Mask.

Finish with tinted SPF 50 (iron-oxide).

Advise no makeup, heat, or exfoliation for 24–48 hrs.

Recommended: Every 4–6 weeks for ongoing maintenance and glow.

🩶 Clinical Consensus

Dermaplaning is considered one of the safest exfoliation methods for melanin-rich skin when barrier support and sun protection are prioritized.

It’s widely recommended by dermatologists for clients with PIH, uneven texture, and dullness who can’t tolerate chemical peels or microdermabrasion.

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IVA Diamond Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a controlled exfoliation method where the top layers of skin are mechanically “scraped” to improve texture, scars or irregular surface. In melanin-rich skin, the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are more reactive. Superficial abrasion is generally safe however deep/full-scale dermabrasion carries higher risk of pigment changes in darker skin.

Risk Prevention:

Gentle settings or shallow depth • Avoid inflammation or irritation post-treatment • Strict sun / visible light protection (especially iron oxide tinted SPF) • Gentle pre- and post-care to support barrier and reduce melanocyte trigger. Avoid if  active inflammation (acne, dermatitis), recent sun exposure, history of PIH or keloids, inadequate priming or sun protection.

Suggested post-treatment care:

Gentle cleansing, no harsh scrubs, use of barrier enhancing moisturizers (ceramides, humectants), daily tinted broad-spectrum SPF (with visible-light protection) and avoidance of heat/irritants for 5-7 days.

Our Diamond Polish Dermabrasion is a crystal-free microdermabrasion treatment that gently resurfaces the skin using a diamond-tipped wand and controlled vacuum suction. This advanced exfoliation removes dull surface buildup, unclogs pores, and stimulates cell turnover—revealing smoother texture and a fresh, healthy glow.

Unlike older, abrasive systems, our diamond-tip technology allows for precise control and customization to each skin type. Whether used as a stand-alone treatment or paired with our Hydrofacial, peels, or light therapies, Diamond Polish is ideal for ongoing maintenance and to prepare the skin for deeper rejuvenation.

Benefits:

-Refines rough texture and enlarged pores

-Stimulates healthy renewal for brighter, smoother skin

-Improves the look of fine lines and superficial pigment

-Enhances the results of other professional treatments

🎯 Summary Recommendation:

Dermabrasion can be incorporated safely for darker skin, but only under strictly controlled, conservative parameters. It should be viewed as an occasional corrective service (not routine maintenance) and always with pigment-safe protocols.

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Energy Based Procedures & Skin Of Color

Proven Aesthetic Treatments, Backed By Research and Precision Protocols for Melanin-Rich Skin.

At Integrated Vision & Aesthetics, we use the most advanced energy-based devices — including Lumenis ResurFX, Alma Opus Plasma, and fractional RF microneedling — within protocols grounded in published dermatologic research.

Our goal isn’t just results; it’s responsible rejuvenation.  Every wavelength, pulse, and setting is chosen to respect the physiology of melanin-rich skin and prevent unwanted pigment change

Not all lasers and energy treatments are created equal—especially when it comes to darker skin tones.

Traditional devices often carried high risks of pigment changes and scarring, but newer platforms have transformed what’s possible. Today’s non-ablative and controlled fractional systems target water and collagen—not melanin—making them far safer for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types when used by experienced providers.

Our team’s protocols are based on conservative parameters, and years of real-world outcomes to ensure efficacy and safety for every skin tone.

Non-Ablative Fractional Laser (Lumenis ResurFX 1565nm)

ResurFx is part of the 1540–1565 nm Er:Glass laser family, the most studied and proven wavelength range for melanin-rich skin.

Instead of removing skin, it delivers precise micro-thermal columns beneath the surface to stimulate collagen and smooth texture while keeping the epidermis intact.

Clinical trials consistently show visible scar and wrinkle improvement with less than 5 % pigment change, even in darker skin tones.

Alma Opus Plasma- Fractional Plasma, Redifined

Opus Fractional Plasma combines radiofrequency with fractional plasma energy to create uniform micro-columns of resurfacing.

The result: visible smoothing of wrinkles and texture in 1–2 sessions, with faster healing than traditional ablative lasers.

When used conservatively and paired with barrier-repair and pigment-control post-care, it can safely rejuvenate even melanin-rich skin.

Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling uses multiple fine needles to deliver controlled dermal heat independent of pigment.

Because it bypasses melanin entirely, it’s one of the safest and most effective options for texture, laxity, and scarring in all skin types.

Our protocol adjusts depth (typically 0.5–2.0 mm) and pulse width to stimulate collagen while minimizing inflammation.

Intense Pulsed Light-IPL

Traditional IPL devices emit broad-spectrum light that targets both pigment and blood vessels.

While effective for lighter skin, research shows higher PIH risk in deeper skin tones.

At IVA, we use IPL very conservatively — or not at all — in darker complexions, replacing it with safer fractional or radiofrequency technologies when appropriate.

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