Botox and fillers have long been associated with the beauty regimens of celebrities and the affluent. However, there is a rising trend among African Americans embracing these cosmetic enhancements. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Smart Skin Med Spa, where Dr. Eason’s expertise in medical aesthetics provided me with an insightful experience. This journey, coupled with expert commentary from Dr. Tiffany Mayo, sheds light on the evolving narrative around Botox in the Black community.

Walking into Smart Skin Med Spa, I was greeted with a blend of professionalism and warmth. Dr. Eason, who transitioned from a career in pain management to focus on medical aesthetics full-time, ensured that I was comfortable and informed at every step. Unlike my previous experiences with Med Spas, which hadn’t been the best, Smart Skin Med Spa is distinguished by their team of three expert physicians who are dedicated to aesthetics and injectable services. They are highly trained to handle any potential complications that may arise from injections.

Dr. Eason’s credentials and experience in medical aesthetics make her a standout in the field. Her nuanced understanding of different skin types, particularly Black skin, sets her apart. She debunked several myths, such as the idea that Botox is unnecessary for Black people due to the “Black don’t crack” theory.

“The muscles of the face attach to the overlying skin and pull the skin to create facial expressions,” Dr. Eason explained. “This pull on the skin, with a lifetime of repetitions in combination with aging and environmental changes, will create wrinkles/lines at rest, or ‘cracks.’ Even though darker skin tones have some protection from lines and wrinkles, they will eventually occur! When we start to see those lines forming, we can easily address them with toxins.”

To further explore this topic, I reached out to Dr. Tiffany Mayo, a respected African American dermatologist. Dr. Mayo provided invaluable insights into the stigma surrounding Botox in the Black community.

“It’s true that skin of color has the protection of melanin leading to less facial aging from photodamage (sun damage) which can cause wrinkles and changes in skin texture,” Dr. Mayo noted. “However, we all experience some degree of facial aging due to changes in collagen and facial fat distribution over time. Facial expressions can also lead to lines over time. This is where filler and Botox can be helpful in restoring facial volume and relaxing excessive muscle movement creating lines.”

The “Black don’t crack” adage, while celebrating the resilience and beauty of Black skin, can also contribute to a stigma against cosmetic procedures. Dr. Mayo highlighted the importance of normalizing these treatments.

“The most common misconception is that Botox and fillers aren’t for Black skin. This is simply not true. Any patient who is concerned about cosmetic changes in the skin should consult a dermatologist to learn more about how these treatments, and others, may benefit them,” Dr. Mayo emphasized.

Both Dr. Eason and Dr. Mayo highlighted how cosmetic treatments can empower individuals and enhance their confidence.

“I want everyone to find their confidence knowing that we are uniquely and wonderfully made,” Dr. Eason shared. “That being said, we all have areas that we would like to enhance to feel like we are putting our best foot forward (or our best FACE forward!). Toxin (Botox/Xeomin/Daxxify/et al) can take care of most of the dynamic wrinkles of the face. Fillers address issues from volume deficits or volume loss, which is a part of the aging process in all races to varying degrees and patterns.”

Dr. Mayo added, “Appearance can have a psychological impact whether we admit it or not. Exploring Botox and other cosmetic procedures doesn’t necessarily mean someone isn’t accepting the aging process. They can enhance confidence just as much as they enhance appearance for those seeking a ‘refresh.'”

Dr. Mayo also addressed the unique skin concerns for Black patients. Hyperpigmentation, shaving bumps, and other issues often require tailored treatments. “Although skin of color has some protection from photodamage, sunscreen is important as dyspigmentation is one of the most common concerns in skin of color patients,” Dr. Mayo explained.

Dr. Eason also shared her approach to treating people of color, emphasizing personalized care.

“I believe in personalized treatment for each patient and acknowledging our differences that give the world beautiful variety,” she said. “I like to start each meeting by asking the patient what concern brought them to see us. Their opinion about what needs to be addressed is typically based on what beauty ideals they hold, which are grounded in their family, their race, their culture, and their geographic norms. Once they tell me what they would like to achieve, we have a discussion detailing how we could potentially achieve that together.”

My experience at Smart Skin Med Spa was transformative, not just for the immediate aesthetic benefits but for the broader understanding it provided. With experts like Dr. Eason and Dr. Mayo leading the charge, it’s clear that the narrative around Botox in the Black community is evolving. Embracing these treatments is not about succumbing to pressure but about personal empowerment and self-care.