“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Shamea Morton is embroiled in a new legal battle thanks to a skincare appointment gone wrong. But her story raises a necessary conversation that other Black women need to be more aware about.
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For context, Morton is suing an Atlanta doctor Dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris for malpractice, alleging that she and her company, Pretty Faces Atlanta, didn’t give her a chemical peel correctly, per PEOPLE. In her suit, Morton alleges that an employee “negligently and recklessly applied” the procedure by applying “double the amount of the chemical peel recommended by the manufacturer, resulting in second degree chemical burns, blistering and permanent scarring.”
The procedure was also supposed to be supervised by “licensed and properly trained medical physician” and the peel specifically warned that people with “dark skin have the highest risk of developing skin discoloration” as a result of undergoing it. Unfortunately for Morton, she claims that she was never given any documentation about that, cried during the process and eventually experienced discoloration which was exacerbated by her fungal skin condition, tinea versicolor.
Per her legal team, the “RHOA” star “suffered severe personal injuries and other damages including, but not limited to, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, future medical treatment, future pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and other consequential, special and general damages.”
But given the rise in popularity recently for different skin procedures like chemical peels for Black women on social media, Morton’s case raises some serious concerns about and questions about how they can go through the treatment without experiencing such negative effects.
According to Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, people with dark skin and melanin are “more likely to react negatively to skin damage with conditions like melasma, hyperpigmentation, textural changes.” Because of that, the practice suggests for melanated people to get clear on the type of peel they want so that they know going in which one would be more beneficial to the needs they have. (There are three main types: superficial peels, medium-depth peels, and deep chemical peels.)
They also suggest that deep chemical peels should be avoided by people with darker skin due to the fact that those possess “a high risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation.” Instead, they suggest starting off with “superficial peels” using components like glycolic acid and salicylic acid along with things like retinol and Jessner peels for a fuller, safe regimen.
Additionally, per Tribeca Medspa, they suggest that if you’re still dedicated to getting a chemical peel, then you must be deliberate about your aftercare. To be more specific, they recommend staying out of the sun for the first two weeks after getting the procedure and staying hydrated. They also advise people to not pick at their skin while the peel is actively happening.
So, to recap, if you’re a Black woman looking to get a chemical peel here soon or for the new year. remember: Know what peel is best for your skin type and needs; Start with “superficial peels” to gauge your skins reaction and pair it with retinol for added benefits; Be intentional about your after care; Avoid the sun one to two weeks after the procedure; And lastly, stay hydrated and don’t pick at your skin as the peel is taking place.
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