Skin of Color / Black Skin
Which laser is for me? (Do I have “dark” skin?)
In dermatology we classify all patients as having a certain “Fitzpatrick Skin Type (1 thru 6)”. When we say “dark skin”, we mean patients with skin types 4, 5, or 6 (see chart below). This includes many patients of Latin, Asian, or African descent. But ultimately, the doctor will choose the best laser for your skin type.
| Fitzpatricks Classification (which best describes YOUR skin?): | |
|---|---|
| Type I | (very white or freckled) – Always burn, Never Tan |
| Type II | (very white or freckled) – Always burn, Never Tan |
| Type III | (white to olive) – Sometimes burn, Average Tan |
| Type IV | (brown skin) – Rarely burn, Tan with Ease |
| Type V | (dark brown) – Very rarely burn, Tan Very Easily |
| Type VI | (black skin) – Never burn, Tan Very Easily |
Experience treating dark skin:
Both doctors have expertise and extensive experience in treating darker skin types. Darker skin requires special consideration. For example, African-American women often develop pigmentation on their face (especially their chin) from plucking and shaving. You will need laser hair removal AND a strong prescription bleaching cream from a specialty pharmacy to achieve the even tone that you desire.
A laser specifically for hair removal on dark skin:
The doctors’ interest and experience in treating dark skin is further exemplified by the fact that they own a laser that is specifically designed to remove hair from dark skin: the GentleYag (a long-pulsed Nd:Yag laser). The key to laser hair removal in black skin is to use a laser that is both SAFE and EFFECTIVE. A long-pulsed Nd:Yag laser is the “gold standard” for safe and effective hair removal in black skin. It is the ONLY laser they would use on type V or VI skin (see above).
