Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for laser treatments. Since lasers target dermal and subdermal tissue, it requires that your skin not resist or distort the laser energy as it is applied. Having skin with more natural melanin can complicate this process. This means patients with darker natural skin are likely not a good fit for certain laser skin treatments.
At Touch MedSpa, we’ve prioritized best practices for safe laser treatments for dark skin in North Myrtle Beach. That’s why we’re highlighting the safety measures we take, how you can protect yourself, and what to expect from laser treatment recovery.
Safe laser treatments for dark skin
We offer a variety of laser services, but not all are right for people with darker skin tones. Here are some of the laser services we offer for patients with dark skin!
Laser Hair Removal
The one laser treatment for dark skin that you’re unlikely to see at other providers: laser hair removal. Our In-motion handpiece allows us to provide quality laser hair removal to patients of all skin types using a patented, sweeping delivery method. This provides targeted heating to hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin, leading to unwanted stripes from type-4 or dark-skin patients.
Fractional Laser
Laser resurfacing is one of the most versatile medical aesthetic treatments available in North Myrtle Beach! At Touch MedSpa, our expert laser technicians offer a variety of customization options perfect for treating anything from enlarged pores to deep scarring and wrinkles.
Safe for all skin types and tones, Fractional lasers create healthy skin in a safe, comfortable session to yield custom results—from subtle and smooth to dramatic and uplifting!
Microneedling & RF Microneedling
While not a laser treatment, Morpheus8 RF Microneedling is one of the most advanced skin rejuvenation devices available in North Myrtle Beach. It can be used to address a wide variety of concerns in a short period of time. This makes it a fabulous alternative treatment for patients with darker natural skin.
Whether you have stubborn scar tissue or would simply like a revitalized, refreshed appearance to help you feel your best, Morpheus8 RF Microneedling can provide the tightening and toning effect your skin is craving.
The Fitzpatrick Scale
With our conversation about the treatments we offer and what is and isn’t safe, we thought it made sense to review the Fitzpatrick Scale.
Fitzpatrick skin types are typically used to determine the correct settings for phototherapy for certain skin conditions. FST can help dermatologists and skincare professionals avoid skin damage, which may result in photoaging and pigmentation changes.
The scale is also often used to determine the setting on a laser when performing laser hair removal. Lasers can cause burns and depigmentation when the correct setting is not used for patients with darker skin coloring or those who have a tan. Because most lasers target pigment (melanin), a person’s potential risk of possible burns or depigmentation may be greater if they have a darker skin tone, i.e. more melanin.
The current scale classifies skin from types 1-6. Type 1 refers to skin that always burns, while type 6 refers to skin that never burns.
Skin Type I
Type 1 skin is usually categorized by consistent/severe sunburns, the inability to tan, and a high level of sensitivity to UV exposure. Many people with Type 1 skin have red hair and a very fair skin tone.
Skin Type II
Type 2 skin is usually categorized by frequent/strong sunburns and is unlikely to tan with sun exposure. This skin type also has moderate sensitivity to UV exposure.
Skin Type III
Type 3 skin is usually categorized by infrequent/moderate sunburns and tans to light brown. This skin type also has mild sensitivity to UV exposure.
Skin Type IV
Type 4 skin is usually categorized by occasional/mild sunburns and tans to brown.
Skin Type V
Type 5 skin is usually categorized by rare sunburns and easily tans to dark brown.
Skin Type VI
Type 5 skin virtually never burns, is darkly pigmented, and has a higher level of resistance to UV exposure, and easily tans to dark brown.
Schedule Your Appointment in North Myrtle Beach Today!
Looking your best only takes a Touch! Your skin journey starts here with a free in-office consultation. Our extensively trained and personable staff are experts in the art of aesthetics. So, if you’re interested in laser treatments for dark skin in North Myrtle Beach, contact us!
We’ll discuss your concerns and goals, so we can create a one-of-a-kind plan to optimize your every visit.
Contact us today to learn more about developing your aesthetic plan and making the most of your results.
For instant treatment recommendations, you can also try our virtual consultation tool!
