PHYSICIAN-LED SUN-DAMAGE REVERSAL

October launches laser season at Renew MD

Lasers are not a one-size-“fitz”-all. 

DID YOU KNOW THAT SOME LASERS CAN MAKE PIGMENT WORSE!

KNOW YOUR FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPE?

Your Fitzpatrick skin type helps guide safer treatment selection because skin with more natural color (melanin) can have a higher risk of unwanted pigment changes, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, if the wrong device or settings are used.

That does not mean darker skin tones cannot be treated well. It means your provider should choose technology, settings, and treatment planning carefully, since melanin absorbs laser energy and can increase the risk of irritation, lightening, or darkening when treatment is not properly matched to the skin.

Do you know your Fitzpatrick type?

It is not always about how light or dark your skin looks. Fitzpatrick type is more about how your skin tends to respond to sun exposure—whether you burn easily, tan gradually, or rarely burn at all. That matters because lasers are not one-size-fits-all, and the right treatment approach depends in part on your skin’s pigment behavior.

A few simple questions to think about

• Does your skin usually burn easily in the sun?
• Do you tan quickly, slowly, or hardly at all?
• Does your skin tend to hold onto pigment after irritation, acne, or procedures?
• Have you ever noticed that your skin gets darker after inflammation or heat?

If you answered yes to frequent burning, you may fall on the lighter end of the Fitzpatrick spectrum. If you rarely burn, tan easily, or tend to pigment more readily, you may fall on the deeper end. These are not hard rules—just helpful starting points for a more personalized conversation.

Short descriptions

• Type I–II: Skin that tends to burn more easily and tan less.
• Type III–IV: Skin that may sometimes burn but usually tans more gradually or easily.
• Type V–VI: Skin that rarely burns and tends to tan or pigment more readily.

Disclaimer

This is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or offer medical advice. It is simply food for thought and a starting point for discussion with your provider, who can help determine which treatments and settings are safest and most appropriate for your skin.

Why does this matter?

Because your skin’s pigment response helps guide which laser, settings, and treatment approach are most appropriate for you. When a device or setting is not well matched to the skin, it can increase the chance of unwanted darkening, lightening, irritation, or prolonged inflammation—particularly in skin that is prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Lasers at Renew

At Renew MD Facial Aesthetics,  laser treatments are approached with personalization—not a one-size-fits-all protocol. We consider your skin tone, pigment history, goals, current skin condition, and treatment response, then select the appropriate technology and settings for your individual needs.

With the right device, settings, and provider guidance, laser treatments can be performed safely across all Fitzpatrick skin types. Your consultation is where we determine the safest, most effective treatment plan for your skin.

Fill out a contact form or call us to learn which lasers are right for you!

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