Skin of
Color
Laser treatments for melanin-rich skin require a fundamentally different approach. Conventional IPL and many ablative lasers carry significant risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), hypopigmentation, and scarring on darker skin tones. At 86INK, we use Candela PicoWay® and the Candela Nordlys® Nd:YAG 1064 nm — two platforms specifically validated for safe, effective treatment of Fitzpatrick III–VI skin tones.
Why Device Selection Matters
Melanin in darker skin competes with target chromophores for laser energy. Devices with longer wavelengths (1064 nm Nd:YAG) and ultra-short pulse durations (picoseconds) bypass epidermal melanin more safely, reducing thermal injury risk and the likelihood of PIH.
Know Your Skin Type
Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Scale · Used to guide safe laser parameter selection
Device Compatibility by Fitzpatrick Type
| Type | Skin Tone | Recommended Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Very fair, always burns, never tans | Nordlys® IPL · PicoWay® · Exceed™ · Glacē |
| Type II | Fair, usually burns, sometimes tans | Nordlys® IPL · PicoWay® · Exceed™ · Glacē |
| Type III | Medium, sometimes burns, always tans | Nordlys® IPL (with care) · Nordlys® Nd:YAG · PicoWay® · Exceed™ · Glacē |
| Type IV | Olive, rarely burns, always tans | Nordlys® Nd:YAG · PicoWay® · Exceed™ · Glacē |
| Type V | Brown, very rarely burns | PicoWay® (primary) · Nordlys® Nd:YAG (selected cases) · Exceed™ · Glacē |
| Type VI | Deep brown/black, never burns | PicoWay® (primary) · Exceed™ · Glacē |
Fractional Picosecond Technology
PicoWay® Resolve Handpieces
1064nm · 532nm — 86INK Tulsa
PicoWay® Resolve delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses via two interchangeable fractional handpieces — the 1064nm (blue) for deeper pigmentation and collagen remodeling, and the 532nm (red) for superficial pigment including sun spots and melasma. The photoacoustic mechanism minimizes thermal spread, making it significantly safer for melanin-rich skin than conventional laser platforms.
Why It Matters for Skin of Color
The ultra-short pulse duration bypasses epidermal melanin more safely than thermal lasers, reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) on Fitzpatrick III–VI skin tones.
Why Choose This Treatment?
Candela PicoWay®
Ultra-short picosecond pulses shatter pigment and ink particles with minimal heat transfer — the gold standard for safe treatment on Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin tones.
Nordlys® Nd:YAG 1064 nm
The 1064 nm wavelength bypasses epidermal melanin and penetrates deeper tissue safely — ideal for vascular lesions and selected pigmentation concerns on Types III–V.
Fitzpatrick-Calibrated Protocols
Every treatment plan is tailored to your Fitzpatrick skin type, ensuring device selection, fluence, and pulse duration are optimized to minimize PIH risk.
Exceed™ Medical Microneedling
FDA-cleared microneedling device safe for all Fitzpatrick types I–VI. Stimulates collagen remodeling without UV risk, making it ideal for acne scars, texture, and fine lines on melanin-rich skin.
Glacē Cryo Facial
Advanced cryotherapy facial that calms inflammation, reduces redness, and brightens skin tone safely across all Fitzpatrick types — no heat, no UV exposure, no PIH risk.
Board-Certified NP Provider
All treatments are performed by a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with advanced training in laser safety and melanin-rich skin protocols.
How It Works
- 01Free consultation — Fitzpatrick skin-type assessment, treatment goals review, and device selection (PicoWay® vs. Nordlys® Nd:YAG).
- 02Pre-treatment instructions provided, including sun avoidance and any topical preparation specific to your skin type.
- 03On treatment day, the target area is cleansed and protective eyewear is applied. A test pulse may be performed to confirm skin response.
- 04PicoWay® or Nordlys® Nd:YAG 1064 nm handpiece delivers calibrated pulses to the treatment area — sessions typically last 15–45 minutes.
- 05Post-treatment cooling and soothing products applied. Detailed aftercare instructions provided, including strict sun protection.
- 06Follow-up assessment at 4–8 weeks to evaluate response and schedule additional sessions as needed.
Common Questions
✦ Patient Education Tool
Find Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type
Answer 6 short questions to discover your Fitzpatrick type and see which laser devices are safest and most effective for your skin.
What is your natural skin color (before any sun exposure)?
Flexible Payment Plans
Start Your Treatment Today. Pay Over Time.
86 INK partners with Cherry Medical Financing so cost never stands between you and clearer skin. Apply in under 60 seconds — no hard credit pull, no lengthy paperwork.
Related Services
Ready to Transform Your Skin?
Schedule your complimentary consultation with Leisha today and receive a personalized treatment plan.