How to Choose Medical Aesthetic Treatments Based on Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type

Everyone’s skin is unique. If you have a darker complexion, then you may be wondering if aesthetic treatments, many of which seem to be marketed primarily to people with lighter skin, can work for you. In the medical aesthetic field, shades of skin are categorized into Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI, and this is what providers consider when recommending treatments to clients. Knowing your skin type can help you choose which aesthetic treatments are right for you. Read on to learn about Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI and which treatment technologies will give you the results you’re looking for while still being safe for your skin.

What Are Fitzpatrick Skin Types?

The Fitzpatrick skin phototype classification system is a way of determining skin type based on the levels of melanin pigment in the skin. Melanin levels correlate directly to how skin reacts to sun exposure and UV radiation, as well as other forms of irritation. For example, paler skin burns easily and tans poorly, while darker skin is less prone to sunburn but more likely to develop postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) marks after injury. Here are the Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI:

Skin Type	Typical Features	Tanning Ability
I	Pale white skin; red or blond hair; blue/green eyes; freckles	Always burns, never tans
II	Fair skin; red or blond hair; blue, hazel, or green eyes	Burns easily, tans with difficulty
III	Darker white; any eye or hair color	Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans
IV	Light brown skin	Burns only slightly, tans easily
V	Brown skin	Rarely burns, easily tans darkly
VI	Dark brown or black skin	Never burns, always tans darkly very easily

*Source: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/multimedia/table/fitzpatrick-skin-type-classification

Choosing the Right Aesthetic Treatments for Your Skin Type

Up until recently, medical aesthetic technology wasn’t as safe for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, which includes many people of color. This has thankfully changed. The latest advances in technology have made the most sought-after treatments safer for a wider range of skin types. Still, you want to make sure that the technology powering your aesthetic treatments is the best one for your unique needs. Start by choosing a clinic or med spa that clearly demonstrates its knowledge when it comes to darker skin. They should mention whether their treatments are safe for all skin types in their marketing, and have testimonials and before-and-after photos from clients of color. It’s also important to do your own research to make sure the technology used is right for you.

Venus Concept Technologies Safe for All Shades Of Skin

All Venus Concept devices are designed to be safe for a wide range of skin types. Moreover, some of our technologies have made it possible for people with darker skin to get treatments they wouldn’t have been able to get before without incurring the risk of side effects like PIH. Read on to learn more about the science behind the devices making the most popular treatments safe for you.

(MP)²

An integral part of our Venus Legacy™, Venus Versa™, Venus Viva™ MD, and Venus Bliss™ machines, our proprietary (MP)²applicator combines Multi-Polar Radio Frequency (RF) and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields (PEMF) with advanced VariPulse™ technology. Proven to be safe for all shades of skin, RF energy is color-blind and effective at tightening skin and reducing circumference for a smoother, more contoured appearance. The applicator’s VariPulse™ algorithm calculates a quick and safe buildup of heat, maintaining a therapeutic temperature throughout the treatment for a safe and comfortable treatment experience.

Diode Laser Fat Reduction

Backed by clinically validated effectiveness in fat reduction, cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and circumference reduction, the diode laser technology that powers our Venus Bliss™ treatments is a comprehensive non-invasive lipolysis solution that delivers powerful results. The 1064 nm diode laser applicators on Venus Bliss™ give you the ability to control the wavelength intensity of the treatment, making it safe for a broader spectrum of skin types than other fat reduction therapies on the market. Our Venus Bliss™ ambassador, Venus Williams, loves what Venus Bliss™ treatments have done for her—and you will, too.

IPL & Diode Laser Hair Removal

Diode laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are both safe and effective technologies for hair removal, specifically IPL hair removal for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV and diode laser hair removal for all skin types. Venus Versa™, Venus Velocity™, and Venus Epileve™ devices balance optimal melanin absorption with a real-time cooling system for combined comfort and efficacy. With versatile modes for adjusting the treatment based on your skin, Venus Concept hair removal treatments are powerful enough to deliver visible results while still being safe and comfortable for all skin types.

Skin Resurfacing

One of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments today, skin resurfacing helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, rosacea, deep wrinkles, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, and hyperpigmentation for all skin types. Our Venus Viva™ MD skin resurfacing device allows complete control of the resurfacing process so that your provider can customize the treatment based on your skin’s unique needs. Venus Viva™ MD treatments have a lower incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, which can be a cause for concern among side effects of skin resurfacing for people with Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI, making it a safe solution for patients of all skin types.

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REGULATORY CLEARANCES [ More ]

Venus Versa™ is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of benign pigmented epidermal and cutaneous lesions, benign cutaneous vascular lesions, removal of unwanted hair, treatment of acne vulgaris, dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin, and non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles and rhytides. Venus Versa™ is licensed by Health Canada for the treatment of benign pigmented epidermal and cutaneous lesions, benign cutaneous vascular lesions, removal of unwanted hair, treatment of acne vulgaris, dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin, non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles and rhytides, and body contouring via skin tightening, circumferential reduction, and cellulite reduction.

Venus Legacy™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides and temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of skin tightening, temporary circumferential reduction, cellulite reduction, and wrinkle reduction.

Venus Viva™ is cleared by the FDA and licensed by Health Canada for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin. The DiamondPolar™ applicator is licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides.

Venus Freeze Plus™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides, and licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and temporary reduction in the appearance of stretch marks.

Venus Freeze™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides, and licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and temporary reduction in the appearance of stretch marks.

Venus Fiore™ has been launched in India, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries, and is undergoing regulatory processes in Europe and North America. It is designed as a unique solution for feminine health with three applicators to address internal vaginal health restoration, labia skin tightening, and mons pubis reduction.

Venus Swan™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides, and licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and temporary reduction in the appearance of stretch marks.

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