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    Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–VI: Laser Parameters and Safety

    The Fitzpatrick scale has been the international standard for classifying skin types since 1975. It forms the essential foundation for every safe laser application.

    Technology 8 min readPublished:

    The Six Skin Types

    The classification is based on skin color, reaction to sun exposure, and tanning behavior.

    • I – Very fair, always burns, never tans
    • II – Fair, often burns, tans minimally
    • III – Medium, sometimes burns, tans uniformly
    • IV – Mediterranean/Olive, rarely burns, tans well
    • V – Dark, very rarely burns, tans intensely
    • VI – Very dark, never burns, deep pigmentation

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    Which skin type is the most challenging to treat?

    Skin types V–VI: high melanin levels in the stratum basale increase the risk of hyperpigmentation. A 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is mandatory here.

    How do I determine the skin type?

    Via standardized questionnaires combined with a visual assessment. In studios and clinics, spectrophotometers are increasingly becoming the standard by 2026.

    These systems put the topic into practice

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