Why might someone with a different skin tone receive different treatment recommendations than you?
With over three decades of experience, I can affirm that understanding how IPL interacts with melanin is a science that lays the foundation for luxurious, safe, and individualized results.
Read how IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) truly works, why the Fitzpatrick scale is a leading safety tool, and when other advanced technologies may offer a more refined and safer solution.
How IPL Interacts with Melanin
IPL emits a broad spectrum of light (approximately 400–1400 nm) that’s absorbed by chromophores like melanin, hemoglobin, and water. This process turns light into thermal energy (scientifically known as selective photothermolysis) and is key to treating pigmentation softly yet effectively.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy was first invented in 1992 as a treatment for leg telangiectasias. The FDA approved the first IPL equipment in 1995, and innovation has boomed since then, leading to expansive clinical applications.
This innovation has made it an extensively tested, safe, and effective option for various pigmented and vascular disorders, hair removal, and photoaging treatment.
Why the Fitzpatrick Scale Is a Leading Safety Tool
Developed by dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick in the 1970s, the Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin based on how it burns or tans. The scale starts at I (very fair) and ends at VI (deeply pigmented). It remains a leading tool in determining safe and effective IPL settings tailored to each skin type.
For Fitzpatrick Types IV–VI, high levels of melanin in the epidermis increase the risk of adverse reactions like post‑inflammatory pigmentation when using IPL.
For level IV-VI clients, technologies like Nd:YAG lasers, customized radiofrequency or LED therapies provide safer, melanin-appropriate alternatives.
FAQs
[Q] Is IPL safe for all skin tones?
[A] is generally safe for Fitzpatrick Types I–III. For Types IV–VI, a careful assessment, and possibly an alternative technology, is essential to ensure your safety and positive results.
[Q] What makes the Fitzpatrick scale so important?
[A] It helps practitioners calibrate IPL settings, like wavelength and energy, to match your skin’s natural responses, ensuring efficacy and safety.
[Q] Which alternatives work best for deeper skin tones?
[A] Technologies such as Nd:YAG lasers, tailored radiofrequency treatments, or LED therapies can offer more precise and gentle results for melanin-rich skin.
We always curate treatments that celebrate your inner radiance and unique biology, never chasing trends, always delivering innovation with integrity and personalized luxury.
Book your personalized consultation in NYC to discuss your eligibility for an IPL facial that delivers Oscar-winning radiant skin.