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The Fitzpatrick Skin Chart


In the laser hair removal community, skin types are often discussed in terms of the “Fitzpatrick Chart,” a classification system based on the skin’s response to sun exposure. It’s helpful to know what type you are, and compare it to your hair type, in order to determine how effective laser hair removal will be for you. But keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule, and the only proven way to determine your candidacy is through a personal consultation with a laser hair removal specialist.

 



TYPE I: Highly sun-sensitive, always burns, never tans.
Example: Very pale Caucasian, freckles, or Albino
TYPE II: Very sun-sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
Example: Fair-skinned Caucasian
TYPE III: Sun-sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown.
Example: Darker Caucasian, European mix
TYPE IV: Minimally sun-sensitive, rarely burns, always tans to moderate brown.
Example: Mediterranean, European, Asian, Hispanic, Native American
TYPE V: Sun-insensitive skin, rarely burns, tans well.
Example: Hispanic, Afro-American, Middle Eastern
TYPE VI: Sun-insensitive, never burns, deeply pigmented.
Example: Afro-American, African, Middle Eastern



Laser Type Common Names Candidates
Alexandrite
 GentleLase, mini gentlelase, Apogee, EpiTouch Skin Types 1-4
This laser is extremely quick and is one of the most widely used lasers on the market today. It works best on skin types 1-3. Should not be used in setting of a tan.
IPL (aka"Intense Pulsed Light")
 Starlux, Medilux, EpiLight, PhotoDerm, Aculight, Quantum, Vasculite Skin Types 1-6
IPLs vary considerably in their safety and efficacy; newer systems are more advanced, spa systems are often underpowered. Some IPLs are unsafe for darker skin. Some don’t cool skin during the treatment, which is a problem.
Diode
 Light Sheer, MedioStar, LaserLite, Epistar, Apex 800, F1 Diode, SLP1000

Skin Types 1-4,
5-6 with SLP
These lasers may remove hair more slowly.
Photoneumatic Therapy Isolaz Skin types 1-6.
Uses photo pneumatic suction to enhance level of hair clearance.
Nd:Yag
 GentleYag, CoolGlide, Medlite IV, Varia, Athos, Lyra, Image

Skin Types 1-6 (ideal for 4-6)
This is considered by many experts to be the gold standard for the treatment of dark skin.

If you’re a Type 5-6, we recommend attending a consultation with a center that utilizes the Yag laser hair removal system.
Q Switched Nd:Yag
 Medlite C6

Skin types 1-6
Useful to treat very fine hair, especially in patients with darker skin.
Ruby RubyStar, E2000 Skin Types 1-3
Known as the original laser system. It still effectively treats light to olive toned skin, but is definitely not recommended for Types 4-6. Side effect profile is significant, so this is not widely used any more.