Journal

PicoWay for skin of colour: what you should know

Darker skin tones need a laser that respects melanin. The PicoWay's picosecond pulses are gentler on surrounding pigment than older lasers, which makes it a considered option for many skin tones — with careful assessment and conservative settings every time.

Why skin of colour needs a different conversation

Melanin absorbs laser energy. Older lasers, with longer pulses, could heat surrounding skin too much — risking the very pigmentation problems clients came to fix. That's why many people with deeper skin tones were told laser wasn't for them.

Picosecond lasers like the PicoWay deliver energy in trillionths of a second — fast enough to target pigment with less heat in the surrounding skin.

My approach

Assessment first, always. I look at your skin, your concern and your health history, and I start conservatively. Settings are adjusted gradually as we see how your skin responds.

I'll also be honest about limits: some pigment concerns, like melasma, need a careful approach, and results vary from person to person.

Common questions

Is the PicoWay safe for dark skin?

Its picosecond pulses are gentler on melanin than older lasers, which makes it a considered option for many skin tones. Safety still comes down to assessment and settings — both of which I take seriously.

Can you treat dark spots on deeper skin tones?

Often, yes, with conservative settings. I assess each client's skin first and explain what's realistic before any treatment.

Will laser lighten my natural skin tone?

The goal is always to target the concern — the spot, the ink, the scar — not your natural tone. Conservative settings and proper spacing protect the surrounding skin.

Reviewed by Rita Hoxha