The science of phototype-specific aesthetics · London
Medical aesthetics by Fitzpatrick skin type. Calibrated for Fitzpatrick I to VI.
Melanin changes how skin responds to a laser, a peel and a needle. So every treatment at Melatone™ is set to your Fitzpatrick skin type, not to a fixed menu. We built our protocols around the highest-risk skin, Fitzpatrick IV to VI, which means fair and medium skin are treated with the same precision. Clinician-led in Battersea, South London, serving every skin tone.
In short
What is phototype-matched aesthetics?
Phototype-matched means the treatment is matched to your Fitzpatrick type, from I (fair) to VI (deeply pigmented). The laser wavelength, the peel strength, the injection technique and the aftercare all change with how much melanin your skin carries. A clinic that calibrates for the highest-risk skin gives every skin type a more careful result. Every plan is led by Arman Zaki, a GMC-registered Physician Associate, after a consultation in Battersea. Results vary between individuals.
Why phototype changes the treatment
The same treatment, calibrated differently.
Skin type is not cosmetic detail. It changes the physics and the biology of what we do, which is why a one-setting-fits-all clinic is a risk for darker skin and a compromise for everyone else.
| What changes | Fitzpatrick I to III | Fitzpatrick IV to VI |
|---|---|---|
| Laser wavelength | Shorter wavelengths can suit | 1064nm Nd:YAG, safer past epidermal melanin |
| Chemical peel strength | Higher strengths often tolerated | Low strength, patch tested, PIH aware |
| Main pigmentation risk | Redness and sun damage | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) |
| Aftercare priority | Daily broad-spectrum SPF | SPF plus healing-response monitoring |
Guidance only, confirmed for your skin at consultation. Suitability and settings are individual, and results vary.
Four calibrated modalities
One clinic, matched to your skin.
Advanced laser therapy
Laser, wavelength matched to phototype.
1064nm Nd:YAG for darker skin, calibrated settings for every tone.
Regenerative
Polynucleotides and skin boosters.
Improve your own skin quality. See also Profhilo and skin boosters.
Hydro-dermabrasion
Hydrofacial (HydroMED Pro).
Deep-cleanse and glow, tools curated per session.
Peels and resurfacing
Chemical peels, dosed for your skin.
Low-strength and PIH aware for darker skin, resurfacing for fair skin.
Looking for the whole regenerative menu in one place? See evidence-based facial restoration, or the conditions we treat most: melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Our special interest
Skin of Colour is why we are this careful.
Melatone was built for melanin-rich skin, Fitzpatrick IV to VI, where the wrong laser or an over-strong peel can leave lasting pigmentation. That is the hardest safety problem in aesthetics, and solving it sets the standard for everyone. Our clinical position is simple: even tone, never lighter skin. We do not offer bleaching, skin-whitening or depigmentation. If you have deeper skin, this is a clinic that was designed for you. If you have fair skin, this is a clinic that treats you with the same rigour. Read about our Skin of Colour care.
For fair and medium skin, Fitzpatrick I to III
Precision, not a package.
Fair and medium skin bring their own priorities: sun damage, early ageing, surface texture and dullness. For skin quality and fine lines we lead with regenerative treatments, polynucleotides, skin boosters and microneedling, which work with your own skin rather than freezing it. For surface tone and sun-related dullness, a calibrated chemical peel or a HydroMED Pro facial helps. You get a clinician who chooses the tool for your concern, matched to your phototype, and who will tell you honestly when a treatment is not the right fit. Results vary, and every treatment is for adults aged 18 and over.
Common questions
Phototype-matched aesthetics, answered.
What does phototype-matched aesthetics mean?
It means every treatment is calibrated to your Fitzpatrick skin type, from I to VI. The laser wavelength, the peel strength, the injection technique and the aftercare all change with how much melanin your skin carries. We built our protocols around the highest-risk skin, Fitzpatrick IV to VI, which means every skin type is treated with the same care. Individual results vary.
Do you treat fair skin, Fitzpatrick I to III, or only Skin of Colour?
Both. Skin of Colour, Fitzpatrick IV to VI, is our special interest, but our regenerative, resurfacing and laser treatments are calibrated for every phototype, I to VI. Fair and medium skin benefit from the same precise, evidence-led approach. We confirm what suits your skin at a consultation.
Why does laser wavelength change with skin tone?
Because melanin absorbs laser light. On darker skin, Fitzpatrick IV to VI, a longer 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength passes epidermal melanin more safely, which is why it is the preferred choice for deeper tones. Lighter skin can suit shorter wavelengths. Matching the wavelength to your phototype is the difference between a safe result and a burn or a pigmentation change, so we assess your Fitzpatrick type before any laser.
Is a clinic with a special interest in Skin of Colour right for fair skin?
Yes, and often it is the more careful choice. A clinic that has calibrated its protocols for the highest-risk skin brings that same precision to every skin type. Fair-skin patients get a clinician who thinks about wavelength, peel depth and healing response, rather than a fixed package. Skin of Colour expertise is proof of rigour, not a restriction.
Which treatments suit early ageing and sun damage in fair skin?
For skin quality, fine lines and early ageing we lead with regenerative options: polynucleotides, skin boosters and Profhilo, and microneedling, which improve your own skin rather than freezing it. For surface tone, texture and sun-related dullness, a calibrated chemical peel or a HydroMED Pro facial helps. We plan the combination at consultation. Results vary, and every treatment is for adults aged 18 and over.
Who plans my treatment at Melatone?
Arman Zaki, our founder and GMC-registered Physician Associate (Ref A8131967), leads every clinical consultation and treatment plan. Injectable dermal filler, where appropriate, is delivered by Arman or by Rhianna Beckford, our HCPC-registered Paramedic, who hold the same Foundation and Advanced injectables training. Melatone is clinician-led, not technician-led.
Where is Melatone Skin Clinic?
Melatone Skin Clinic is at Unit 13A, Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5QL, 10 to 14 minutes on foot from Clapham Junction, serving Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth and South West London.
£30 honest consultation
Talk to Arman first.
£30, deducted from your first session.
Medical aesthetic treatments are for adults aged 18 and over, delivered after a clinical assessment of suitability. Results vary between individuals.
Continue at home
What we use in clinic, now on your shelf
Even, luminous tone needs the right daily actives. This is the pigmentation homecare we build most routines around, with free UK delivery over £65.