Expert Skin of Colour Treatments in Battersea, London

Laser hair removal can be performed on Fitzpatrick III to VI skin when the correct wavelength and parameters are used. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is the most studied option for darker skin because it targets the hair follicle while sparing surface pigment. Laser does carry a documented risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones, so at Melatone a Fitzpatrick assessment and a patch test are completed before any course begins. Laser is led by Catia, our Laser Lead, who holds VTCT Level 4 in laser and IPL. Every plan starts with a consultation.

Several treatments may help improve the visible appearance of hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin when selected and calibrated appropriately. These may include a structured topical programme, conservative superficial peels, polynucleotide biostimulator injections as a skin quality adjunct, and microneedling with melanin safe parameters. Evidence on combination approaches for pigmentation is summarised by Kashetsky and colleagues (2024), JEADV, DOI 10.1111/jdv.19566. The right combination depends on the cause and your Fitzpatrick type, which is why every plan begins with a clinical consultation. Results may vary.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may persist longer in Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin because melanocytes in darker skin produce more melanin in response to inflammation, and that pigment may sit deeper and clear more slowly. This is why a treatment designed for lighter skin can leave months of discolouration on richer tones. The clinical priority is to calm the inflammation first and protect the barrier, then support even tone gradually. A consultation establishes the cause before any treatment. Results may vary.

Every Skin of Colour consultation at Melatone begins with a Fitzpatrick assessment. Arman Zaki, GMC-registered Physician Associate (Ref A8131967), MSc-trained and qualified in 2021, leads the initial assessment and holds a declared special interest in Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin. The consultation maps the cause of your concern, your skin type, and a staged plan that protects your natural tone. We are at Unit 13A, Battersea Business Centre, 99 to 109 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5QL, about 10 minutes from Clapham Junction.

Laser can worsen hyperpigmentation in darker skin if the wrong wavelength or settings are used, a risk that is well documented in peer-reviewed literature. At Melatone, Catia (Laser Lead, VTCT Level 4) selects wavelength and fluence to the Fitzpatrick type, and a patch test is performed before any course. Aggressive devices and high energy settings are not the starting point for Fitzpatrick V to VI skin. Where laser is not the right tool, the consultation will say so. Results may vary.

Yes. Melatone treats patients across all Fitzpatrick types, from I to VI, with protocols calibrated to each type, and holds a declared special interest in Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin. The clinic position is healthy skin for every tone: we even tone, we do not lighten complexion. Melatone does not offer skin whitening, bleaching, or depigmentation. Every plan begins with a consultation with Arman Zaki, GMC-registered Physician Associate (Ref A8131967).

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is triggered by injury or inflammation to the skin, such as acne, a procedure, or a burn. Melasma is a hormonally influenced pigmentation condition, often symmetrical across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, and may be affected by sun, heat, and hormones. They look similar but respond to different approaches, which is why a clinical assessment is needed to tell them apart before treatment. Results may vary.

Melatone treats pigmentation across Fitzpatrick types I to VI, with particular depth of expertise in Fitzpatrick IV to VI. Your Fitzpatrick type is assessed at the consultation because it determines which treatments are appropriate and at what settings. This is the step that protects darker skin from the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that generic, one size fits all protocols can cause.