Why Fitzpatrick Skin Types 5 & 6 Often Don't Require Pigment Camouflage

Fitzpatrick skin types 5 & 6 usually DON’T need pigment camouflage and here’s why...

The paramedical tattoo industry is experiencing a surge, especially for treating stretch marks, scars and hypopigmentation (white) in darker skin types (Fitzpatrick 5 & 6). With a lot of new artists popping up in the industry, we are seeing more treatments being performed on darker skin types. It’s fantastic that there is finally a solution to be able to treat melanin rich skins as historically, these skin tones faced limited treatment options due to higher risks and lower success rates. This was particularly frustrating for these skin types as the contrast between lighter stretch marks and darker skin can be more noticeable, exacerbating self-consciousness.

Individuals with darker skin have excitedly sought pigment camouflage tattoo application over their white scars and stretch marks, often overlooking a lesser-known alternative: 'Inkless Camouflage Tattoo’. This innovative approach substitutes pigments with medical-grade serums, skillfully applied with fine, customized tattoo needles. This controlled technique not only smooths and reduces stretch marks but also stimulates natural melanin production, which is particularly effective for darker skin tones naturally rich in melanin. However, it's important to note that like any needling procedure, including traditional pigment tattooing, there exists a risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Most skin types will get short term hyperpigmentation while healing from paramedical tattoo for stretch marks and scars, however the darker the skin is, the more chances of prolonged and even permanent hyperpigmentation are. There is also a higher risk for potential scar formation. It is crucial that the needle technique, type of needle and speed are all adjusted for darker skins to reduce these risks.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation refers to a condition where patches of skin become darker in colour than the surrounding skin. This occurs due to an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Occurs after skin inflammation or injury heals and appears as darkened patches or spots at the site of the injury.

A preliminary test for melanin response is crucial before considering standard pigment camouflage tattoo on darker skin. If a darker skin has pigment camouflage tattooing without testing to assess their melanin response WITHOUT pigment first (using the Inkless method), there is a risk that the tattooed pigment PLUS the client’s natural melanin formation will heal too dark (PIH)…resulting in the area now looking darker than their natural skin tone. Luckily, in most cases post inflammatory hyperpigmentation will go away on its own, but occasionally it can be permanent.

In some cases, Fitzpatrick skin types 5 and 6 do not produce enough melanin to disguise the whiter stretch marks, scars or hypopigmentation. If this is the case, once the areas are smooth and flat to the skin from Inkless, we can then add pigment. Adding pigment to deep or wrinkly/textured stretch marks or scars won’t give the best end result, since the texture difference will still make them stand out, even if they are the same colour as the surrounding skin. Adding pigment should always be the final step. Several sessions of Inkless camouflage may be needed to see a good improvement and it’s important for clients to trust the process and not give up after 1 session. While it is possible to get a dramatic result in 1 treatment, it is not always realistic as we cannot predict how anyone’s skin will respond in advance. Generally, 2-5 treatments can be needed.

NOT MY WORK. Here is an example of treating the skin with Pigment Camouflage Tattoo and not addressing the texture and quality of the stretch marks with Inkless Tattoo first. While you can’t see the white stretch marks anymore, the way that light naturally catches on the skin has now enhanced the visibility of the texture.

Avoid succumbing to trends by hastily opting for pigment on scars and stretch marks if you fall within Fitzpatrick skin types 5 or 6. Inkless camouflage offers a natural, long-lasting solution with minimal maintenance, contrasting with pigment that typically requires periodic touch-ups as it naturally fades over time.

Here is an example of treating stretch marks with a series of Inkless camouflage tattoo, the white stretch marks have naturally re-pigmented and the texture and quality of her skin has improved.

At Skin Conceal, I take pride in enhancing confidence for individuals with melanin-rich skin by minimizing risks and achieving long-lasting, natural results. As well as alleviating anxiety associated with scars and stretch marks. For more information, feel free to get in touch with me!