Laser treatments have come a long way, but for those with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), finding safe and effective options hasn’t always been easy. For years, many lasers were designed with lighter skin in mind, leaving clients with more melanin in their skin at risk of burns, scarring, or worsening pigmentation.
At Honey Skincare Studio, we believe everyone deserves access to the very best in skin technology. That’s why we’ve invested in best-in-class lasers that are proven safe and effective for darker skin tones. From the ultra-precise PicoSure® Pro, to the highly customizable Moxi®, to the collagen-boosting Laser Genesis®, we’ve built a suite of treatments that not only protect melanin-rich skin, but also deliver transformational results.
And when it comes to stubborn pigmentation? The Pico + Moxi combination is what we consider the gold standard.
PicoSure® Pro: Precision Without the Risk
If you’ve ever looked into pigmentation treatments for darker skin tones, you’ve likely heard about the PICO laser. At Honey, we carry the newest PicoSure® Pro, the most advanced device in this family.
What makes it different is speed. Pico lasers deliver energy in trillionths of a second, breaking up unwanted pigment without building up heat in the skin. For darker skin tones, that’s critical because heat is what can trigger rebound hyperpigmentation. With PicoSure Pro, we can treat:
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Sun damage and dark spots
- Acne scars and uneven texture
All while stimulating collagen for smoother, brighter skin. It’s safe, effective, and a cornerstone treatment for our clients with darker skin tones.
Moxi®: Gentle, Customizable Skin Resurfacing
The Moxi® laser is often called the “prejuvenation laser,” but don’t be fooled by its gentle reputation. Moxi is one of the few resurfacing lasers that’s been proven safe for darker skin tones when used at the right settings.
What we love most is its customizability. Moxi can be dialed down for maintenance and prevention, or dialed up to help with stubborn pigment like melasma. For clients with darker skin tones, we carefully customize settings and may recommend pretreating the skin (more on that below) to ensure the best, safest outcome.
Moxi smooths texture, brightens tone, and helps address pigment at a superficial level, making it the perfect complement to PicoSure Pro.
Pico + Moxi: The Gold Standard Combination
So why pair them? Because pigment lives at multiple depths in the skin.
- PicoSure Pro targets deeper pigment particles with unparalleled precision.
- Moxi resurfaces and brightens at a superficial level.
Together, they tackle pigmentation from both angles, making them the gold standard for hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. Even better, they have a synergistic effect, meaning both treatments deliver enhanced results when combined. It’s a lot like pairing retinol and vitamin C in a skincare routine: each one is powerful on its own, but together they create even more noticeable, lasting results.
For our clients with Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin, this combination has delivered some of the most impressive transformations we’ve seen — safely, effectively, and without compromising the integrity of their skin.
Laser Genesis®: A Gentle Glow That’s Safe for All
While Pico and Moxi are heavy hitters for pigmentation, Laser Genesis® is like the quiet hero. Using a safe 1064nm wavelength, it gently warms the skin to:
- Improve redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Stimulate collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.
- Minimize fine lines and refine texture.
- Give that signature, natural “glow.”
For darker skin tones, Laser Genesis is a safe, no-downtime option that fits seamlessly into long-term skin maintenance plans.
Bonus: 1064nm for Laser Hair Removal
The same 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength used in Laser Genesis is also the safest option for laser hair removal in darker skin tones. It bypasses melanin in the skin, targeting only the follicle, making it both effective and safe.
Learn more about our Laser Hair Removal treatments.
Preparing Your Skin for the Best Results
For clients with skin of color, pretreatment can make a huge difference in outcomes, especially when treating pigment. We often recommend prepping the skin with medical-grade skincare to calm inflammation, even tone, and strengthen your barrier before jumping into higher settings on treatments like Moxi.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on how to prepare your skin for laser treatments if you have skin of color → Read our blog here.
Why Honey Skincare Studio is Different
We take darker skin tones seriously. That means:
- Carrying only best-in-class, FDA-cleared devices proven safe for Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
- Investing in advanced provider training so treatments are always performed with precision and safety.
- Building treatment plans that respect melanin-rich skin while still delivering real results.
Our passion is doing things right, with no shortcuts and no risks, so every client can feel confident and radiant in their skin.
Ready to see what’s possible? Book your consultation today and discover why Honey Skincare Studio is the trusted destination for laser treatments for darker skin tones in Arlington VA, Washington DC, and the DMV.
Written with care by Tara Smith, Master Aesthetician — dedicated to celebrating skin of all tones and teaching clients how to care for theirs with confidence.
