ViQure EpiPro Diode Laser (200W): Technical Review by Estheticians

Fitzpatrick Skin Type I (Very Fair Skin)

If you have very fair skin that always burns and never tans, you fall under Fitzpatrick Type I.

This is the lightest skin type, which generally tolerates higher fluence and faster results with minimal risk of pigmentation issues.

Hair Removal – Clinical Settings

Pro Hair Removal Tips – Fitz Type I

• Use faster pulse rates (up to 6Hz) on larger areas like legs or arms to speed up treatment time.
• Safest skin type for diode laser hair removal — very low risk of burns or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
• While fair skin tolerates higher fluences well, always start conservatively on sensitive areas like the face and bikini line.
• Cooling gel is primarily for comfort, not safety — the risk of burns or PIH is very low with Type I skin.
• Optional ice packs before and after can reduce redness and enhance comfort. Reassess skin response after the first few pulses.
• Start with sessions every 2–3 weeks for the first couple of months, then reassess based on hair reduction progress.
• Hair density affects results: coarse hair (e.g., underarms, bikini) responds faster than fine hair (e.g., forearms), even at high fluence.

Skin Rejuvenation Parameters – Fitzpatrick Type I

Pro Skin Rejuvenation Tips – Fitz Type I

• Start with Energy Level 1+ to 2±, depending on the area. Use Level 2± or even 3- for non-sensitive zones like the arms or legs.
• For sensitive areas, begin conservatively and increase only if tolerated.
• Each use should be separated by 28 days.
• Pre-treatment prep matters–skin should be clean and dry. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, or acids for at least 48 hours prior.
• Post-treatment care–Apply hydrating, fragrance-free products — think hyaluronic acid or centella asiatica serums or creams.
• Downtime is minimal — expect mild redness or tingling for a few hours only.
• Redness fades quickly, often within the same day.
• Sunscreen is still essential, but the risk of lasting hyperpigmentation is low in Type I skin.
• You can resume gentle actives (AHAs, BHAs) sooner than with darker skin types — just monitor for irritation.

Fitzpatrick Type II (Fair Skin — burns easily, tans minimally)

Fitz II skin still tolerates relatively high energy levels, but with slightly more risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation than Type I.

It’s a balance between aggressiveness and caution, especially on sensitive or sun-exposed areas.

Hair Removal – Clinical Settings

Pro Hair Removal Tips – Fitz Type II

• Use 2–4 Hz for most areas; go slower in zones with thinner skin or more melanin (groin, upper lip).
• Fitz Type II is usually safe at full fluence (Level 3) for body zones, but needs a more cautious approach on sensitive areas. 
• Be mindful of recent sun exposure, especially in tropical climates
• Avoid aggressive stacking of pulses, especially in warmer climates or tanned skin.
• Apply cooling gel generously, and monitor skin tone changes after first 2–3 pulses.
• Redness and irritation are more common than in Type I, but pigmentation risk is still relatively low.
• Stick to monthly intervals at first to follow the hair cycle. Adjust based on skin reaction and density.
• Optional ice after treatment to reduce redness, especially on sun-exposed areas.

Skin Rejuvenation Parameters – Fitzpatrick Type II

Pro Skin Rejuvenation Tips – Fitz Type II

• Start with Level 1+ and build to 2± if skin tolerates it well.
• Be extra cautious post-sun exposure — delay treatment if client is recently tanned.
• Expect mild erythema (redness) and possible warmth for 2–6 hours after treatment.
• Avoid actives (retinol, AHAs/BHAs) 48 hours before and 3–5 days after.
• Hydrating, non-fragranced aftercare (hyaluronic acid, centella) is a must.
• Recommend daily SPF 50+ — pigmentation risk is higher than in Type I, especially with repeated sun exposure.
• Each use should be separated by 28 days.

Fitzpatrick Type III (Light Olive Skin)

Light olive or fair beige skin with some tanning ability. This type sits at the safe upper edge of low-risk tones. 

Diode lasers remain highly effective, but the risk of pigmentation reactions begins to increase. 

Moderate fluence settings are usually safe, but monitor for any redness or irritation.

Hair Removal – Clinical Settings

Pro Hair Removal Tips – Fitz Type III

• Start with Level 1+ to 2 fluence depending on the area — prioritize skin safety over speed of results.
• Avoid sun exposure 1–2 weeks before treatment. Recent tanning increases risk of burns or pigment rebound.
• Pre-screen for sun exposure or tanning, and never treat if skin appears recently tanned.
• Expect modest erythema or redness, but warn clients about potential pigment changes if post-care isn’t followed strictly.
• Use cooling gel generously and consider cold compress post-treatment.
• Expect faster results on dense, coarse hair (underarms, bikini); finer hair may need more touch-ups.
• Stick to monthly intervals at first, and reassess fluence only after confirming safe tolerance.
• Skin Type III often sits on the threshold between aggressive and cautious — monitor closely and adjust as needed.

Skin Rejuvenation Parameters – Fitzpatrick Type III

Pro Skin Rejuvenation Tips – Fitz Type III

• Start at Level 1+, especially on the face. Increase gradually to Level 2± if no post-treatment darkening occurs.
• Avoid retinol, AHA/BHA, and vitamin C 3–5 days before and after each session.
• Hydrate the skin with calming serums post-treatment — choose non-irritating, fragrance-free formulas.
• Redness may last longer than with Types I–II — expect 4–12 hours of erythema.
• Reinforce sunscreen use daily — SPF 50+ is a must to prevent pigmentation rebound.
• Avoid heat (hot showers, sauna) for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
• Each use should be separated by 28 days.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV (Moderate Brown Skin)

This tone contains more melanin, increasing sensitivity to heat-based devices. 

Diode lasers are safer than IPL but require more conservative fluence. 

It’s more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) than lighter types, so fluence must be carefully managed, especially on sensitive areas.

Use test patches and stick to mid-level energy with lower frequency (Hz) for best results.

Hair Removal – Clinical Settings

Pro Hair Removal Tips – Fitz Type IV

• Always start at Level 1+, even on non-sensitive areas. Melanin absorbs laser energy faster — higher fluence may cause PIH or burns.
• Use slower pulse rates (1–3 Hz) to reduce thermal buildup, especially on high-risk zones like bikini or face.
• Apply a thick layer of cooling gel, and wait a few seconds between passes to let the skin recover.
• Avoid treating skin that is tanned, recently sun-exposed, or inflamed.
• Post-treatment, apply ice packs for 5–10 minutes on clients with warmth or swelling.
• Extend intervals to 5–6 weeks between sessions
• High risk of PIH if fluence is too strong or sessions are done too frequently. Cooling, spacing, and skin prep are essential to avoid injury.
• Strict post-care and SPF adherence will make or break long-term outcomes.
• Skin Type IV requires a measured approach, especially when treating the face, neck, and bikini area.

Skin Rejuvenation Parameters – Fitzpatrick Type IV

Pro Skin Rejuvenation Tips – Fitz Type IV

• Use Level 1 to 1± only, especially on the face. Even mild over-treatment can trigger pigmentation changes.
• No actives (retinol, acids, vitamin C) at least 5 days before and after treatment.
• Encourage post-treatment skin hydration with centella, niacinamide, or barrier-repair creams.
• Clients may notice slight darkening before lightening — reassure them this is normal as pigment breaks down.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable — daily SPF 50 is critical for safe healing and to prevent rebound pigmentation.
• Avoid hot showers, saunas, or workouts that raise body temperature for at least 48 hours.
• Each use should be separated by 28 days.

Fitzpatrick Type V (Moderate Brown Skin)

Dark brown skin with a strong tendency to pigment and very high melanin response to light energy. 

Diode lasers penetrate deeper than IPL, making them a safer option with proper care; but always start with the lowest safe setting and work up gradually.

Treatments must prioritize epidermal protection, controlled fluence, and consistent post-care.

Hair Removal – Clinical Settings

Pro Hair Removal Tips – Fitz Type V

• Start and stay at Level 1+ fluence — do not exceed unless you have controlled patch test results after several sessions.
• Use slow pulse rates (1–3 Hz) to prevent heat buildup in melanin-rich skin.
• Cooling gel must be applied generously and consistently to avoid surface burns.
• Always avoid excessive overlap, especially on facial, neck, and groin areas.
• Do not treat recently tanned or sun-exposed skin — the risk of burns and PIH is extremely high.
• Apply ice packs after every treatment, especially on areas prone to redness or swelling.
• Wait 5–6 weeks between sessions to give the skin enough time to fully recover and stabilize pigment production.
• Barrier-based post-care and religious SPF are non-negotiable for safe healing and optimal results.
• Type V responds well to treatment if managed carefully — but any error in fluence or post-care may result in months of rebound pigment.

Skin Rejuvenation Parameters – Fitzpatrick Type V

Pro Skin Rejuvenation Tips – Fitz Type V

• Begin with Level 1 only. Use Level 1± cautiously, only on thicker or less pigmented areas.
• Never use acids, retinol, or brightening agents 5 days before and after each session.
• Recommend intensive hydration and barrier support (ceramides, centella, niacinamide).
• Warn clients that slight darkening is common before brightening — part of the pigment breakdown process.
• SPF 50+ is mandatory and must be reapplied every 2 hours during sun exposure.
• Avoid heat and friction (hot showers, tight clothing, intense workouts) for 48 hours post-treatment.
• Each use should be separated by 28 days.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI (Deeply Pigmented Black Skin)

Skin Type VI has the highest melanin density, meaning it’s the most reactive to laser energy and most vulnerable to burns, blisters, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Typically not supported by IPL devices due to safety concerns.Requires maximum caution with fluence, frequency, overlap, and post-care adherence.

Hair Removal – Clinical Settings

Pro Hair Removal Tips – Fitz Type VI

• Patch test is required before full treatment begins.
• Level 1–2 fluence max for all treatments. Never exceed unless well-tested.
• Always use slow frequency (1–3 Hz) and pause between zones to let skin cool.
• Cooling gel is mandatory — apply thickly before and reapply during treatment.
• Space sessions at least 5–6 weeks apart to minimize cumulative heat and pigment disruption.
• Non-negotiable: thick cooling gel, slow pulse rate, spaced treatments, and patch testing.
• Barrier repair and SPF 50+ must be enforced, or you risk worsening pigmentation.
• When treated correctly, Type VI users can achieve excellent results, but require the most cautious and consistent approach.

Skin Rejuvenation Parameters – Fitzpatrick Type VI

Pro Skin Rejuvenation Tips – Fitz Type VI

• Level 1 only for all face and body zones; Level 1± cautiously on legs and non-sensitive areas.
• Never treat if the skin is recently exfoliated, inflamed, or recovering from acne or insect bites.
• Use barrier-restoring products post-treatment (niacinamide, centella, ceramides).
• Expect visible darkening of spots before fading — pigment may break up unevenly at first.
• Sunscreen is essential, even indoors, for the full course and 2–4 weeks afterward.
• Avoid all heat and friction (e.g., scrubbing, steam, workouts) for 72 hours minimum.
• Each use should be separated by 28 days.