Skin Checker 0
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Skin type checker

Is IPL suitable for your skin type?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is an effective hair removal method, but not every skin type responds to it in the same way. The Fitzpatrick scale helps determine which skin types are suitable for IPL treatments.

The Fitzpatrick skin type scale

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin types based on their reaction to UV light. Determine your skin type below to see if IPL hair removal is suitable for you.

Type I

UV reaction

Always burns, never tans

Zeer geschikt
Type II

UV reaction

Burns quickly, tans lightly

Zeer geschikt
Type III

UV reaction

Burns moderately, tans gradually

Geschikt
Type IV

UV reaction

Rarely burns, tans easily

Geschikt
Type V

UV reaction

Burns rarely, dark pigment

Beperkt
Type VI

UV reaction

Never burns, very dark pigment

Niet geschikt

IPL works best with a high contrast between skin tone and hair color. Dark hair on light skin yields the best results.

Suitable for almost everyone

Does IPL work for you?

Choose your skin tone and hair color and find out immediately if IPL is suitable for your situation.

Jouw huidtint
Fitzpatrick-schaal: I = brandt altijd, kleurt nooit · VI = brandt nooit, altijd donker. Kies de tint die het dichtst bij je natuurlijke kleur ligt.
Haarkleur op de zone
IPL werkt op het pigment in haar (melanine). Donkere haren absorberen het licht effectief, terwijl blond, rood en grijs haar dit niet of slechts beperkt doen. Daardoor is IPL bij deze haarkleuren vaak minder effectief of zijn er meer behandelingen nodig.
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Selecteer je type
Kies je huidtint en haarkleur hierboven en kom er direct achter of IPL geschikt is voor jouw situatie.
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Veelgestelde vragen

All about IPL and how it works

Which skin type is not suitable for IPL?

Fitzpatrick skin types V (dark) and VI (very dark) are not suitable for IPL hair removal. In these skin types, the skin itself absorbs too much light energy, which means the risk of burns and pigment changes is too high. For darker skin types, professional laser hair removal with a laser is a safer alternative.

Does IPL work on blonde, red, gray, or white hair?

Red, gray, and white hair contain too little melanin (pigment) for effective IPL treatment. The light needs melanin to reach and deactivate the hair root. Blond hair contains limited melanin; IPL can work, but the results are slower and less complete than with dark hair. IPL works most effectively on light brown to black hair.

What is the Fitzpatrick scale?

The Fitzpatrick scale is a dermatological classification that categorizes skin types from I (very fair) to VI (very dark), based on natural skin color and reaction to UV light. Developed in 1975 by dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick, the scale is used worldwide to determine which skin and light treatments, including IPL, are safe for each skin type.

How do I determine my skin type for IPL?

Your skin type is determined by two factors: your natural skin tone and how your skin reacts to sun exposure. If you always burn and never tan, you probably have skin type I or II. If you tan easily without burning, you are closer to type III or IV. Use the quiz at the top of this page for a personal assessment, including recommended intensity level.

Is IPL safe for dark skin?

IPL is safe for skin types I to IV (very light to medium-dark), provided you treat at the correct energy level. Skin type IV requires a lower starting level (level 1-2) and a gradual build-up. The Nova One has a built-in skin sensor that detects skin tone and automatically limits the maximum intensity. For skin types V and VI, IPL is not suitable due to the risk of skin damage.

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