What skin type is most at risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser treatment?

Skin types IV to VI are most at risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser treatment due to their higher melanin content. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color, and individuals with darker skin types have more melanin. Following laser treatment, which can cause trauma to the skin, an overproduction of melanin can occur as part of the skin's healing response, leading to darkened patches or areas of hyperpigmentation.

Darker skin types (IV to VI) have a greater propensity for this type of pigmentation change because the inflammatory response can stimulate melanocytes—cells responsible for producing melanin—more strongly than in lighter skin types (I to III). Additionally, the recovery processes in darker skin types may produce more visible pigmentation changes, making them more susceptible to this condition after procedures like laser treatments.

Other skin types may also experience some degree of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but it is generally considered to be more prevalent and pronounced in those with higher melanin levels.