What skin type is most likely to experience hyperpigmentation after laser treatment?

Hyperpigmentation after laser treatment is a common concern, particularly in individuals with darker skin types. This phenomenon occurs because darker skin contains more melanin, which can be more reactive to the energy from laser treatments. When laser energy interacts with the skin, it can stimulate the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin), leading to an overproduction of pigment in response to the trauma of the laser.

Type V skin, which is classified as dark skin, is especially prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to the increased density of melanin. This is a result of various factors, including the skin's response to injury, inflammation, and the body's healing process, all of which can trigger excess melanin production. In comparison, lighter skin types like Type I, II, and III typically have a lower risk of developing hyperpigmentation after similar treatments, due to having less melanin and a different skin structure that responds differently to laser interventions.

Therefore, individuals with Type V skin are the most likely to experience hyperpigmentation as a result of laser therapy.