Why is PicoWay Your Safest Bet?

If you’ve ever been told that laser isn’t safe for your skin tone, then I’m here to tell you that’s no longer true. The beauty industry is finally catching up, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s leading the way. At DAELA Scottsdale and DAELA Portland, we use the PicoWay® laser, a gold-standard device that’s safe, effective, and inclusive for all skin tones, especially melanin-rich skin.

As an esthetician and laser technician who treats a wide range of skin types every day, I know how confusing (and honestly frustrating) it can be to find treatments that actually work without risking damage. So, let’s get into why PicoWay is different, how it protects melanin-rich skin, and why having a trained, caring provider matters just as much as the laser itself.

What Do We Mean by Melanin-Rich Skin?

When we say “melanin-rich skin,” we’re talking about skin tones that contain a higher concentration of melanin, which is the pigment that gives our skin its color. This often includes people of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC+) backgrounds, along with many individuals of Latinx, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent.

Melanin is beautiful and powerful, but it also means the skin can react differently to heat and trauma. In the world of laser treatments, that used to mean very limited—and sometimes risky—options. But PicoWay has changed the game.

Why Traditional Lasers Haven’t Been Safe for Darker Skin Tones

Most older lasers use thermal (heat-based) energy to break up pigmentation or target specific skin concerns. That heat doesn’t always play well with melanin, which is more sensitive to damage caused by inflammation or excessive energy.

This is why people with deeper skin tones have historically faced:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Hypopigmentation

• Burns

• Textural damage

Basically, more risk than reward. And that’s not okay.

Why PicoWay Is the Safer Solution for Melanin-Rich Skin

PicoWay stands out because it doesn’t rely on heat to get the job done. It uses ultra-short picosecond pulses (that’s trillionths of a second) to deliver energy with speed and precision. Instead of heating pigment, it shatters it mechanically into tiny particles that your body can naturally remove.

This makes PicoWay:

• Gentler on melanin-rich skin

• Less likely to cause inflammation

• Effective on all skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–VI)

• A go-to for both pigmentation correction and skin rejuvenation

It’s not just safer—it’s smarter.

What We Can Treat with PicoWay

At DAELA Scottsdale, we use PicoWay to treat a wide range of skin concerns that often affect melanin-rich skin, including:

• Hyperpigmentation (sun spots, age spots, freckles)

• Melasma

• Acne scars and texture

• Uneven skin tone

• Tattoo removal (even stubborn ink colors)

• General skin rejuvenation

Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, dullness, or old acne scars, we can create a custom plan that works with your skin, not against it.

See me at DAELA Scottsdale, and let’s talk through your skin goals, your treatment options, and what’s actually possible when you have the right technology and the right team behind you.

What to Expect from Your Treatment

Every treatment starts with a thorough consultation and skin analysis. We’ll discuss your skin history, lifestyle, goals, and sensitivities. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, we customize every setting and every pass to suit your individual needs.

After your session, you might experience:

• Mild redness or warmth (typically gone in a few hours)

• Temporary darkening of pigment spots

• A slight frosted appearance on tattoos or pigmented areas

• A progressive glow and brightening effect over the next several weeks

Most clients are back to work or their routine right away. It’s a zero-downtime treatment with major payoff.

Why Your Provider Matters Just as Much as the Laser

This part is so important. You can have the best device in the world, but without proper training and experience, results can still go wrong, especially on darker skin.

That’s where I come in. At DAELA, we don’t just use inclusive technology, we prioritize inclusive training. I’ve studied how to treat melanin-rich skin safely, effectively, and with deep respect. My approach is always progressive, not aggressive, with treatment plans that honor your skin’s integrity and long-term health.

I’ll guide you through every part of the process, explaining what’s happening, setting real expectations, and making sure you feel informed and confident from start to finish.

Let’s Redefine Laser Together

You deserve skincare options that are safe, thoughtful, and actually designed for you. And when it comes to laser, you don’t have to choose between results and safety anymore.

Whether you’ve been burned by the industry (literally or figuratively) or you’re just starting to explore laser for the first time, I’m here to support you.

About the Author

Bella Mercado – Licensed Laser Technician & Esthetician
Hi, I’m Bella—Laser Technician and Licensed Esthetician at DAELA Scottsdale. I specialize in treating all skin tones with progressive—not aggressive—results-driven services like PicoWay laser, microneedling, and chemical peels. My goal is to help you love your skin at every stage, with treatments that are effective, safe, and rooted in care.
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DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo – Portland | Scottsdale | DAELA Academy
DAELA is a luxury, full-service studio offering expert-level artistry and unmatched client care. We have lovingly served over 20,000 clients and have earned thousands of 5-star reviews. We’re here to help you feel beautiful, confident, and effortlessly yourself.
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