Learn the basics of laser hair removal
We spend hours every month waxing, plucking, waxing and shaving unwanted hair from our bodies. But there are alternatives, and they are quick, easy, and most importantly, permanent.
Laser hair removal: basics
Laser hair removal became popular around 10 years ago, and as technology has improved year by year, it continues to grow as an effective method of removing unwanted facial and body hair. It is also used as a skin treatment for thread veins and even for tattoo removal. There are various types of lasers available, and it is important that before embarking on a laser treatment for facial hair removal, for example, that you have a full consultation with your doctor, as some skin types are not suitable for certain types of laser treatment. laser.
This process works by heating the melanin (the color pigment) in the hair. This destroys the growth area in the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. Laser hair removal tends to work most effectively on people with fair skin and dark hair.
The treatment can only affect hair in the active growth stage, so it can take four to seven treatments to reduce the amount of hair by up to 90%. Once this stage is reached, it may be necessary to carry out one or two more treatments per year to ensure that the follicle does not reactivate and that the hair removal is permanent.
types of lasers
The three main types of lasers used by dermatologists are:
Alexandrite: Emitting the shortest wavelength of light at 755 nm (nanometers)
Diode – emitting 810nm
Nd:Yag – emitting the longest wavelength at 1064nm
There is also a new form of treatment called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which should not be confused with laser hair removal treatment as it emits light at multiple wavelengths and may not be suitable for some skin types.
Melanin absorbs light at short wavelengths better, but this also means that tanned or dark skin can also be affected by the treatment. For darker skin, a longer wavelength, such as that produced by a diode or Nd:Yag laser, is less likely to damage the surrounding skin pigmentation. This is why it is so important to have a full consultation before embarking on laser treatment. An expert doctor will be able to tell which form of treatment is best suited for your skin type. They will also be able to carry out effective facial hair removal and other forms of laser skin treatment without damaging the skin or causing undue discomfort during the process.
Before you decide to go for this treatment, don’t be afraid to ask your dermatologist a few questions, such as how long they’ve been operating the equipment, what qualifications they have, and whether they’re a certified operator. You can also request to see “before and after” photos of the treatments they have performed.
This process is an excellent solution for permanent facial hair removal, as well as removing hair from other parts of the body. It’s more expensive in the short term compared to shaving and waxing, but when you consider how much you’ll spend on hair removal products in the long run, laser hair removal is not only a permanent solution, but an inexpensive one as well. an effective one too.