Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Wondering what is laser hair removal? In a nutshell, laser hair removal is a procedure that beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. The pigment in the follicles absorbs the light, which destroys the hair. It is commonly used to reduce unwanted hair in locations such as legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. It’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or surrounding area.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Treatment Work?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive technique that uses highly concentrated light to penetrate hair follicles and inhibit future hair growth. What is laser hair removal and how does it work? During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Why Should You Go for Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Laser hair removal is a hugely popular procedure which eliminates the need for constant shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair. It effectively delays hair growth for long periods. It is also recommended for those with extra body hair. It can treat excess hair growth caused by hirsutism, a condition in which women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually have hair, and hypertrichosis, when men or women grow excess hair anywhere on their bodies.
Tips to Follow Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Laser hair removal tips to follow before the procedure, include scheduling a consultation with your laser hair removal expert to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you. This will be decided after reviewing your medical history, medication use, any history of skin disorders or scarring, and previous hair removal procedures. Discuss a treatment plan and related costs, as well as risks, benefits, and expectations.
Before laser hair removal tips –
Avoid exposure to the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen to protect your skin.
Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have a recent tan or darker skin.
Avoid any other hair removal methods such as plucking, waxing and electrolysis. These can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.
Avoid blood-thinning medications. Your expert will tell you which medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid before the procedure.
Shaving or trimming the treatment area the day before laser treatment is recommended. This removes hair above the skin, which can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, while leaving the hair shaft below the surfaceintact.
These before laser hair removal tips will help ensure your treatment is effective.
Tips to Follow After Laser Hair Removal Treatment:
Redness and swelling might occur for the first few hours after laser hair removal. Apply ice to the treated area, to reduce any discomfort. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
Here are some laser hair removal tips for best results to follow after laser hair removal treatment and between schedule treatments –
Avoid sunlight. Don’t use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily. Wear loose, light, full-sleeved clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a high SPF sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun for extended periods.
Avoid fragrances and beauty products. Also avoid using strongly scented topical beauty products and makeup for the first two days after your laser hair removal treatment. This is because skin is sensitive during the healing period, and beauty products could further irritate it. Stay away from body wash, perfumes, and lotions for underarms and bikini area as well during this period. You can use your regular skin products after 48 hours of the procedure.
Avoid hot showers for up to 48 hours as hot water can further raise the surface temperature of your skin, which will already be warm for some time as a result of the laser hair removal treatment. Opt for cool showers after your laser hair removal session, to prevent possible burning and irritation of the skin. Also avoid using hot tubs and heating pads, which can cause redness or rashes, further delaying the healing process.
Exfoliate the area during the next four weeks after laser hair removal treatment, using a washcloth and mild scrub. Within the first four weeks, hair follicles get destroyed and hair starts falling out. Gently exfoliating your skin a few times a week will help increase shedding and prepare it for the next session. Do not rub hard or exfoliate excessively. Wipe over the treated area in circular motions.
Avoid other hair removal methods—simply shave the treated area with a soft razor if needed. Skin and hair follicles need to be protected; which is why waxing or plucking should be avoided. These are some ways to ensure best laser hair removal.
5 Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Treatment:
What is laser hair removal? Laser hair removal treatment is an effective way of removing unwanted hair from the face, leg, chin, back, arm, underarm, bikini line, and other areas. Its benefits are –
It is a precise treatment, as lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs without damaging the surrounding skin.
It is a quick treatment. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and treats many hairs at the same time. On account of its speed, small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute. Larger areas, such as the back or legs, can take up to an hour.
The results are predictable, in that most people who undergo laser hair removal have permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven sessions.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to remove unwanted body hair. The results last longer than plucking, tweezing or waxing. Most people require multiple treatments. For best laser hair removal, the procedure should be performed by a trained and experienced expert.
Sources:
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
• https://www.webmd.com/beauty/laser-hair-removal
• https://clinicdermatech.com/blog/tips-to-take-care-of-your-skin-after-laser-hair-removal-treatment/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21757-laser-hair-removal
