Laser hair removal often causes discoloration to both treated skin and nearby areas, often with unexpected consequences. This condition is called photobleaching.
To avoid skin discoloration after laser hair removal, shave the area that will be treated two days in advance and use an SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when skin appears darker than it naturally should due to overproduction of melanin pigment.
Hyperpigmentations are common among those with darker complexions. Sun damage and hormones may contribute to darkening as well, with temporary color changes or permanent ones possible.
Laser hair removal treatment sessions may either lighten or darken skin depending on the machine used, wavelength used, patient skin phototype and other factors. To minimize hyperpigmentation risks during laser hair removal sessions, avoid direct sun exposure, apply sunscreen liberally and moisturize. Also consult with a dermatologist who may suggest prescription and over-the-counter skin lightening creams.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) affects people of all skin colors and can occur as the result of injuries such as burns or scarring, medication side effects or health conditions such as rosacea. If this condition develops on you it’s essential to seek medical advice as treating it can be challenging.
People experiencing hyperpigmentation often exhibit it through melasma, a tan or brown patch that appears during times of hormonal shifts like pregnancy. It may also appear after stopping birth control pills and estrogen pills; once pregnancy or taking pills end, this condition usually fades over time or when taken less frequently. There are various treatments for melasma including topical medications; you could also visit your dermatologist to receive a physical exam with Wood lamp illumination; blood tests can be done to check vitamin D, iron and thyroid function levels; additionally they may prescribe topical cream containing hydroquinone that is used in some prescription and over-the-counter skin lightening products.
Age Spots
Age spots are a type of pigmentation found most frequently on exposed parts of the face and hands that have been exposed to sunlight, usually appearing flat with a tan hue and can range in size from freckles up to coin-sized spots. Though harmless, age spots can be unsightly.
Your doctor will typically identify age spots through visual inspection or using a device known as a dermatoscope to examine them further. This hand-held magnifying tool can help differentiate an age spot from melanoma, an incurable skin cancer. If they suspect anything suspicious is going on beneath the surface of a dark mark they might suggest getting a skin biopsy – taking a small piece from it for lab analysis.
Many individuals are susceptible to age spots, especially those who spend significant amounts of time outdoors. Not only can age spots be unattractive but they may increase your risk for skin cancer as well. To lessen their appearance you can minimize UV radiation exposure while using broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen whenever outdoors.
Laser hair removal can successfully eliminate unwanted hair but may produce side effects in some patients, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This condition occurs when heat from laser irritates your skin’s surface and darkens, taking multiple sessions before seeing any difference. To minimize risk, avoid applying any sunless skin creams prior to laser hair removal sessions and make sure your treatment area remains as sanitary after each session. To decrease risks related to laser hair removal.
Sun Spots
Laser treatments may result in darkened spots called sunspots or solar lentigines that appear as darkened areas on your skin, commonly referred to as sunspots or solar lentigines. While sunspots should generally not be removed due to being noncancerous and noncancerous, if they cause concern contact your physician and use broad spectrum sunscreen before and after receiving laser treatments.
These spots tend to be temporary and appear on the surface of your skin. They typically last a few weeks or months before gradually dissipating on their own; if this does not occur, a doctor can use chemical peels or another lightening treatment option such as bleaching to address them.
If you are concerned about sunspots, consult with a doctor and use broad spectrum sunscreen. Avoid sun exposure; if necessary wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses. Also follow your physician’s instructions regarding avoidance of tanning before and after receiving treatments for them.
Laser hair removal works by sending pulses of light energy onto the surface of the skin in short bursts, which vaporizes and removes unwanted hairs. The procedure is quick and relatively pain-free compared to alternatives like shaving or waxing; although there may be temporary redness or swelling after treatment (typically limited to the area treated). A cold compress may help ease discomfort afterward.
Scarring, blistering or changes to overall skin texture are among the more serious possible side effects of laser hair removal, and can occur if performed by someone untrained or certified and using improper laser machine settings or machine settings. Sun exposure should also be minimized before and after treatment using sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher.
Brown Spots
Brown spots are caused by overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving skin its natural hue. Melanin production may be stimulated by hormonal fluctuations like pregnancy or birth control pill use; sun exposure also has its share. You can prevent sun-induced hyperpigmentation from appearing by applying broad spectrum sunscreen regularly and wearing protective clothing like hats and sun hats; chemical peels like glycolic or salicylic acids may help exfoliate away pigmented patches for healthier, evener complexion.
Laser hair removal may lead to some degree of hyperpigmentation after treatment, particularly if you have dark hair and light skin. This occurs due to contrast between your dark locks and light skin that’s necessary for successful laser treatments; however, this form of hyperpigmentation typically subsides over time with use of lightening creams containing retinoids, scrubs, or microdermabrasion treatments designed to fade darker pigmentation patches.
Avoid hyperpigmentation during laser hair removal by consulting with a board-certified specialist who specializes in your specific skin type and complexion, and having treatments done at a medical spa where a physician will be present throughout your session.
Laser hair removal typically results in only temporary and minor side effects; it is important to select a practitioner familiar with treating your particular skin type/complexion, and follow all doctor-issued instructions regarding preparation, scheduling sessions and sun protection between treatments. It is also wise to have any new moles checked by a dermatologist in order to be certain they are not cancerous.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by redness, irritation and bumps on the surface of the skin. Although rosace affects people from all backgrounds and races equally, it most frequently manifests itself among fair-skinned individuals. Common symptoms of rosace include persistent blushing or sunburned areas of skin near its surface, dilapidated blood vessels nearer to it’s surface, thickened epidermis skin (scaly or thickened skin), red eyes.
Dermatologists can treat rosacea with both topical treatments and oral medication, including antibiotics such as tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline to alleviate its inflammation component. Steroid cream may also be effective at relieving redness caused by rosacea. For severe papulopustular rosacea cases that cannot be managed with topical solutions alone; isotretinoin may provide effective relief from severe papulopustular rosacea.
Laser treatment is another effective remedy for rosacea. A dermatologist may use Diolite laser or intense-pulsed light technology to destroy tiny blood vessels causing discoloration in rosacea, while also shrinking visible blood vessels known as telangiectasia on the face using this same technology. Multiple sessions will likely be required in order for you to achieve maximum effectiveness from this approach.
Laser and light therapy may cause minor skin damage, including scabbing and crusting, when its tips aren’t cold enough to prevent superficial burns. Applying a cool compress to the area may alleviate this issue.
Laser hair removal sessions must begin clean-faced to allow hair follicles to fully open and absorb energy from the device. Furthermore, it’s wise to forgo plucking or waxing of treated areas as these techniques may pull hair out of its follicle, leading to burns or scabbing on the surface skin – a good moisturizer can keep skin hydrated to minimize this problem.
