Is Cold Air Better Than Gel For Laser Hair Removal?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
9 Min Read

is cold air better than gel for laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe method for getting rid of unwanted body hair quickly. It’s quicker than waxing and more effective than shaving!

Gel can help guide the laser light while protecting skin from being overexposed to its heat. Some lasers also come equipped with cooling devices built directly into their hand piece for added comfort.

Cooling

Laser hair removal is an effective, permanent solution to unwanted hair growth. Sessions should be scheduled six weeks apart in order to capture every hair at various stages of growth; typically eight sessions will suffice in reaching desired results.

Gel is often utilized with laser treatments to protect the skin and avoid heat build-up during treatment, while also decreasing discomfort levels during sessions. However, new cooling technology now enables technicians to increase laser energy levels without using gel as part of the procedure.

This is made possible thanks to a new cooling technology using a jet of cold air instead of cryogen or ice for skin cooling before and after laser beams hit a target area, significantly decreasing discomfort for clients.

Not only can this cooling technology reduce client discomfort, it allows laser technicians to treat larger areas with less frequency – saving both time and money while being more eco-friendly as disposable ice packs or chemicals are no longer necessary.

No matter the cooling method chosen, it is always advisable to visit an experienced laser technician. Less experienced operators may cause more discomfort during treatments and may be unable to completely eradicate all hairs – particularly with dark hair on darker skin types.

Before beginning laser treatment, be mindful to prevent sunburn as its harmful rays can increase discomfort during your appointment. Furthermore, it’s essential that any medications taken prior to your appointment be disclosed as some can interact with laser treatment and make it ineffective or cause burns on the skin.

At Simplicity Laser we utilize the Zimmer dynamic cooling device – an impressive dynamic cooling device which delivers a continuous stream of cold air to keep our clients comfortable before and after their laser treatments. While other laser centers may skimp on this equipment, at Simplicity Laser client comfort is of utmost importance and should never settle for less.

Safety

Laser hair removal is a quick, non-invasive treatment designed to quickly and permanently eliminate unwanted hair growth, often eliminating the need for shaving, creams or waxing altogether. Safe for most skin types (though darker complexions may require additional sessions in order to see optimal results).

Most clients experience only mild reactions from laser hair removal, such as redness or swelling at the site of treatment that quickly resolves within several hours. Aloe Vera gel or frozen ice packs (for intimate areas) may help soothe this discomfort.

Cooling gel helps guide the laser light over the skin and reduce heat that could be uncomfortable during treatment, while air alone may provide similar cooling benefits. Scientific studies have compared their effects, finding that cold air removal methods were just as effective, plus quicker and more comfortable!

The type of laser used also plays an integral part in client comfort. While Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) lasers are generally safe for most skin types, dark complexions may find IPL to be uncomfortable. Alexandrite and Nd-YAG lasers may provide greater benefits as they are less likely to burn the skin or cause pigmentation disruptions than IPL options.

Laser treatments work by heating hair follicles to damage stem cells and stop future hair growth, so it’s crucial that you shave in advance, avoid plucking, waxing and self-tanning during this period and wear SPF everyday as laser treatment may temporarily increase sun sensitivity.

Most people can achieve smooth, hair-free skin in just a few treatments when working with an experienced technician and proper skincare products. Laser treatments should ideally take place during fall or winter when sunlight levels are lower, though your skin may adjust to increased UV exposure over time as a series of sessions progresses.

Comfort

Laser hair removal is an efficient, quick, and safe method of eliminating unwanted body hair from the skin. It’s much faster than waxing, more precise than shaving with an electric razor, and far safer than electrolysis or plucking. Unfortunately, laser treatments may sometimes cause some discomfort; using topical anesthetic cream may reduce this, however the best way to ensure comfort during treatment would be using cold air instead of gel instead.

Modern lasers don’t require gel to perform shots effectively. Our clinic uses one with an integrated cooling system that blasts icy cold air directly onto the spot being treated, instantly numbing it out and making treatment much more comfortable than it would without it.

Cold air can help numb an area and soothe skin surfaces before and after each laser pulse, decreasing how much energy is absorbed by skin tissue thereby decreasing chances of PFE (post-follicular epilation) or superficial irritation reactions.

Many individuals who opt for laser hair removal typically require multiple sessions before reaching their desired results. The good news is that by using cold air to numb the area and reduce how much energy is absorbed by their skin during treatments, this number can be greatly decreased.

If you want permanent hair-free skin, laser hair removal could be the perfect option for you. While several treatments may be required for optimal results, its advantages can more than make up for their time and expense. To find out if laser hair removal is right for you, schedule a consultation with Milan who can answer all your questions about it as well as create an individualized plan tailored specifically to meet your needs and skin tone.

Speed

Laser hair removal is the process of eliminating unwanted hair growth with high-intensity pulses of light directed at it, using targeted energy which absorbs pigment in hair follicles to convert to heat energy that destroys them permanently. Laser treatments often take multiple sessions before seeing results so it’s important to work with providers who understand your specific needs and skin type for best results.

Laser treatments are quick and painless; however, some discomfort is tolerable. Many modern laser systems feature built-in cooling mechanisms to help make treatment more tolerable – blowing cold air over the area being treated, while the laser delivers its shots and helping reduce swelling at the same time.

Some clients still choose to use numbing cream when treating themselves with laser machines; this is perfectly fine but not necessary! Indeed, the added cost can add to the total price of treatment sessions! Some clients also choose topical anesthetics beforehand which should be avoided as this can prevent skin receiving full benefit of treatment.

When considering laser hair removal, make sure that your clinic employs state-of-the-art lasers like Cynosure Elite MPX’s ND-YAG laser for all treatments. Furthermore, avoid exfoliation on the area prior to each session – skin should remain clean and dry in order for treatment to work successfully.

Laser hair removal sessions should take place in an inviting and relaxing setting with the assistance of a highly-qualified technician. You should follow their recommended treatment plan to ensure all hair in your targeted area has been eliminated. Between sessions, it’s advisable not to shave, as shaving interferes with healing processes; tanning or sauna use could irritate skin even more than shaving does.

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