Laser hair removal is an efficient and fast method. By targeting melanin in hairs to destroy them, laser treatments work best with darker-hued locks on lighter skin tones.
If a burn occurs, adhere to your practitioner’s post-treatment recommendations by applying cooling cream and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Be wary of popping any blisters that form; instead follow instructions provided by them for healing them properly.
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Laser hair removal offers an effective long-term solution to unwanted body hair, eliminating the need for shaving or waxing while decreasing pigmentation issues that arise with these other methods. Plus, laser treatments tend to be much more cost-efficient than in-office sessions, which typically need to be repeated every 6-8 weeks; an at-home laser device could save money and maintain results between professional appointments.
Most at-home devices use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove hair from the skin. Heat from a laser destroys hair follicles, stopping their further growth. For optimal results, follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully and stay out of direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
If the area being treated has tattoos, it may be best to find alternative means of hair removal for that spot. Laser devices target pigment, so ink present could cause them to target incorrectly and cause permanent damage.
Prior to your laser appointment, it is necessary to shave the area so there is enough contrast between hair and skin for the laser device to detect it. Waxing and plucking can interfere with this detection and cause it to misread the color of hair follicles, potentially leading to damages or burns. In addition, it is also advisable to limit sun exposure prior to and following your appointment; if this cannot be avoided then use sunscreen with 30 SPF protection or higher.
Laser hair removal generally causes only mild discomfort; some compare it to a series of small pinches or rubber band snapping against their skin. You can ask your provider for a topical anesthetic in advance so as to lessen discomfort during treatment sessions.
Reaching your desired results requires multiple treatments administered over four to six week intervals, often at four-six week intervals. Even after your treatments have completed, annual touchups may be needed in order to keep unwanted hairs from returning in those same areas.
If a few hairs do begin to grow a year post laser treatment, this could be because their follicle has entered its resting or shedding phase; once this stage begins again, however, no new growth should take place until its cycle resumes.
Laser hair removal offers more than permanent effects; in addition to diminishing scars and stretch marks, it also creates soft skin texture – something many find preferable over having patchy or uneven patches of hair growth.
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Laser hair removal uses high heat to target individual hair follicles and, by doing so, permanently reduce their growth over weeks and months. It’s one of the more permanent solutions for ridding yourself of unwanted body hair while reducing discoloration caused by shaving or waxing. However, an at-home device utilizing laser technology could increase burn risks as there’s always the chance of burns being experienced during treatment.
To prevent laser hair removal burns at home, follow these simple guidelines. First, always patch test the laser hair removal device on a small area of skin prior to using it on a larger region; wait three or four weeks afterward, in case there are any complications from treatment such as itching or rashiness; should such symptoms arise, see your physician immediately for evaluation.
Before your laser hair removal session, shave the area that will be treated two to three days in advance. Shaving will remove the outermost layers of skin and help the laser light target melanin in hair follicles more easily. Also avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds during these weeks leading up to your appointment as any natural or artificial tanning may interfere with its effectiveness as well as cause unwanted side effects.
Laser hair removal requires you to wear protective glasses or goggles and receive topical anesthetic before beginning. Once that has taken effect, your practitioner will scan the area with laser light – this may take only minutes in smaller areas but up to an hour for larger ones depending on size, hair density and how quickly hair needs to be removed.
Laser hair removal will feel similar to being pinged by an electric shock on your targeted area and may be slightly uncomfortable. You can minimize discomfort by applying topical pain reliever and applying ice packs after treatment – as soon as a few hours have passed, however, the burning sensation should diminish and your skin should begin healing itself.
If you experience laser hair removal burns at home, avoid popping blisters on the affected area as this may introduce bacteria into the wound, increasing risk of infection. Instead, allow them to rupture on their own; applying healing cream containing aloe vera or vitamin E such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment or CeraVe Moisturizer might help. Make sure to keep the area moist by keeping away from sunlight – exposure increases chances of scarring.
