Laser hair removal works by heating and damaging pigment in hair follicles to stop them from producing new hair growth, leaving behind smooth skin without the need for shaving, waxing or plucking.
Procedure may feel similar to receiving multiple stings, yet most patients do not find it uncomfortable. Treatment time varies according to which area is being addressed. It could last as little as several minutes up to an hour depending on its complexity.
Hypo-pigmentation
Laser hair removal has proven beneficial to many who suffer from hypo-pigmentation, an underpigmentation of their skin. This condition results from melanin pigment destruction in various ways including exposure to UV radiation or specific medications; surgery; injury; trauma; or previous surgeries/injuries/trauma. Hypopigmentation can be treated using topical lightening creams prescribed for specific conditions.
Laser hair removal can help with other forms of pigmentation as well, such as freckles and port wine stains and hemangiomas on limbs (known as hemangioma). Furthermore, it treats psoriasis by eliminating excess pigment and decreasing inflammation; furthermore it treats vascular lesions such as rosacea by eliminating capillaries underneath these lesions.
Laser treatments may not be appropriate for people with very dark hair due to melanin content in their locks preventing the laser from targeting follicles; however, laser can still be used on areas of the face such as upper lips where there is fine hair growth.
Laser hair removal may cause side effects that include changes to skin texture, blisters and scarring; these side effects can be avoided with proper post-laser treatments – including using high SPF sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight after sessions; it is also wise not to use soap, scrub or exfoliate after laser sessions.
Other non-invasive solutions for pigmentation include microdermabrasion, light chemical peels and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). These treatments may help restore the look of skin damaged by laser hair removal or other procedures.
If you experience severe or persistent side effects after laser hair removal, consult with a dermatologist. They can recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you and offer expert guidance as to which therapies would best address them.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to minimize unwanted hair and enhance skin tone, but it is crucial that you locate a trained practitioner with experience treating darker skin tones and use a device tailored specifically for use on that skin type, with proper pre- and post-treatment regimen. By taking these steps, it will minimize any risks or side effects and help you attain beautiful, even skin tones that you desire.
Hyper-pigmentation
Lasers should only target pigment in hair follicles when used correctly and do not affect surrounding skin. However, in certain instances the laser may cause skin discoloration (hyper-pigmentation). This occurs because darker skin contains more pigment cells which absorb energy from laser treatments more readily. Usually this phenomenon will fade within one or two months post treatment; should this happen it would be wise to visit a dermatologist to see what they recommend doing to remedy it.
There are various treatments that may be useful in combatting hyper-pigmentation. Options available to you could include lightening creams with retinoids, topical scrubs, microdermabrasion and light chemical peels. It would be best to seek professional guidance as your dermatologist will have more insight into the cause of pigmentation as well as ways to avoid its return in future.
Laser hair removal can also be an effective means of treating hyper-pigmentation conditions like melasma and sun spots, with less intensity of discoloration and lightened appearance of marks than traditional approaches to healing scars from these conditions. While lasers cannot entirely erase scarring associated with them, laser treatments can at least reduce intensity while lightening their appearance.
Some causes of skin discoloration may stem from medical issues such as fluctuating hormones, various autoimmune disorders or birth control pills causing skin discoloration. If this is the case for you, speaking to a physician and getting them to prescribe medicine that will alleviate symptoms is the best course of action.
Many find this method the most effective solution to their skin conditions, though it is always important to follow your physician’s advice after finishing therapy – wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding products which could trigger an allergic reaction are among many essential measures you can take after receiving treatments.
Prior to your laser session, it is also essential that you refrain from waxing, plucking or electrolysis in the area being treated. Shaving hair two days or so in advance will enable the laser to more accurately identify pigment in hair follicles more efficiently.
As such, laser hair removal has evolved greatly and now offers safe treatment to all skin colors. While laser hair removal may help slow hair growth or completely eradicate some types of unwanted hair growth, permanent removal cannot always be guaranteed. Laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions and subsequent maintenance treatments in order to achieve effective results. If you are interested in this form of removal for unwanted hair, reach out to a clinic in your area to gain more information regarding its safety and efficacy on all skin tones. Providers with board-certified doctors experienced performing laser treatments on various skin types can also help guide you through the process and provide all the information you require in making an informed decision about treatment. It is always advisable to find a reputable provider with experience treating all kinds of skin, to guarantee the best possible outcomes in each unique circumstance.
