At-home laser hair removal devices can offer the smooth skin you have been longing for with some patience and dedication, but there are some key things you should keep in mind before beginning this journey.
These devices usually only work effectively when there is a stark difference in skin and hair pigment, making them impractical for people with darker complexions. Furthermore, misusing this device may result in scarring over time.
Cancer
Laser hair removal can be an ideal alternative for people tired of shaving or waxing their body hair, offering minimal discomfort while being done at home without spending an arm and leg at a salon. Some at-home devices even provide gentle treatment on sensitive areas. Unfortunately, however, many individuals wonder if laser hair removal could possibly lead to cancerous cells developing on sensitive spots.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, laser hair removal does not increase risk of skin cancer due to its light energy treatment that does not use UV rays, which have been identified as potentially hazardous as they damage DNA and cause mutations.
Laser hair removal employs non-ionizing radiation that specifically targets pigmented melanin in hair follicles, not surrounding organs and tissues. This is because these melanin deposits are close to the surface, while its depth of penetration cannot reach sweat glands or lymph nodes deeper within your skin.
As laser hair removal does not expose you to any risk of cancer, excessive sun exposure post-treatment could result in blistering and skin crusting if left exposed for too long. Therefore, it’s essential that post-treatment guidelines given by your dermatologist be followed and that sunlight be avoided for as long as possible.
Employing an FDA-approved laser hair removal device customized to your skin tone and type can also ensure optimal results without complications from unwanted side effects – something especially vital when treating sensitive areas like armpits or faces.
Misusing the wrong device for your skin type can be uncomfortable, irritating and even damaging. To ensure a comfortable experience using an at-home laser hair removal device, always read through and carefully follow its manufacturer’s instructions prior to beginning use. In addition, work with a licensed laser practitioner with extensive experience treating various skin types using different laser devices.
Irritation
Laser hair removal utilizes high-heat lasers to destroy dark pigmentation in hair follicles, effectively stopping new hair growth. Unfortunately, however, light energy also heats the surrounding skin which may cause some redness or irritation; these symptoms usually dissipate within hours and an ice pack or cold bath may help alleviate them further. Some individuals may also experience crusting of their skin – typically a minor issue.
However, if you experience persistent irritation or pain after laser sessions, it’s wise to speak with your physician immediately. They may provide a topical anesthetic for relief. Furthermore, you should avoid using any products which might irritate the skin such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and vitamin C products prior to treatments as these could potentially aggravate irritation further. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protection should also be worn during and between laser sessions for added protection.
Although laser hair removal is generally safe for most people, misuse could pose risks. Therefore, it’s crucial that users carefully read and follow manufacturer’s instructions prior to operating any device and never exceed recommended usage frequencies. It may be beneficial to apply a cooling gel or ice pack after each session to reduce irritation and redness on skin surface.
Laser hair removal doesn’t work for all types of hair. Blonde, white and gray locks lack melanin pigmentation needed for laser targeting; however, you can still remove these types of locks by waxing or shaving.
The FDA has determined that laser hair removal is safe for most individuals. Unlike other forms of laser treatment, it does not involve ionizing radiation; rather, its light beams only heat cells in your follicles without causing DNA mutation or damage.
However, you should avoid this form of treatment if you’re pregnant, have a tattoo, or taking certain medications like retinoids or Accutane. Tanning and sunburnt skin increases your risk for side effects as well.
Burns
Laser hair removal performed without professional oversight can result in burns. First-degree burns typically appear as heat marks and typically heal without medical assistance; however, for more severe injuries it may be necessary to use anti-inflammatory creams or ointments on the affected areas to relieve discomfort and scarring.
An experienced laser hair removal technician typically applies a cooling device before beginning laser treatments, to protect the skin and ensure they don’t become burned or inflamed during treatments. Lotions or oils should also be free from being applied prior to beginning any laser sessions as these can interfere with how energy from laser beams is transferred into skin tissue. It is wise to avoid tanning beds or spending too much time outdoors before and after laser hair removal treatments as this could make treatments less effective.
Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and light skin tones, as the contrast allows the laser light to more efficiently absorb heat energy from its source. At-home devices may work for darker skin tones as well, though their lack of technology puts users at a greater risk for burns than professional lasers.
Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their physician prior to having laser hair removal performed, as this procedure could interfere with fertility and worsen conditions such as herpes or cold sores. Furthermore, laser hair removal should not be undertaken if one already suffers from these illnesses because the procedure could aggravate symptoms further.
Doctors can offer other solutions for laser hair removal as it often requires multiple sessions which should not be undertaken during pregnancy and cannot usually be used on children, due to their delicate eye area being treated. Anyone planning on having laser hair removal performed should test the device on a small section of skin first before proceeding; any irritation experienced should typically subside within several days by using cooling ointments.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal uses light energy to dismantle or disable cells within a hair follicle and stop hair growth, often described by patients as the sensation of being pinpricked by something warm. Many doctors will apply cooling gel or devices prior and after treatments to reduce any potential discomfort and increase comfort levels during this process.
One of the primary side effects of laser hair removal is redness and swelling, often looking similar to sunburn, although this often passes within 24-48 hours. A cooling ointment may help ease discomfort and inflammation; some individuals are allergic to laser treatment and can experience more serious reactions; these reactions tend to only occur if administered by unlicensed practitioners.
Exposing treated areas to sunlight after laser hair removal can result in permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation, depending on whether the laser light was set too high for their skin tone, or they have recently tanned. Therefore, it is advisable not to receive treatments via home kits or unlicensed providers, and instead go directly to a medically run clinic for all hair removal treatments.
Laser beams used for hair removal use much longer wavelengths than UV rays that cause skin cancer, as the latter have shorter waves that penetrate deeply into cells to cause mutation. According to FDA standards, hair removal laser light does not have this kind of shortwavelength spectrum and should therefore be considered safe.
Laser treatment can cause painful blisters to form on your skin, typically appearing where hair grows thicker, such as legs. Your doctor can prescribe wound-healing cream to prevent infection and accelerate healing; but beware picking or popping the blister as this could lead to serious infections.
