Home laser hair removal devices tend to be much weaker than those found at dermatologist offices, meaning results may take more time and may not be as permanent.
Before and after laser treatments, always avoid tanning beds or sun exposure on the area being treated, particularly before or after exposure to certain skincare products (like chemical exfoliators or retinol serums ).
What is the process?
Laser hair removal uses light energy to dissolve pigmented hair follicles, rendering new growth impossible. At-home devices like the Tria Hair Removal 4X (FDA approved) utilize diode lasers similar to those used by dermatologists during in-office treatments; its futuristic-looking device emits pulses of light energy that heat up hair follicles until eventually, they disintegrate completely preventing more hair production from their roots.
At-home laser hair removal results aren’t permanent; to maintain smooth skin in certain areas of the body such as your upper lip or bikini line, treatments must take place every 12-16 weeks for best results. Different body parts might need more frequent treatments; your legs or arms might be among these areas that might need extra TLC more regularly than others.
If you plan to use an at-home laser hair removal device, it is crucial that you conduct proper research first and ensure the device is suitable for you. Consult a dermatologist prior to purchasing one; they can assist in selecting an appropriate laser for your skin tone as well as provide care instructions to follow.
Before any session, it is also crucial that certain activities be avoided prior to treatment. You should refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking both the night before and day of treatment; also refrain from applying self-tanners or being exposed to sunlight as these can decrease contrast between skin color and hair follicles and make laser less effective.
Before beginning treatment, any tattoos in the area you will be treating should be covered as the light can damage them. Furthermore, it’s recommended to shave before each use since plucking and waxing can disrupt hair follicle roots, rendering this device ineffective.
If you decide to pursue home laser hair removal, expect mild redness and irritation after treatment. To relieve these side effects, apply ice to the affected area or use topical anesthetics; to further mitigate symptoms you can moisturize after using the device and wear sunscreen during sessions.
How long does it take?
Laser hair removal involves repeated treatments over time to effectively treat unwanted hair growth cycles and destroy its roots to stop new ones from appearing. Permanent results may take several weeks to months; but may take much longer for some people.
At-home laser hair removal devices tend to work best on individuals with light to medium skin tones and dark hair, as the pulsed light must be able to distinguish between these features and differentiate between the pigments responsible for hair growth and those responsible for its maintenance – this contrast allows the device to focus on those pigments directly, without damaging surrounding tissues; those with darker skin tones have greater risk of discoloration or burns and should forgo home laser hair removal altogether.
No matter which laser hair removal system you select, it is crucial that you follow all instructions precisely for maximum safety and efficacy. This includes refraining from drinking alcohol and any products containing dyes – including self-tanners – prior to treatment and refraining from other hair removal methods such as plucking or waxing for at least four weeks beforehand on any treated area. Furthermore, consult with your physician regarding medications and supplements you are currently taking that could interfere with its effectiveness.
Many at-home laser hair removal systems aren’t actually lasers; rather they use light emitting devices known as IPLs which don’t function like true lasers and tend to be promoted through influencers who claim that these IPLs helped them stop shaving their bikini lines. While IPLs may work well for some individuals, true laser treatments tend to be more effective and will require regular treatments than shaving does.
Furthermore, most at-home IPLs do not come equipped with any kind of calibration service or warranty that ensures they consistently provide an adequate dose of energy to treat areas. As such, these treatments cannot compare with professional laser treatments in terms of safety or effectiveness.
How much does it cost?
Even though shaving and waxing can add up, laser hair removal sessions often cost less than you might imagine. Though at-home treatments might initially cost more, over time you could save thousands in comparison with razors and shaving cream expenses.
At-home laser hair removal devices claim to be permanent but may take multiple treatment sessions before seeing full results. In-office laser hair removal provides an effective permanent option. Here, the high heat of lasers destroys hair follicles to stop producing new hair growth; eventually leading to gradual hair reduction over weeks and months.
Lasers can effectively target dark hair follicles to destroy pigment cells, inhibiting further hair growth. A series of in-office sessions spaced out over months is typically required in order to achieve permanent hair reduction; up to eight treatments may be necessary before permanently eliminating excess strands of strands are gone for good.
At-home lasers often offer lower levels of power than professional ones, with their limited spot size restricting how many follicles they can target. By contrast, in-office lasers utilize much greater power and a larger spot size; therefore, providing greater coverage over an area on your body for greater cosmetic results.
At-home laser devices typically recommend the use of skin numbing cream prior to using, and you should carefully follow any such recommendations to ensure that it works safely for your skin type. Numbing can help minimize discomfort; however, tanning and sunscreen usage must still be avoided post-laser hair removal treatments in order to avoid regrowth and potential skin damage.
Last, at-home laser hair removal devices are classified by the FDA as cosmetic devices rather than medical procedures, meaning they don’t receive as much scrutiny from them than medical procedures would. This may lead to subpar devices which cause injuries or skin damage – for optimal results it is wise to consult an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in New York prior to initiating any at-home treatment plan.
Is it safe?
Laser hair removal and IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments can be found in high street beauty salons, medi-spas and clinics; however, you can now buy smaller versions at home as well. These devices emit specific wavelengths of light energy into the skin that target pigmented cells while damaging hair follicles in order to stop new hair from growing back – an effect known as photoacoustic therapy (PAT).
In theory, laser hair removal should be safer than shaving or waxing – both of which leave sensitive skin susceptible to burns and ingrown hairs. Plus, unlike lasers, razors don’t have the power to target every individual hair on your booty cheek; there’s always the risk that something could accidentally hit a sensitive part of the body and accidentally cause further harm.
At-home laser hair removal devices work by emitting specific wavelengths of light energy onto your skin through futuristic-looking devices that emit specific types of light energy into it, targeting pigment in hair follicles to be damaged by heat from a laser beam. Unfortunately, at-home laser hair removal may not be suitable for all skin types or body areas as certain medications can interact with treatment and cause skin damage as a result of it.
For example, taking medications such as retinoids or Accutane increases your risk of redness and swelling; thus it is not advised that an at-home laser be used on this area.
At-home laser hair removal requires regular calibration in order to be effective; this involves making sure they deliver the appropriate amount of energy to target areas. Unfortunately, this process would be extremely challenging to undertake alone and is best left in the hands of qualified dermal therapists with appropriate certifications.
Keep in mind, however, that even if you follow all instructions correctly your at-home laser hair removal device won’t have as powerful of an impact as those found in clinics – making results unlikely and may not reduce hair growth at all.
