Laser hair removal treatments use radiation, which may make some people uneasy. But don’t be alarmed–this form of radiation doesn’t lead to cancer!
Lasers target pigment, so they work best on hair with dark roots and light skin to differentiate it from surrounding tissues and deliver effective treatment.
It Doesn’t
Laser hair removal can be a safe option for most individuals when performed properly, but it’s essential that you understand some basics prior to beginning this treatment.
The FDA has made it abundantly clear that laser hair removal does not cause cancer, as its radiation used is non-ionizing – unlike the kind produced by natural sources like radon gas or nuclear power plants to produce energy. Ionizing radiation directly damages DNA, leading to cancerous tumors in cells. Examples of such sources of radiation are X-rays and gamma rays which come from natural sources or can even be created artificially through nuclear energy production plants.
Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough power to disrupt DNA, making it safe to use on skin for laser hair removal.
Be mindful when seeking laser hair removal that your results can vary based on factors like color and thickness of hair, area being treated and type of laser used – these all influence its success and may require multiple sessions before lasting results can be seen.
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin, the pigment responsible for giving your hair its color. Therefore, this treatment only affects dark hair; it doesn’t work on blonde or red tones. Furthermore, thicker or coarser strands tend to respond better as they contain more melanin which allows the laser light to penetrate more effectively into their structure.
Laser hair removal treatments may produce minor irritation to your skin and redden and swell slightly, similar to being stung by bees or having sunburn. These side effects should only last temporarily and shouldn’t be serious in any way if any arise. For further assistance with managing any potential adverse side effects from treatment speak with the practitioner who performed it – they should have some tips on how you can best manage them.
Dependent upon the area being treated, permanent hair reduction could take between three and eight sessions to accomplish. This is because not all hair follicles produce hair at the same rate; thus some will need repeat treatments after receiving an initial one for maximum impact.
Pregnancy and Laser Hair Removal
Due to hormonal changes during gestation, extra hair may begin growing in various parts of the body – often in arms, chest, legs or underarms. Unfortunately, experts do not advise laser hair removal during this time as its safety has yet to be proven for pregnant women.
If you are considering laser hair removal during pregnancy, consult with your physician first. He or she can offer various solutions to safely eliminate unwanted hair while being pregnant. However, be careful with other methods like waxing and plucking as these may disturb the follicle. Furthermore, avoid darkening creams that darken skin tone as well as blood-thinners such as aspirin to ensure an uneven birthweight distribution.
