Laser hair removal is an efficient, safe way to permanently eliminate unwanted hair growth. However, certain medications and fillers should be avoided prior to and during laser treatments in order to get optimal results.
Tanning (whether by sun exposure or with sunless tanning products) and other pigment-changing agents can result in either darkening or lightening, herpes outbreaks, blistering and scarring on your skin.
1. Taking Collagen Supplements
Collagen is the structural protein responsible for binding muscles, skin, tendons, and bones together. You can find collagen in many foods as well as in supplement form – celebrities are currently touting its benefits while people on social media rave about taking collagen daily for healthier-looking skin and less joint pain. It has become popular at wellness counters due to this rising trend; now even your friends could be taking collagen on a regular basis!
Oral collagen supplements offer several key advantages over their more ingestible counterparts, with their main advantage being easy absorption. Since tightly packed fibers of collagen cannot pass through your intestinal wall into your bloodstream unimpeded, manufacturers break them down into shorter strings of amino acids called collagen peptides before flavoring and mixing into capsules or powders that you take orally.
Apart from its benefits for joint health, collagen has also been found to promote hair growth and diminish signs of aging by providing your body with essential amino acids for producing keratin protein synthesis. Furthermore, research indicates that athletes who regularly take collagen experience reduced knee pain as it fuels cartilage production while protecting joints against overuse.
Research indicates that certain amino acids found in collagen may also aid digestion and gut health, specifically one known as glycine which has been proven to decrease digestive inflammation and discomfort.
Though collagen supplements may provide evidence of improved gut health, little research exists on their benefits for human subjects. Most research conducted has relied heavily on animal models; thus limiting its ability to provide definitive conclusions.
Care should always be taken when taking collagen supplements, as interactions could occur between these supplements and certain medications or side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal heaviness and rashes. Furthermore, no proof is required before these products hit the market – meaning many collagen products could contain ingredients not suitable for everyone.
2. Taking Collagen Drops
Collagen supplements have quickly become the latest health trend, making a statement about our society that our cells require protein for health and beauty. You may have seen tubs of powdered collagen at your supermarket aisle or drugstore shelf that promise to boost collagen levels for younger-looking skin and hair – while collagen supplements may indeed promote health benefits, they should be taken with an understanding of any risks involved with taking such a supplement.
Collagen supplements come in various forms, from pills and gummies to liquid collagen water or collagen peptides, but the most popular form is liquid form called “collagen water.” You can easily mix this supplement into drinks or meals as desired, and also apply directly onto skin areas like face and neck or mix into moisturizer. Marine and animal sources of collagen such as fish or cattle provide sources for these ingestible supplements.
When taking liquid collagen as part of a drink or supplement, its collagen peptides are broken down and distributed throughout your body’s tissue – including skin, hair and nails, but also bones or joints. Benefits may include increased energy, less oily skin, fuller locks and stronger nails.
Liquid collagen may cause allergic reactions in certain people or lead to other health issues; since it’s considered a dietary supplement rather than medication, it’s essential that individuals follow label instructions before taking it; this is especially relevant for Kosher or Halal diets. Also keep in mind that since supplements aren’t subject to FDA regulation like medications are, you should always consult your physician prior to beginning any new supplement regimes.
Noting the different needs of every individual when it comes to laser hair removal is important; particularly women experiencing hormonal imbalances like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and menopause. Their hormone imbalances tend to trigger hair growth, making laser hair removal harder for them.
3. Taking Collagen Powder
Social media posts by friends raving about collagen powder often feature claims about how it has helped them look younger or heal their skin, but what exactly is collagen powder and can it deliver on all its claims?
Collagen is a group of proteins found naturally in your bones and skin that provides structure to tissues like cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Your body produces its own natural collagen supply, but production decreases as you get older; collagen powder supplements may be an effective way to increase this level and thus enhance both overall health as well as improving skin elasticity and appearance.
Although collagen supplements have become an increasingly popular trend, research into them remains limited. Most human studies on these supplements have been small-scale or short-term in scope and typically focus on older women (or specific groups of people such as elderly). If taking blood thinners it’s also important to consult your physician prior to adding collagen powder into your diet.
Most collagen powders are composed of animal-sourced proteins derived from either bovine (from cows), porcine (from pigs), or marine sources such as fish skin and body parts. Depending on which brand you purchase, hydrolysation may take place to break it down into smaller molecules more readily absorbed by your digestive tract.
Alongside collagen powders’ numerous health advantages, many also contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid – two components shown to provide additional wellness advantages. Hyaluronic acid acts as a powerful moisturizer by increasing how much moisture is trapped within skin tissue, helping it remain youthfully radiant.
Collagen powders make adding collagen into your daily routine simple. Simply stir into hot or cold beverages such as coffee or tea, smoothies, or food recipes as desired; or if desired go unflavored and mix with water to create a healthy collagen shake!
No matter which collagen powder supplement you select, make sure it truly adds value to your daily life and not simply as a one-off extra. Most registered dietitians agree that collagen should not replace high-quality protein sources like eggs in daily nutrition plans.
4. Taking Collagen Creams
Collagen cream can be truly transformative for skin health and youthful radiance. As an abundant protein found in our bodies, collagen provides incredible benefits such as helping retain our youthful glow by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously decreasing sun-damage dark spots.
But can it also reduce hair growth? This question has been the subject of much research in recent years, with mixed results being observed and an unknown mechanism perhaps due to increasing cells involved in hair production.
Another possible explanation could be collagen’s amino acids are able to penetrate our skin and replace those lost with age, speeding up production of new skin cells and thus helping decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen’s amino acids also aid skin hydration, making skin look healthier and fuller while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrated hair follicles make them look fuller as well.
collagen’s amino acids also work to replenish the natural moisturising factor (NMF), which may be depleted due to medications and conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis, leading to dry and flaking hands. A good quality collagen cream can restore this hydration and stop its loss as a result.
While collagen may not directly influence the results of laser hair removal, it’s an excellent supplement to take for overall health and beauty. Keep in mind that laser hair removal typically requires 6-8 treatments before we see permanent results – should you have any queries regarding this treatment or its impact by other medications or supplements, don’t hesitate to reach out – our office would be more than happy to provide more details!
