Laser hair removal is one of the safest ways to manage unwanted body hair, but before proceeding with treatment it is crucial that you consult with a dermatologist about your skin type. Electrolysis, waxing and plucking should also be avoided for six weeks prior to laser therapy treatment.
Some individuals may experience mild irritation following laser treatments, however this should subside within hours. If this problem continues, try applying an ice pack.
Skin Rejuvenation
The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, protects our bodies from sun damage. Containing melanin that absorbs laser light energy and destroys hair follicles by dissolving its melanin layer and stopping further production, it is often targeted as the target for laser hair removal, leading to significant hair reduction as well as improvements to complexion by smoothening out blemishes and smoothening complexions.
Laser hair removal performed correctly by an experienced medical provider is generally safe for most. Side effects tend to be minor and typically consist of temporary redness and itching; blistering and crusting have occurred rarely for those who have dark skin or have recently tanned, particularly those who are susceptible to blisters and crusting due to darker complexion. If you have sensitive skin, discuss with your OHSU provider which laser treatments would best meet your needs.
Laser hair removal differs from shaving, waxing and plucking by not damaging the surface of the skin; rather, its laser energy targets only pigmentation within hair follicles – so no upkeep like frequent shaving is needed and reduced risks such as razor burn and cuts are lower. Furthermore, many clients report a decreased body odor as once-odor-causing bacteria no longer have anywhere to hide in deep hair follicles where hair was once hiding out.
In addition to laser hair removal, OHSU offers other facial and body skin rejuvenation treatments at its campus in Seattle. Fraxel non-ablative laser treatments, for instance, can dramatically improve one’s appearance by gradually eliminating superficial sun damage and age spots as well as tightening facial and neck skin. Sciton Joule X Erbium YAG fully ablative CO2 laser can also effectively eliminate wrinkles, tighten skin around eyes and reduce laxity in facial features to produce clearer facial features. All forms of skin rejuvenation should only be performed by licensed medical professionals with the necessary training and equipment. Contact OHSU now to make an appointment with one of our board-certified providers who will help determine which treatment option will be most suitable for your skin type and aesthetic goals.
Skin Texture
Skin texture plays a critical role in how you appear, with rough patches and bumpy areas often caused by build-ups of dead skin cells, dryness, clogged pores or hormones. Following an effective skincare routine for your skin type can help alleviate these conditions; but laser hair removal may also offer other methods of improving its texture.
Laser hair removal offers many advantages over conventional methods like tweezing, shaving and waxing that can lead to ingrown hairs and bumps; in particular, its permanent nature reduces fine lines and wrinkles as well. If considering laser treatment it’s important to wait at least 6 weeks between plucking or waxing sessions before having one done; more effective sessions might require additional wait time, but ultimately this decision lies solely with you.
Laser treatments not only remove unwanted hair but can also improve skin tone and texture. Common areas for laser hair removal are legs, armpits, bikini line and upper lip; however it can be used on other parts of the body too. Treatment frequency will depend upon your skin tone and color and may take more or fewer treatments before reaching desired goals for hair reduction.
Before beginning treatment, it’s a good idea to discuss with your dermatologist what results you hope to obtain from it. It is especially important for people with darker skin types that they know that treatments could result in darkening or lightening as well as more serious side effects like blistering and scarring – all factors worth taking into consideration before undertaking such procedures.
If your skin is rough or bumpy, a gentle exfoliant or scrub, acid peel, or laser treatments such as INFINI Microneedling with radiofrequency and Fraxel may help. At-home peels can be purchased to suit all skin types; dermatologists can suggest stronger ones for more serious texture issues. Laser treatments like INFINI Microneedling with radiofrequency and Fraxel may be suitable for treating festoons, scarring, wrinkles or festoons while being more cost-effective than tweezing, waxing, tweezing waxing or scrubbing away at festoons and scarring than tweezing waxing or scrubbing away at festoons with tools like INFINI Microneedling with radiofrequency/Fraxel for deeper issues than either option alone.
Skin Tone
Finding your skin tone or undertone may seem irrelevant to some, but understanding these details can be immensely useful when selecting skincare products and applying makeup correctly, selecting flattering clothing and choosing laser hair removal treatments tailored specifically for you.
Your skin tone is determined by how much melanin exists in the outermost layer of skin. Melanin serves as a natural defense mechanism against UV radiation damage and when exposed to sunlight, melanocytes kick into high gear to produce large quantities of melanin that coats every surface in order to absorb harmful rays – this makes your skin darker when outside as compared to when protected from direct sunlight indoors.
Your skin tone is determined by genetic makeup passed down from your ancestors who lived in various climates, with lighter tones appearing in cooler areas with frequent snowfall and cloud coverage, while darker skin tones often appeared in sunnier climates with greater sunshine exposure and thus more need for melanin protection from UV rays.
Even though multiple factors can impact your skin tone, such as tanning and using skin-lightening products, your undertones remain static over time. This is because pigment in your skin determines its undertones; regardless of how often or little you sunbathe or use skin lighteners.
When it comes to assessing your skin tone, it’s important to keep in mind that light skin and blonde hair do not react well to laser treatments due to lack of melanin to absorb energy from laser beams, leading to skin irritation or ineffective treatments. However, laser hair removal remains an effective solution provided the appropriate laser is used and adequate sunscreen protection is used before and after sessions.
Your technician may recommend applying SPF 30 or higher daily before treatment to avoid burning and tanning as this can darken the skin, making it less responsive to laser therapy.
Skin Discoloration
Laser treatment not only eliminates unwanted hair, but can also improve skin color. Skin discoloration may occur for various reasons such as birthmarks, pigmentation disorders, infections or injuries; and discolored patches of skin stand out due to differing from your complexion as the amount of melanin present varies: more melanin means darker skin while less means lighter. Their appearance can be bothersome and sometimes painful which is why so many seek treatment for them.
However, laser hair removal is usually relatively painless; however, some treatments can result in red and swollen areas from heat absorption by your skin; to reduce discomfort apply ice to affected area before continuing with treatment; symptoms typically subside within hours but if they persist contact your physician immediately.
Before opting for laser treatment, it is advisable to visit a board-certified dermatologist. They can select the optimal laser for your skin type and help avoid complications; in addition they will be able to determine if you qualify based on existing conditions or medication taken.
Laser treatments should also be remembered that they may not work equally for all skin types or colors. Laser treatment works best on people with dark hair and light skin because the contrast helps the laser pinpoint hair follicles more efficiently; but that doesn’t mean other skin types won’t also benefit.
Laser treatments go beyond simply treating unwanted hair; they can also be used to address birthmarks like strawberry hemangiomas, macular stains and port-wine stains as well as acne scars, psoriasis, rosacea, photodamage and pigmentation changes. Popular laser treatments include INFINI, Xeo and Fractional CO2 Laser which offer powerful tools for stimulating collagen growth while improving wrinkle appearances and tightening the skin.
