Laser treatment could provide the solution to unwanted hair growth; but what should you know before beginning treatment?
Avoid tweezing or waxing as the laser needs to target pigment at the hair root.
As well as avoiding products that increase photosensitivity, such as skincare ingredients containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
How long does it take to see results?
Laser hair removal may give you quick results, but that’s far from true. Laser treatments work by targeting melanin (a dark pigment found in skin and hair) in hair follicles to destroy them so they no longer produce new hair; this usually takes six-10 sessions before you experience lasting changes in your complexion.
Plucking, waxing and tweezing are time-consuming methods of hair removal which only produce temporary results. But laser hair removal offers a permanent solution for unwanted body hair; several sessions should reduce its appearance permanently.
The number of laser treatment sessions required will depend on your hair growth and skin tone. Darker-colored hair requires more sessions for full removal; lighter-colored hair grows more rapidly and requires fewer sessions for treatment.
Each session requires you to wear goggles so the laser beam won’t damage your eyes, while topical anesthetic may be applied prior to treatment to help minimize discomfort. Be sure to shave before coming in on the day of your appointment – shaving will actually make the laser more effective by targeting hair follicles effectively and decreasing discomfort levels during treatment.
As it is recommended that treatments be spaced four weeks apart, this allows your skin a chance to recover between each session, and gives the hair follicles enough time to grow back with reduced density and in an unattractive state. Missing even one treatment could delay progress; failing to schedule all necessary sessions could require restarting them from scratch.
Once your series of laser hair removal treatments is complete, maintenance appointments should only be necessary on an annual basis. At these visits, a smaller beam size will be used by your laser technician to target any additional patches of hair growth that still remain.
What happens if I skip a session?
Laser hair removal works by using pulsed light to destroy melanin in hair follicles and stop their production of new hair, thus decreasing hair growth over time. Unfortunately, it often requires multiple sessions before noticeable results appear – as some regrowth may still occur depending on factors like skin tone, hair color and hormone levels – so regular sessions every six weeks is ideal to ensure optimal results are seen.
Even if you miss an appointment, it won’t derail the process; just be sure to schedule your next one as soon as possible – this will help ensure your hair is in an appropriate stage of growth for treatment – the longer between treatments goes by, the harder it will become to achieve desired results.
Furthermore, you should limit direct sunlight on the area being treated. A sunblock with SPF 50 or higher should provide protection from UV rays. Furthermore, heat inducing activities like hot showers and workouts should also be avoided, and numbing creams may provide added relief from discomfort.
Most at-home laser hair removal devices are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat up to level four Fitzpatrick skin tones (this dermatological scale ranges from one to six, with level four being “olive to medium” skin), according to Dr. Akhavan. However, for deeper skin tones it’s wiser and safer to seek advice from an expert trained in working with people of color who has experience using devices designed specifically to work safely on darker complexions.
By applying patience and commitment, RoseSkinCo makes achieving smoother skin at home easier than ever. With five power settings to customize intensity based on individual tolerance levels, you can customize this handheld laser according to your tolerance level – testing revealed slight heat sensation and slight zaps on highest setting, though nothing too uncomfortable. Plus it comes equipped with an app that reminds users about upcoming appointments!
How do I know if I’m ready for a session?
Laser hair removal is a safe solution that will permanently get rid of unwanted hair, but when prepping for your session there are certain considerations you should keep in mind. First and foremost is using broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day in order to limit sun exposure. Protecting skin from redness and swelling after laser sessions is also key for optimal results, so shaving the area prior to treatment is advised as this will stop hairs from growing back into treated areas, distorting results. If you are using topical skin products with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, discontinue their use at least two to three days before receiving a laser treatment. Such ingredients can increase photosensitivity, increasing your risk of burning or damaging the skin with laser radiation.
Before your laser session, exfoliating is also recommended, to allow the laser to better target hair follicles and lessen any discomfort. Finally, for shaving between sessions it’s wiser to use an electric razor than manual ones as this ensures more precise shaving while decreasing risk of razor burn and irritation. Furthermore, avoid moisturizing before your laser session as this could obstruct its effectiveness.
Laser hair removal results in longer periods without hair growth in treated areas and when hair does eventually regrow it is typically finer and lighter in color than before.
Hair growth cycles play a vital role in how many laser treatment sessions it will take for long-lasting results to emerge. Hair follicles can be in any one of three stages at any one time: anagen, catagen and telogen; when more anagen-stage follicles are present during any given treatment session, more hair is removed during each treatment session; thus why most people require four to six sessions to get what they’re after.
Laser hair removal can be an ideal alternative to shaving or waxing for anyone looking for relief from unwanted hair removal. By permanently eliminating unwanted follicles, laser treatment leaves behind silky-smooth skin that’s free from razor bumps and irritation. For more information about how laser hair removal could change your life, reach out to Bentley Skincare & Wellness & Dermatology to arrange a consultation appointment with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC.
Can I wax in between sessions?
Unwanted hair is a problem that affects both men and women alike, often necessitating frequent shaving, depilatories or plucking treatments – all of which are time consuming, painful and only provide temporary solutions.
Laser Hair Removal (LHR) can effectively and permanently reduce unwanted hair growth, but for maximum effectiveness it’s crucial that patients know how and when to take certain steps between treatments. It is wise to avoid waxing prior to or following laser therapy sessions as this could disrupt hair follicles’ natural regrowth cycle and interfere with laser hair removal treatment results.
For optimal LHR results, it is advisable to shave the treatment area between sessions. This will ensure your hair remains at an appropriate length for use by your laser technician; waxing or tweezing could remove hair roots that could make thicker regrowth later.
Plucking and waxing interfere with a laser’s ability to target pigment in the hair follicle, an essential step for successful treatment. As such, waiting at least four weeks prior to waxing or using depilatory cream in that area should ensure optimal results from treatment.
Shaving is acceptable since it trims your hair rather than extracting its root. In order to optimize results from laser hair removal appointments, tanned skin should be avoided prior to an appointment; otherwise it may make it harder for the laser beams to detect the difference between hair color and skin tone.
Before going outside after laser hair removal sessions, it’s wise to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen as exposure to sun can lead to hyperpigmentation. Also avoid drinking alcohol and blood-thinner medications before an appointment as these could impact how well your body responds to laser.
If you’re tired of shaving, tweezing and plucking and are ready for permanent hair reduction, seek out a certified laser technician for a consultation visit. In this meeting, they’ll discuss your goals as well as which areas would like treated; recommend an effective treatment plan and give an estimate for how many sessions it will take until your desired outcomes have been reached.
