Laser and IPL hair-removal devices work by targeting dark pigmentation found within hair follicles. Waxing or plucking may prevent these devices from accurately detecting this pigment, leading to errors or burns as a result.
Reducing acne requires multiple home treatments over time and patience to achieve lasting effects; however, with consistent application the treatment should be safe and effective for most people.
Safety
Laser hair removal is safe for most skin and hair colors when performed by trained professionals, but at-home devices using laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) may not work on darker complexions due to melanin being targeted; thus it’s important to find devices with multiple intensity settings or cooling technology specifically tailored for sensitive skin.
Even if the device you choose works well with your skin tone, it’s crucial to conduct a patch-test of the area and avoid skincare products with skin-thinning ingredients like chemical exfoliators or retinol serums for at least four weeks prior to treatment. Also avoid exposure of treated areas to direct sunlight or self-tanners until your session has concluded.
Experienced medical providers expect some discomfort or redness post-treatment; if anything more serious arises such as swelling or itching, however, seek medical help immediately.
Laser therapy differs from waxing in that it merely damages pigmented tissue around a hair follicle, temporarily slowing future hair growth. But results don’t come instantly-it may take several sessions before semi-permanent or permanent reduction is seen.
Noting the risks and limitations associated with laser hair removal treatments is important, particularly as hormone changes during pregnancy can sometimes cause new unwanted hairs to emerge. Also, home devices cannot accurately track light targeting hair as opposed to pigment, so breastfeeding mothers should avoid laser treatment altogether. For a more permanent solution it may be beneficial to consult a dermatologist about an in-office procedure of laser hair removal.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal is an advanced form of light therapy that uses pulses of heat to penetrate deep into the skin, where they destroy or inhibit hair follicles, effectively eliminating or at least slowing their growth. A popular procedure at dermatologist offices, sessions for this therapy are typically scheduled every four to six weeks depending on which area needs treating – and can produce long-lasting to semi-permanent results.
At-home laser hair-removal devices have the potential to produce modest hair reduction; however, there have been no large studies comparing their efficacy with in-office treatments. Furthermore, due to being considered cosmetic rather than medical, these at-home devices don’t undergo the same stringent testing or oversight processes as other medical devices.
At-home laser hair removal typically causes redness and swelling at the site being treated, along with irritation that leads to skin crusting or crusted patches that can lead to discomfort, scabbing or scarring if left untreated. Most commonly reported side effects typically fade within several hours after treatment has concluded.
Laser hair removal performed in a dermatologist’s office is much safer. Their doctor or technician will apply a cooling device over the area in question, to reduce any discomfort or pain experienced. Furthermore, they may use razors or even topical anesthetic for particularly sensitive skin types before administering this process.
Yachyee IPL machines provide more than just hair reduction; they’re also great at treating acne marks, sun spots and large pores. The multipurpose tool uses three lamps emitting different wavelengths for targeted treatment. Users can even take advantage of its Skin Rejuvenation mode which works at lower frequencies to stimulate collagen and increase elastin.
Intensity Settings
Dependent upon the device you choose, you’re likely to experience pinching or stinging as the light penetrates your pigmentary structures and damages them enough to stop future hair (and skin) growth. But it shouldn’t be unbearably painful; according to Goldberg “never heard from anyone that their home device hurt too much”. For added peace of mind try applying Apercreme as an external pain relief option or conducting a patch test first to see how you respond before going all-out zapping yourself (including bikini line!). Also before proceeding full body (including bikini line!) patch testing could reduce any adverse reactions as zapping can trigger unwanted hair (and skin!) reactions before proceeding full scale treatments on yourself (and vice versa!).
Most at-home laser hair removal devices do not use true lasers; rather, they use intense pulsed light (IPL). IPL works similarly to lasers but emits multiple wavelengths of light instead of penetrating as deeply into your skin. Perez-Nakamura emphasizes that while IPL devices may still burn your skin if your Fitzpatrick skin tone or lighter hair color falls outside its limits; for optimal use they should only be applied on olive to medium tan skin tones (levels four or six on dermatological scale).
At-home laser hair removal devices are generally safe for people of dark skin tones; however, it’s important to remember that they won’t work or be effective against true level-six Fitzpatrick skin tones or light hair colors since no technology exists yet to distinguish between cells of different levels of the Fitzpatrick scale. Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, those taking certain medications such as retinoids or Accutane as well as those recently tanning should opt out from treatments altogether; otherwise patience and consistency may lead to permanent results – but keep in mind that for optimal results achieved via in-office treatments as opposed to at home treatments.
Modes
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment within your hair follicle and heating and destroying it, so that future growth will no longer take place. While there are other products on the market designed to remove unwanted hair, none provide as quick, efficient or effective results as laser treatment.
Oma Agbai, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist notes that while professional laser treatments require medical oversight, at-home devices offer you similar technology with less medical oversight; they allow you to use this same technology on yourself without medical oversight – though given their smaller surface area and less intense intensity settings than professional devices you will likely require additional sessions before seeing similar results as with professional treatment sessions.
Home laser hair removal devices feature multiple modes that help customize their light distribution across your skin. Some devices, like RoseSkinCo. Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset’s stamp mode that focuses lasers onto small areas when pressing its button; others, such as ISTON Laser Device’s glide mode are best suited for larger surfaces.
Consideration should also be given when purchasing an at-home laser hair removal device that’s safe for your skin tone, since IPL and laser devices only operate across certain skin tones; otherwise they could shut off before even starting their process.
At-home laser hair removal devices provide settings suitable for most skin types and hair colors. If you have sensitive skin, however, it’s essential that you plan your treatment sessions carefully by refraining from waxing or threading the area four weeks prior to an appointment as well as avoiding tanning beds and sunburns in this period. Shaving can help avoid unwanted surface hair being singed during treatment sessions.
Cost
At-home devices may cost less than in-office treatments; however, they still require upfront and ongoing investment for permanent results. When opting for laser hair removal at home, make sure that any device purchased meets FDA approval and has an instruction manual detailing whether it can safely be used on your skin type.
“Laser hair removal requires patience but can result in long-term effects,” according to Dr. Portela, adding that touch ups may be required once you reach your desired level of hairlessness.
Many at-home laser hair removal devices claim they work on all skin and hair colors, yet many are unapproved by the FDA and may pose health risks for darker complexions. Diodes used as laser technology in these products are potentially hazardous if set incorrectly, making this form of hair removal unsuitable for darker complexions.
Consider professional laser hair removal at a reputable clinic instead. Dermatologists offer more tailored sessions to make sure that the laser safely matches your skin tone and shade; additionally, they can advise on frequency of laser sessions based on hair growth cycles.
Laser hair removal in a salon is both faster and more effective than at-home laser hair removal treatments, providing semi-permanent to permanent results quickly in about half an hour for large areas such as legs and arms. At-home devices require constant charging while their batteries may also quickly run down making long term use more cumbersome than its salon equivalent.
