Laser treatments have long had a bad rep for damaging darker skin types, but new technology has made it possible to safely treat all skin types with laser. One such technology is Candela GentleYAG laser which uses 1064nm ND:YAG wavelength that targets only hair follicles for safe and permanent results.
How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal once had a bad reputation for damaging darker skin tones, but advances in technology have enabled safe treatment of all skin tones. Nd:YAG lasers are ideal for dark skin tones due to their longer wavelengths targeting hair follicle pigment without harming nearby tissues; other laser types, including diode lasers can also be used on dark skin tones.
As these lasers use shorter wavelengths that don’t penetrate deep enough into the skin to target pigment found within hair follicles, Nd:YAG lasers offer better solutions, as they can penetrate further down and bypass top layers altogether to get right to where hair follicles reside.
Laser light is converted to heat by the GentleYAG Pro system, which in turn destroys hair follicles while leaving surrounding skin undamaged. Over the course of several treatments, unwanted hair will be permanently eliminated from its place on your body. Its advanced technology and effectiveness make this one of the best solutions available for treating darker skin tones – particularly women looking to remove unwanted hair from their chin, armpits, hands, legs bikini lines or ankles.
Before receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is crucial to refrain from bleaching, waxing or plucking the hair follicles. Otherwise, their pigment will interfere with the laser beam’s ability to target and damage it; one way of doing so would be using topical numbing creams before every session.
If you are tanned, it is also essential that you notify the laser treatment specialist so they can adjust their settings appropriately. A tan may cause the laser to react differently and potentially result in burns; to protect yourself further we advise wearing full coverage sunscreen with high SPF every day if sun exposure is significant.
GentleYAG laser can also provide some skin tightening by increasing collagen production within the skin and firming up skin for a smoother appearance after treatment. Dr. Green typically suggests Thermage treatment as an additional means to achieve more substantial skin tightening results.
Does It Hurt?
Candela GentleYAG Pro-U lasers are specially designed to offer pain-free treatment of skin conditions. To optimize the experience, it’s wise to avoid bleaching, waxing or plucking in the area for at least six weeks prior and post treatment. Topical numbing agents could result in burns to skin which could compromise results significantly. If using topical numbing cream prior to appointment be sure to wipe it off completely afterward; any left on residue may damage results negatively.
GentleYAG Pro-U is different than previous laser technologies in that it is safe and effective for all skin tones, from medium to dark skin tones. This is possible thanks to its wavelength that penetrates deep into your skin to avoid pigmentation causing hyperpigmentation or any damage or further hyperpigmentation.
GentleYAG laser can reduce unwanted hair on women’s faces, arms, legs and bikini areas as well as men’s chest and backs – less painfully than shaving, waxing or electrolysis and offering permanent solutions to unwanted hair growth.
GentleYAG laser hair removal treatments are also effective at eliminating dark hair on women’s chin, upper lip, and underarms. As dark hairs tend to be thinner than other forms, its greater ability to destroy these sparse locks without harming nearby tissue makes this procedure especially desirable.
Though most often associated with hair removal, laser therapy can also be used to address other skin imperfections like rosacea, spider veins (telangiectasias), hemangiomas and venous lakes. Furthermore, pigmentation concerns such as sun damage, freckles, melassma or cafe au lait spots may also be addressed by this form of treatment.
People frequently worry that laser treatments will harm or irritate the skin, yet the GentleYAG laser stands out as one of the gentlest and advanced laser therapies in the industry. It features an innovative cooling system called DCD that uses bursts of cryogen gas before and after each laser pulse to keep skin temperature constant throughout treatment.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Laser hair removal often has an unfair reputation of damaging dark skin, due to old devices failing to differentiate between melanin in the skin and pigment in hair. They could damage surface layers of the skin and result in blisters, dark spots or scarring; but thanks to advances in technology it is now possible to get rid of fuzz without risking skin damage.
GentleYag equipment utilizes a proprietary cooling system to keep clients comfortable. This unique mechanism emits bursts of cool cryogen gas just milliseconds before laser pulses hit, cooling your skin while protecting its integrity while creating a cooling sensation. You may also opt for topical anesthesia before beginning treatment for added comfort.
Most patients require four to eight sessions of laser hair removal spaced four to eight weeks apart in order to reach silky smooth and permanently hair-free skin. The number of sessions may differ depending on your Fitzpatrick skin tone and body part being treated.
Stop shaving, waxing and plucking areas where you are receiving laser treatments in order to reduce their frequency. Also follow your provider’s recommendations regarding post-treatment care; for instance applying soothing cream on treated areas as recommended or avoiding sun exposure or harsh cleansers may help.
Laser treatment can do more than reduce hair growth – it can also tighten and firm your skin using the GentleYag laser. By stimulating collagen production in the body’s tissues, this treatment helps produce tighter, firmer skin as well as improve fine lines and wrinkles while making you appear younger and refreshed.
If you have darker skin tones and want laser hair removal services, it’s essential that you find an aesthetic provider with expertise working with this clientele. A consultation and viewing social media posts from providers are great ways of finding out their work with darker tones before booking an appointment.
Laser hair removal treatment is an empowering experience for many, but particularly beneficial to anyone who hasn’t been able to take advantage of it due to concerns about damaging their skin. If you are tired of dealing with unwanted hair on your chin, arms, legs or elsewhere on the body then laser treatment could be just what’s needed for removal.
What Can I Expect?
Technology advances have allowed laser treatments to distinguish between your hair color and actual skin tone, and provide safe treatments for darker complexions with laser. Our GentleYAG Pro-U laser utilizes long-pulsed ND:YAG wavelength which penetrates deeper layers of your skin where melanin exists without negatively affecting or damaging surface layers; in doing this it safely reaches each hair follicle to destroy them before they gradually fall off your body preventing future hair growth and eventually stopping further hair follicle growth altogether.
Results can include silky smooth, beautiful skin without the need to shave, wax or pluck away unwanted hair. Most clients see results after 6-8 treatment sessions depending on skin type and concerns.
Prior to scheduling laser treatment, it’s wise to consult with a board-certified expert. At this appointment, your medical aesthetician will review the areas you wish to treat as well as discuss any questions or voice any concerns that arise regarding the procedure. It is also vitally important that any medications or supplements be disclosed since these could impact how your body responds.
As you prepare for your procedure, it is wise to avoid skin products containing harsh ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene that could make your skin more sensitive. In addition, any treatments which could aggravate existing issues with your skin should also be discontinued prior to initiating any procedures or services.
Are you ready to say goodbye to daily shaving and its painful aftermath of ingrown hairs, folliculitis and other skin issues? Contact Dr. Michele Green immediately – she is a board-certified dermatologist with experience treating patients from around the globe in her boutique dermatology practice in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Call or schedule your appointment online to discover more about how GentleYAG Laser Hair Removal for Darker Skin Tones can help you achieve silky-smooth skin. We look forward to speaking with you! We look forward to hearing from you.
