Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective solution when performed by a trained dermatologist, while inexperienced hands may cause burns, dark spots or scarring that leave behind lasting marks on your skin.
Still, at-home devices can still help you remove stubborn stubble. Here are five dermatologist-recommended options that may help you reach your hairless goals.
1. Yachyee Painless Laser Hair Removal Device
There are many methods for getting rid of unwanted hair–shaving, waxing, sugaring, threading and epilating to name just some–but laser hair removal offers permanent smooth skin. Available at most cosmetic dermatologist offices and some at-home devices claiming similar results at lower costs than laser treatment itself, it promises smooth, hairless skin for life.
Laser hair removal should only ever be carried out by board-certified dermatologists; otherwise it can lead to burns, scarring and changes in skin color (darkening or lightening). To minimize risks related to laser hair removal treatments for darker or lighter skin tones, always opt for devices approved by the FDA that specifically cater for them.
At-home devices exist that can safely treat dark skin tones. We consulted experts, reviewed Amazon reviews, and conducted experiments to find those which yield the best results.
To ensure a device is suitable for your skin tone, it should be capable of distinguishing between your hair color and skin pigment. In other words, hair pigment should absorb laser energy while skin pigment doesn’t. Therefore, before beginning treatment it is wise to conduct a preliminary patch test on a small area of your body.
Some at-home laser hair removal devices use IPLs rather than true lasers for less intense but equally effective hair removal, while others combine IPL and laser technology – ideal for darker skin tones as this combination addresses both hair growth and pigmentation issues simultaneously.
The Yachyee Painless Laser Hair Removal Device is an excellent budget-friendly choice with six intensity settings and an ice-cooling feature to soothe skin during laser hair removal, no batteries required – perfect for budget conscious users! Plus this multipurpose device from Faustina also addresses other skincare concerns such as freckles, acne marks and large pores using three lamps that emit different wavelengths of light; just remember to apply broad spectrum SPF 30 after every use as well as avoid tanning beds or any artificial sun exposure while treating an area!
2. Faustina Multi-Purpose Laser Hair Removal Device
This device’s three separate lasers target an array of skin concerns, from acne marks to large pores. Plus, its cooling system makes for a comfortable treatment experience if you have sensitive skin; in that instance it’s recommended that a patch test of this product should first be conducted prior to beginning full treatments. Ultimately this device offers an ideal way of hair removal without riskier methods like electrolysis.
Ulike Sapphire AIR+ has long been a reliable brand on the market, using similar technology as dermatologists’ professional settings to deliver effective solutions for all skin and hair types, including dark-skinned individuals. The device comes equipped with seven settings to customize treatment according to your individual needs – although multiple sessions will likely be necessary before reaching optimal results.
Dermatologists are alarmed that more consumers are turning to at-home laser hair removal devices without receiving adequate training or expertise from a healthcare provider, leading them to visit them with complications like lightening of skin tone, blisters, or scarring as a result of improper usage or machine settings, according to one dermatologist cited by Refinery29.
To reduce the likelihood of an undesirable result, it’s crucial to carefully follow instructions and be patient when waiting for results. Your body needs to be in an ideal growth state for laser treatments to work, so results may take some time to appear. In order to see maximum effectiveness after your treatment has concluded, avoid sunlight and tanning beds which could potentially alter skin pigmentation levels as these could alter its results in some people.
Before beginning laser treatments, it’s essential to refrain from plucking, waxing and shaving the area being treated. Furthermore, melanin disrupting ingredients should be avoided in any sunless creams being used to lighten your skin tone.
3. IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
If you want to avoid shaving, waxing and painful salon treatments altogether, an at-home laser hair removal device could be just what’s needed. Experts advise consulting a dermatologist first in order to ensure it’s appropriate for both skin tone and hair color; plus they’ll guide you through the process while helping determine how many treatments will be required (up to 10).
Before beginning any laser treatment, it’s highly advised that you conduct a patch test. After reading and following all necessary aftercare tips from your product’s manual and aftercare tips provided with it. In particular, you should never use laser devices on tattooed or damaged skin and it is advised against using them on tanned or darkened skin to reduce risks such as scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Home laser devices also allow for customized settings and feature various modes, like the Lumea IPL Laser Hair Removal Device with its stamp mode, glide mode, and auto mode, each designed to treat different parts of your body.
Lumea uses diode lasers to target and destroy hair follicles, using technology similar to what clinics employ. Its LED screen guides treatments while showing remaining battery life. Upon scanning your skin and hair, Lumea determines if high intensity settings are safe before selecting one that matches both your skin tone and color profile.
It also features a smaller head, making it more effective at reaching hard-to-reach spots and needing fewer sessions than full-sized lasers in treating them. Saving you both time and effort.
This device’s app makes it easy to track your progress and stay on top of your treatment regimen, with an interactive tutorial guiding each step along the way – plus compatibility across both iOS and Android devices!
4. IPL Hair Removal System
Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution to hair removal for those tired of tweezing, waxing, threading and Nair use – promising smooth skin permanently! Although laser treatment is popularly available at cosmetic dermatologists’ offices, there are also numerous at-home devices claiming similar results at much less expense.
At-home laser hair removal devices rely on Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), a technology which emits broad spectrum light that penetrates skin at different wavelengths to kill hair follicles. While IPL machines may be safe for most skin tones, according to experts we consulted most at-home IPL machines are only suitable for darker tones; more specifically type four skin tones on Fitzpatrick scale are considered olive or brown in tone.
Before using an IPL hair removal device at home, those looking to ensure safe and effective treatments should consult with a skin expert first. They will evaluate skin tone, hair color and texture before providing appropriate recommendations for safe treatments; additionally a patch test should also be administered just to be sure.
Once the patch test is completed, it’s essential that patients refrain from shaving or waxing their treatment area for four weeks prior to each laser session. Furthermore, any sunless tanners or skin bleaching creams used during these four weeks could interfere with its effectiveness and should also be avoided as these could potentially reduce effectiveness of laser.
Prior to and following each treatment, it’s also crucial that patients use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher on the area being treated. Hot showers or baths should also be avoided to minimize irritation in this sensitive area. Finally, applying soothing moisturizer after each session is also beneficial in keeping skin calm.
For at-home IPL hair removal, our experts and online reviews suggest the following devices as top picks: NOOD Sapphire AIR+ Dark Green IPL Hair Removal Handset, JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover Device and Tria Laser and IPL Hair Reduction System. However, regardless of which device you decide upon, be sure to read through its user manual thoroughly and adhere to any aftercare recommendations provided with each one.
