Laser hair removal may cause permanent discoloration to your skin tone; however, any temporary change should not cause alarm.
Prior to beginning treatment, avoid applying any sunless tanning products and skin-whitening creams, shaving, waxing and plucking in the area.
Darker Skin
Laser hair removal can be performed safely under the guidance of an experienced practitioner; however, there may be unintended side effects on skin tone and pigmentation for darker skin types that could include lightening in areas where follicles were damaged or darkening of freckles.
These results occur due to laser energy being absorbed by melanin present both within the hair follicles and surrounding skin, meaning a laser professional must evaluate each patient to select an effective laser type and laser type suited for their case, which usually takes place during a consultation appointment.
Before scheduling laser treatment for any patient, technicians should also conduct an ethnicity screening because different ethnicities respond differently to laser heat. A consultation should also include reviewing any medications they are currently taking as some could make someone more sensitive to its heat resulting in side effects.
Before and during treatments, avoid skin-care products containing harsh ingredients as these can make the skin more vulnerable to laser heat. It is wise to discontinue use of glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and any other similar products at least five days prior to any session; additionally it’s a good idea to limit sun exposure by wearing broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
Laser hair removal involves pressing a handheld device against your skin and activating a laser, with each pulse feeling similar to an elastic band snapping against it. The number and duration of each pulse depends on the size and location of the area being treated – treatment usually lasts an hour, though areas treated may become red or swollen post-treatment; applying ice can help minimize this response.
Adhere to post-treatment instructions provided by your provider, which may include avoiding sunlight and using sunscreen with an SPF value greater than 15, as well as exfoliating and exfoliating the area in question. They may even recommend moisturizing products.
Lighter Skin
Laser hair removal offers long-term solutions for unwanted body hair. While the procedure is safe and effective, selecting an experienced practitioner for treatment is key. Consulting with a dermatologist may help determine if laser hair removal is right for you by evaluating your Fitzpatrick skin phototype and hair color to make sure they can select an ideal candidate.
Laser treatment for hair removal can be carried out on any area of the body. During treatment, your provider will use a handheld device to press against your skin and activate its light energy – this may cause some discomfort similar to when snapping rubber bands against skin surfaces – although duration will depend on which area is being treated and duration may range anywhere between a few minutes and over an hour depending on treatment area being targeted. Your physician may use lotion, ice or topical anesthetics during sessions to minimize pain during procedures.
Laser treatments may lead to temporary changes in skin color; this is more likely to happen for people with darker skin who do not avoid sun exposure prior and post treatment. Discolorations could appear as lighter or darker spots on their skin and could either be temporary or permanent.
As long as it’s administered by an experienced provider, laser treatment poses minimal side effects. You can reduce this risk by avoiding sunburned or tanned skin prior to laser treatment and refraining from using any self-tanning products before or during your sessions.
After laser hair removal, your skin may experience redness and swelling; this should pass within one to two days. Your dermatologist may recommend steroid cream to control swelling and minimize any discomfort; for sensitive skin users it may also be beneficial to apply broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection to help guard treated areas from further sun damage.
If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or using hair removal creams, laser treatment could be your perfect solution. Laser hair removal offers an easy, quick, and cost-effective solution to unwanted hair removal. Visit Spring Street Dermatology in SOHO, Tribeca or Uptown today to schedule your free consultation and discover what laser hair removal could do for your unique needs and skin tone.
Darker Hair
Laser hair removal can be safely performed on all skin types and colors; however, darker tones are particularly prone to discoloration or dark spots after treatment. To minimize this risk, choose an experienced provider that uses an appropriate laser for your skin type and treatment area; using the correct laser can bypass melanin in your skin while targeting only hair follicles; also avoid tanning beds before or after treatments as well as use broad spectrum SPF sunscreen daily can further help minimize hyperpigmentation risks.
Prior to laser hair removal treatments, it is also wise to refrain from plucking, waxing and shaving to reduce ingrown hairs and irritation. Furthermore, if prescribed hydroquinone cream by your dermatologist for laser hair removal purposes it should be discontinued at least a week in advance of treatments.
Laser hair removal side effects often arise during and shortly after treatment, including itching, redness, temporary pigment changes and in some instances burning. Most side effects typically subside within several days with help from your physician in managing them using anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs or body moisturizers.
Individuals with sensitive skin may experience additional side effects during or after laser hair removal treatments, including allergic reactions, flaking skin or discoloration. A dermatologist will evaluate your individual hair and skin characteristics to select an effective laser for you. Furthermore, sun exposure or tanning beds should be avoided prior to and following your laser hair removal sessions, or during any treatments aimed at lightening the skin.
Laser hair removal is one of the safest and most effective ways to rid unwanted body hair, with long-term benefits extending well beyond aesthetic improvement. Depilation and shaving routines will become much less time consuming; thus freeing up more time for activities you truly love in daily life.
Lighter Hair
Laser treatments target melanin pigment in hair follicles to heat and damage them, stopping their hair-growing ability. Unfortunately, melanin also exists within skin and may absorb laser energy leading to discoloration or darkening; so it’s crucial that an experienced, board certified provider possessing equipment tailored specifically to your skin type is chosen for treatment.
Laser treatments may temporarily lighten freckles, remove tattoos, and reduce moles in treated areas; these effects should wear off as your skin heals; typically this takes one to two days after treatment for your natural color to return. If your dermatologist recommends using ice packs or steroid cream to speed healing processes more rapidly, follow their advice accordingly.
If you’re curious about laser hair removal, make an appointment at a dermatology office that offers this service. Your practitioner will conduct a complimentary consultation to assess if you are a suitable candidate and then instruct you how to prepare for the session: no shaving, plucking or waxing within six weeks prior to receiving treatment as well as protecting yourself with SPF sunscreens that offer sun protection.
Before beginning treatment, a technician will first cleanse and apply protective gel. Next, they’ll press a handheld device against your skin to activate the laser; patients often describe this feeling like pinpricks or rubber band snapping against it. Each session usually lasts from a few minutes to an hour. Following your session, your skin may become redden and swell; you might also smell smoke and burning hair which is normal; your dermatologist can provide an ice pack or steroid cream to reduce these reactions and help with recovery after treatment.
No matter the color of your skin, laser hair removal is an effective solution to unwanted body hair. It eliminates the need for shaving, waxing and depilatory creams while simultaneously improving texture and tone of the treated areas of skin. Furthermore, laser therapy may even alleviate folliculitis–an irritation of hair follicles that causes pain and itching–through its treatment.
