Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal

LAS VEGAS, July 10, 2022 — With the growing popularity of laser hair removal solutions in recent years many people have become curious about what the advantages are and how they work. These questions may be driving you to explore alternatives. For example, some women report improved sex life after undergoing a medical-grade facial laser treatment. Others are interested in having their beard trimmed after watching one on TV. Despite popular misconceptions, it is important to know the benefits of using laser-based treatments as well as any side effects and risks.

What Is A Laser?

First, let's look at the basics of lasers and why they are used in beauty procedures today. The word "laser" comes from “light” – which refers to light energy produced by a device called a semiconductor or atomic bomb. In common parlance, this means a hot source of heat with wavelengths shorter than visible light. Examples include ultraviolet (UV) light and visible (V) light. Both sources include very high temperatures. In UV light, this temperature ranges between about 1,200 °F (570 °C) to 3,000 °F (1,800 Celsius). On the other hand, visible (V) light has a maximum wavelength of 620 nm, making them easier to handle and focus on. That said, no matter what frequency a laser produces energy, it always produces a beam of light, similar to a lighthouse. Your eyes only see a small part of the entire spectrum of visible light. Also, each laser beam contains a different wavelength. As mentioned earlier, there are various types of lasers. Some are better at treating certain skin conditions such as acne and age spots while others offer stronger results when working on darker or thicker layers of the body like scarring.

What Are Common Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal?

Now that you know what laser and machine technology is and what it does, it's a good idea to understand what potential concerns come with this procedure with regards to the body. So, what should keep you aware even if you decide to get it done? Well, a few things can happen but fortunately, these side effects have been known to occur less often in men than in women. Nonetheless, you could experience minor discomfort, including redness, swelling, discoloration, itching, and flaking depending on the hair removal method used. Here are some of the more common side effects to watch out for if you opt for follicular unit striping (or waxing), chemical peels or dermal fillers, micro needling, or electrolysis. Please note that some of these procedures have their own pros and cons, so you may try a combination of methods to find their best option for you.

Reduction In Size Of Fine Follicles

When you undergo hair removal via laser technology, the hair follicle goes through several stages of development. Most patients begin noticing smaller size and density of hairs around the base of their eyebrows, underarms, and on tops of their heads. After some time, your hairline appears smooth and flat. Unfortunately, because of how tiny your hairs are, you could experience a reduction in size of fine follicles that are responsible for creating volume and form. During laser hair removal, the skin experiences temporary reddening, which will fade after three to four weeks. While rare, it often occurs as a result of inflammation caused by overreliance on topical medication to treat dandruff. Additionally, those individuals with oily skin should avoid laser hair removal since the heat involved in this process may cause oiliness and clogging of pores, resulting in breakouts and skin irritation. Instead, choose a skin care routine that doesn't involve the application of harsh ingredients, such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, when trying to prevent or reduce inflammation. Lastly, opt for low-level laser therapy, if possible, instead of full-strength lasers. When choosing your laser type, make sure you consult with your physician about which kind of machine will suit your skin and hair types.

Reduced Levels Of Oil Production

One thing that all laser treatments have in common is the production of sebum and oil. More specifically, laser-based treatments increase levels of blood flow to the surface of the skin when compared to traditional methods, causing the skin to produce more sebum, which helps in maintaining its moisture balance. Therefore, experts believe regular laser users typically experience less sebum production due to reduced amount of blood flowing to the surface of their skin. Similarly, laser skin resurfacing treatments lead to decreased oil production. Although not all laser skin resurfacing treatments are created equal. Some require higher rates of usage compared to gentler methods, which can lead to hyper-pigmentation and excess skin thickness. Other skin care products and creams that contain antioxidants such as vitamin E can help decrease pigmentation and tighten the skin. Don't forget to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage (and also to keep dryness/itch at bay).

Tightened Skin

Laser technology works by heating the outermost layer of the skin. Normally, it generates more heat than standard laser treatments, which leads to thickening and tightening of the skin's outer contours to improve the appearance. Interestingly enough, according to research published in 2017, almost half the world's population has dark hair – meaning that a majority of women and men have dark hair when compared to white hair. This phenomenon was attributed to exposure to both natural sunlight as well as artificial light sources such as fluorescent devices used in tanning salons that emit large amounts of blue light. Fortunately, using gentle laser technology is safe from developing pigment spots that cause tightness and uneven tone on the skin. Meanwhile, longer sessions of intense laser treatments, which last between five and 30 minutes, are proven to be safer and will help improve hair texture. Finally, experts usually recommend keeping in mind that the same laser technology might change color if you are wearing sunglasses – just the two are different.