Laser Hair Removal: Benefits and Disadvantages

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Evelyn Carpenter

Laser hair removal guarantees good results, so it is increasingly in demand, including brides and grooms on their way to the altar.

What is laser hair removal? What aspects should be taken into account? Clarify all your doubts below.

What the method consists of

Laser hair removal is based on applying light emission on the root of the hair until it is eliminated. whether it is facial or body hair.

That is, the laser acts directly on the hair follicle, eradicating it by heat selectively, without affecting the skin around it.

Since 1994 it has been carried out after dermatologists discovered that the laser, which was already used clinically to remove moles or warts, also eradicates hair.

What types of lasers are used

The procedure is performed through the technology of different types of lasers, among them the Alexandrite, which is ideal for fair skin, as well as for fine and medium hair.

There are also Diode and Neodymium-Yag lasers, which are recommended for darker skin, being effective in removing thick and deep hairs.

While the Soprano laser, one of the most recent to enter the market, is especially suitable for tanned skin, read on to discover the benefits and disadvantages of laser hair removal.

Benefits

Lasertam

Guarantees results

Although the procedure is performed in several sessions, usually six to eight in the case of women, it is possible to see results from the first one.

In any case, the number of sessions will depend on the area to be depilated, as there are areas that require more time, such as the facial area, whereas hairs are quicker to remove, for example, in the armpits and legs.

The interval between sessions will also depend on the area to be depilated. It usually varies from four to eight weeks, as follicular growth must be respected.

Laser hair removal with results and without risk can be done practically all over the body. Mucous membranes and the periocular region are excluded.

It is safe and painless

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive, comfortable and safe treatment. The product is not harmful to the skin, nor does it cause any adverse reactions.

In addition, the procedure is practically painless, thanks to the fact that the equipment has skin cooling systems, which keep the skin cool, while mitigating the sensation of heat from the application of the laser beam.

What will you feel? At most, a discomfort similar to that of a pinch or prick. Of course, there are always more sensitive areas, such as the groin, while others have fewer nerve endings, such as the arms, where the sensation will be almost imperceptible.

It is definitive

How does laser hair removal work? As already indicated, the energy of the laser light beam is captured by the melanin in the hair and converted into heat, burning the matrix.

Therefore, in those areas where the laser is applied, the hair will not grow back, as the cells responsible for hair growth will have been annulled.

Generally, the treatments eradicate 90% of the hairs, so it is suggested, in the long term, to do maintenance sessions in order to remove the possible residual hair.

Represents an investment

While the total cost of the treatment could hit your pocketbook at any given minute, considering how long laser hair removal lasts, it becomes an investment, especially for those who wax or shave every month, or buy the tools to do it at home. It's also a valuable time saver.

For reference, eight full face sessions will cost you around $220,000. For six full back sessions you will have to pay around $180,000, while for six full leg sessions, around $250,000.

It is suitable for men

Laser hair removal is also effective for men, through the same procedure that is applied to women, and they will also find areas where it is more difficult to remove hair, for example on the face, due to hormonal reasons.

In the case of men, eight sessions are usually required for any body area, while ten to fourteen sessions are required for the facial area.

It's easy to get

Today the offer is becoming wider, as most clinics and beauty centers include laser hair removal among their services.

But not only that, they also offer attractive promotions and packages for several sessions or for waxing more than one area.

It is possible to make at home

On the other hand, as well as traditional methods such as shaving and waxing, today it is also possible to perform laser hair removal at home.

Especially during the pandemic, many IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines for simple hair removal have burst onto the market. However, it is important to remember that home machines do not remove hair permanently, but rather slow down hair growth and weaken the new hair.

Before purchasing one, it is important to find out about the different options and, when using it, read the instructions carefully.

Disadvantages

Does not work on all hairs

How is laser hair removal and why does it not work in certain cases? Since the pigment that gives color to the hair absorbs the laser beam, heating and destroying the root of the same, it is necessary that the hair is dark, that is to say, that it has enough melanin.

That is why the laser is not effective on blonde, red, grey or white hair, as in these cases, the laser energy is absorbed by the skin and not the hair.

Requires care when sunbathing

Especially if they undergo laser hair removal in the middle of summer, it is important to be cautious about exposure to UVA-UVB radiation. to avoid the appearance of stains or burns.

Therefore, if you are going to sunbathe, make sure you have had your session at least one week before or one week after, and also stop using self-tanning creams and/or solarium.

It is contraindicated in certain cases

Although it is definitely ruled out in the abdominal and pelvic region, laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. And neither during breastfeeding.

In addition, this method is contraindicated for those who take photosensitive drugs; for people who suffer from an inflammatory or infectious disease in the area to be depilated; for patients undergoing treatment with oral retinoids; and for those who suffer from some kind of intolerance to laser light irradiation.

Hair may reappear

Even after undergoing a laser hair removal treatment, new hairs may reappear, especially in specific cases such as pregnancy, menopause or situations involving hormonal changes. And if so, it is most likely that hairs will proliferate, for example, on the cheeks or chin.

This is because the face, in general, is the area where hair tends to reappear with insistence. And this is because, although active hairs are removed during the session, the laser does not affect the hair follicles at rest, that is, those that can be activated over time.

Since the sessions may be several and extend for many months, it is important that you organize yourself, facing your marriage, if you are going to lean towards laser hair removal. In addition, it is essential to always go to a qualified professional in the field.

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Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.