Is laser hair removal harmful to health?

The problem of active growth of unwanted hair on the body and face for a woman of any age always remains relevant, because excessive vegetation is considered a sign of masculinity and neglect. Ladies are trying to say goodbye to this drawback in all possible ways - from traditional, such as shaving and tweezers, to the latest - photo, elos, and laser hair removal. How effectively is it possible to solve this problem by a radical method? Can laser hair removal be harmful to beauty and health?

Preparation for laser hair removal procedure

Like any cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal requires careful preparation and adherence to all recommendations.

Basic conditions:

1. Bright skin. If you are the owner of a bronze tan, this hair removal method is not available to you. Therefore, experts recommend giving up visiting the solarium and sunbathing for 2-3 weeks.
2. Hair should be no shorter than 4–5 mm. To achieve this, you should use a razor or trimmer 3-4 days before the session.
3. It is forbidden to remove vegetation with wax, pluck or lighten in advance.
4. When epilating the face or bikini area, anesthesia is possible on the recommendation of a specialist, as well as treatment with antiseptics.
5. When using a laser, the beautician and patient wear protective glasses to protect the cornea of ​​the eye from radiation.

Laser hair removal procedure

During an epilation session in clinics and beauty salons, doctors use special laser devices, which are divided into several types according to the depth of penetration and wavelength:

• Ruby - is the ancestor. It generates waves that are completely absorbed by melanin. Will be effective for light-skinned people with dark hair color. Absolutely contraindicated for tanned blondes.
• Alexandrite - has a very high pulse frequency. The most common one allows you to reduce the number of sessions to a minimum. Suitable for ladies whose hair color is darker than a light brown shade, and the skin is of type I and II according to Fitzpatrick.
• Diode - the rays of this type of laser penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis, it is used for any phototype.
• Neodymium - infrequent. Effective for removing light vegetation on moderately dark skin.

The performance of one of the safest type of hair removal based on the active heating effect of the laser. Thanks to its radiation, which penetrates into the upper layers of the epidermis, the pigment melanin, which is contained in the hair, is destroyed. The laser pulse reaches the hair follicle itself and destroys it. At the same time, the rays do not leave any marks on the skin, which avoids painful sensations. During the session, most often you can feel only a slight tingling sensation.

Can laser hair removal be painless?

This question is of interest to all women, without exception, who have decided on hardware hair removal. Usually, experts assure patients that they will not feel any discomfort during the session. Hair removal is almost painless thanks to the latest equipment of the highest level. They have a built-in special system that does not allow excessive heating - the skin does not suffer from the action of the laser. Therefore, additional anesthesia can be used only when the client requires it himself. It is most commonly used on sensitive areas of the face, underarms and bikini area.

Laser hair removal zones

Laser hair removal is a universal method of combating unwanted vegetation and is suitable for treating any area of ​​the body and zones of various "neglect". But hair removal is especially popular with women:

1. Above the upper lip and in the nasolabial triangle. Sometimes, due to hormonal disruptions, girls have so-called "antennae". Laser beams will help to get rid of them in just 5-10 minutes. However, for a long-term effect, it will take 3 to 5 sessions. Depilation on the face is considered the most risky. The skin here is thin, sensitive and there is a risk of burns and neoplasms - moles and papillomas. Therefore, preparation includes the obligatory consultation of a doctor. After the first session, sometimes there is redness and swelling, which disappears in 2–3 hours.
2. Another area requiring increased care and attention is the bikini area. Smooth and delicate skin of the pubis and perineum has long been the rule of good taste. Partial or total hair removal can be performed using a laser device. After the procedure, some care is needed for the intimate area. In no case should the inflamed areas be wetted and a hard sponge should be used for another day after the session. It is necessary to apply a special cream that will reduce irritation. Visiting the solarium and sauna is strictly prohibited for two weeks.

How often should you do laser hair removal?

Laser epilation removes unwanted vegetation for a long time. But there is one significant disadvantage - to achieve the desired result, you need to complete a whole course, which consists of 4-8 sessions. They can be carried out every 20-40 days. Thus, it is possible to completely destroy the hairline in a certain area not earlier than in 5-6 months. This is due to the fact that follicles go through several stages of growth and the task of the cosmetologist is to "catch" the active phase - anagen.

Does hair grow back after laser hair removal?

Of course, this question cannot but interest ladies who want to remove hated hairs on the body with the help of laser apparatus if not forever, then for a long time. After all, this procedure is very expensive, and the patient certainly wants to know what she is paying for.

Cosmetologists usually answer in the affirmative. Yes, indeed, this type of hair removal is not a panacea in the fight for perfectly smooth skin. To understand why, you need to understand how a laser works. The action of the newest apparatus is aimed at destroying melanin, the pigment that gives dark hair color. It is due to this that the structure of the follicle changes, and it literally burns out. But after a certain period, the vegetation reappears. To get rid of it forever, you need to be patient. Most likely, it will take about 4-8 sessions, and maybe more.

Ingrown hairs after laser hair removal

In the constant struggle for smooth skin, women are often faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as ingrown hair.

The hairs, due to constant measures to remove them, become weaker, thinner, the skin, on the contrary, coarsens. When they cannot break through the dense layers of the epidermis, they continue their growth under them, forming an abscess. The problem is getting worse constant itching redness and even the appearance of age spots. The resulting black dots do not look very aesthetically pleasing. All this speaks of improperly selected or illiterately performed hair removal at home. The salon procedure will minimize the risks, because the specialist usually approaches the matter responsibly and does not neglect disinfection. Fortunately, laser hair removal prevents ingrown hairs.

Burns after laser hair removal

Almost every salon will tell you that the laser hair removal procedure is completely safe and the risk of getting burns or age spots is reduced to zero. But is it really so?

To find out the truth, you need to study the factors that can provoke a burn:

• too dark, tanned skin;
• incorrect laser settings;
• excessively high beam density;
• insufficient treatment of the skin with a special cooling agent;
• technical malfunction of equipment.

Thus, we see that a great degree of responsibility lies with the specialist performing this procedure. Therefore, you need to choose a beautician carefully, relying mainly on the level of his qualifications and positive customer reviews. After all, your mistake in this situation can lead to such unpleasant consequences as reddening of the skin, its inflammation and even a 1st degree burn. In any case, if such problems arise during or after a session, you should not self-medicate, but it is better to immediately consult a doctor.

Is it possible to sunbathe after laser hair removal

Of course, any girl, especially before the start of the swimming season, wants to look perfect. And chocolate tan, as well as perfectly smooth skin, can give confidence in its irresistibility. But it turns out that you shouldn't sunbathe after hair removal. Is this a myth or is it true?

It's no secret that any kind hair removal injures the upper layer of the epidermis. The skin becomes more susceptible to various infections. At such moments, you should be more careful about caring for her. Fundamental rules:

• do not use alcohol-based lotions and tonics;
• it is forbidden to wet and actively rub the skin with a sponge within 12 hours after the procedure;
• you must not sunbathe in a solarium and in the open rays of the sun for at least 15 days.

In case of neglect of the basic recommendations, the appearance of pigmentation and burns on the skin is not excluded. The tan will lie unevenly, and the effect after epilation will decrease.

Laser hair removal - contraindications

Laser hair removal is not considered a cosmetic but a medical procedure.

It is categorically impossible to use the laser with the following diagnoses:

• problems with the heart and blood vessels;
• oncological diseases;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy;
• tuberculosis;
• hypersensitivity of the skin.

During pregnancy, when taking antibiotics and a tendency to allergic reactions, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

Laser hair removal results according to reviews

Do you still doubt whether the result after laser hair removal is worth the money spent on it? Perhaps the final choice will be made by those who have already decided on this procedure.

Evgeniya, 26 years old:

Six months ago, I first came to laser hair removal underarms and bikini areas. To be honest, at first I was disappointed and regretted the wasted money. Not only do you feel embarrassed in front of the doctor, but also the procedure in this area is quite painful. After a couple of days, "burnt" hairs began to come out, it looked ugly. But after the second session, I forgot about shaving for five whole years.

Tatiana, 20 years old:

I read scary reviews that girls who have not given birth are forbidden to use a laser. In the clinic, they explained to me that the rays penetrate only into the upper layers of the skin and the internal organs are not exposed to radiation. I signed up for the first session, I was very afraid of pain. It turned out that it was even pleasant, it tingled quite a bit. After two weeks, the hair is slightly branchy, but now it is significantly lighter and thinner.

Alexandra, 35 years old:

Recently I completed a whole course of hair removal - 5 sessions. Removed facial and bikini hair. I am very pleased, I plan to go again in the fall, I need to put my legs in order. One thing I can say for sure - laser hair removal cannot be compared with shaving or wax. Yes, it is not cheap, but there is no irritation and the effect lasts a long time.