Is laser hair removal harmful to health?

The problem of active growth of unwanted hair on the body and face for women of any age always remains relevant, because excessive hair is considered a sign of masculinity and unkemptness. Ladies are trying to say goodbye to this disadvantage in all possible ways - from traditional ones, such as shaving and tweezing, to the latest - photo-, elos-, and laser hair removal. How effectively is it possible to solve this problem using a radical method? Can laser hair removal harm beauty and health?

Preparing for the laser hair removal procedure

Like any cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal requires careful preparation and compliance with all recommendations.

Basic conditions:

1. Light skin. If you have a bronze tan, this hair removal method is not available to you. Therefore, experts recommend stopping visiting the solarium and sunbathing 2-3 weeks in advance.
2. The hairs 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. Do not pre-wax, pluck or bleach hair.
4. When epilating the face or bikini area, anesthesia is possible on the recommendation of a specialist, and treatment with antiseptics is also required.
5. When using a laser, the cosmetologist and the patient wear protective glasses to protect the cornea from radiation.

Laser hair removal procedure

During hair removal sessions in clinics and beauty salons, doctors use special laser devices, which are divided into several types based on penetration depth and wavelength:

• Ruby is the ancestor. It generates waves that are completely absorbed by melanin. It will be effective for fair-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 light brown, and whose skin belongs to Fitzpatrick type I and II.
• Diode - the beams of this type of laser penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis, used for any phototype.
• Neodymium - uncommon. Effective for removing light hair on moderately dark skin.

The performance of one of the safest  type of hair removal based on the active heating effect of a laser. Thanks to its radiation, which penetrates the upper layers of the epidermis, the melanin pigment 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 only feel a slight tingling sensation.

Can laser hair removal be painless?

This question interests all women without exception who have decided to undergo hardware hair removal. Typically, specialists assure patients that they will not feel any discomfort during the session. Hair is removed almost painlessly thanks to the latest equipment of the highest level. They have a built-in special system that prevents excessive heating - the skin does not suffer from the laser. Therefore, additional anesthesia can be used only when the client requests it himself. It is most often used to treat sensitive areas of the face, armpits 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 areas of various “negligence”. But hair removal is especially successful among women:

1. Above the upper lip and in the nasolabial triangle. Sometimes, due to hormonal imbalances, girls develop so-called “moustaches.” Laser beams will help get rid of them in just 5–10 minutes. However, for a long-term effect you will need from 3 to 5 sessions. Hair removal 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 a mandatory consultation with a doctor. After the first session, sometimes redness and swelling occurs, which goes away on its own after 2-3 hours.
2. Another area that requires increased care and attention is the bikini area. Smooth and delicate skin of the pubis and perineum has long been a rule of good manners. Using a laser device, you can perform partial or total hair removal. After the procedure, the intimate area requires some care. 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 laser hair removal be done?

Laser hair removal removes unwanted hair for a long time. But there is one significant drawback - to achieve the desired result you need to complete a whole course, which consists of 4-8 sessions. They can be done every 20–40 days. Thus, it is possible to completely destroy hair in a certain area no earlier than after 5-6 months. This is due to the fact that follicles go through several stages of growth and the cosmetologist’s task is to “catch” the active phase – anagen.

Does hair grow after laser hair removal?

Of course, this question cannot but interest ladies who want to remove hated body hairs with the help of laser device 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 money 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 lasers work. The action of the newest device is aimed at destroying melanin, the pigment that gives dark color to hair. It is due to this that the structure of the follicle changes, and it literally burns out. But after a certain period, vegetation appears again. To get rid of it forever you need to be patient. Most likely, you will need about 4-8 sessions, maybe more.

Ingrown hairs after laser hair removal

In the constant struggle for smooth skin, women often encounter such an unpleasant phenomenon as ingrown hairs.

Due to constant measures to remove them, hairs become weaker and thinner, and the skin, on the contrary, becomes rougher. When they cannot break through the dense layers of the epidermis, they continue to grow underneath them, forming an abscess. The problem is getting worse constant itching  redness and even the appearance of age spots. The resulting black dots look extremely unsightly. All this speaks to incorrectly selected or illiterate hair removal at home. A salon procedure will reduce risks to a minimum, because a specialist usually approaches the matter responsibly and does not neglect disinfection. Fortunately, laser hair removal eliminates the appearance of 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 burns or age spots is reduced to zero. But is this really so?

To find out the truth, you need to study the factors that can cause 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 the equipment.

Thus, we see that a large degree of responsibility lies with the specialist performing this procedure. Therefore, you need to choose a cosmetologist carefully, relying mainly on his level of qualifications and positive customer reviews. After all, your mistake in this situation can lead to such unpleasant consequences as redness of the skin, 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 rather consult a doctor immediately.

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 a chocolate tan, like perfectly smooth skin, can give you confidence in your irresistibility. But it turns out that you should under no circumstances sunbathe after hair removal. Is this a myth or truth?

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. Basic rules: Do not use alcohol-based lotions and tonics;

• It is forbidden to wet or actively rub the skin with a sponge for 12 hours after the procedure;
• Do not sunbathe in a solarium or in the open rays of the sun for at least 15 days.
• If you neglect the basic recommendations, it is possible that pigmentation and burns will appear on the skin. The tan will lie unevenly, and the effect after hair removal will decrease.

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Laser hair removal - contraindications

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

It is strictly forbidden to use a laser for the following diagnoses:

• problems with the heart and blood vessels;
• cancer;
• diabetes mellitus;
• epilepsy;
• tuberculosis;
• increased skin sensitivity.

During pregnancy, if you are taking antibiotics and are prone to allergic reactions, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Laser hair removal results based on reviews

Do you still doubt whether the results after laser hair removal are worth the money spent on it? Perhaps those who have already decided on this procedure will help make the final choice.

Evgenia, 26 years old:

Six months ago I first came to laser hair removal armpits and bikini area. 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, the “burnt” hairs began to come out, and it looked ugly. But after the second session, I forgot about shaving for five whole years.

Tatyana, 20 years old:

I read terrible reviews that girls who have not given birth are prohibited from using lasers. At the clinic they explained to me that the rays penetrate only 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 has grown back slightly, but is now much lighter and thinner.

Alexandra, 35 years old:

I recently completed a whole course of hair removal – 5 sessions. Hair was removed from the face and bikini area. I’m very pleased, I plan to go again in the fall, I need to get my legs in order. One thing I can say for sure is that laser hair removal cannot be compared to shaving or waxing. Yes, it is not cheap, but there is no irritation and the effect lasts a long time.