Laser hair removal is a new and innovative way to eliminate unwanted hair safely, effectively and most importantly permanently. There are various laser systems advertised for permanent hair removal. The most effective laser for hair removal is the Lightsheer and the Coolglide. The Lightsheer and the Coolglide have been clinically proven to eliminate unwanted hair permanently for all skin types. The Coolglide is especially safe for darker skin types. These FDA approved technologies have a built in cooling system for added treatment comfort.
Laser Hair Removal
The Coolglide is considered the "Gold Standard" for laser hair removal of darker skin types. All laser’s work on the principle of attracting pigment which is why the laser is not attracted to white or blond hair. Assuming there is a contrast between the skin and the hair, the laser’s energy will attract the root of the hair which is the area with the most pigment. The Coolglide has a wavelength of 1064nm which is especially important in treating those with darker skin. This penetrates deeper into the skin, in turn, bypassing the colour in the skin all together. Since the laser’s energy is concentrated at the root of the hair, the surrounding skin is protected for a safe and effective treatment for all skin types, especially darker skin types.
Laser Hair Removal For Darker Skin
Facial hair can be frustrating and embarrassing for women. If is not uncommon for women to grow facial hair anywhere from the chin and anterior neck, sideburns, upper and lower lip, cheeks, etc. The reason for this growth may be genetic and often times hormonal. The jaw line and anterior neck in particular is a very hormonal area. Those who undergo a lot of stress, undergo pregnancy, menopause, and/or any underlying cause for hormonal imbalances may notice increased hair growth in the chin and jaw area. Facial hair laser removal is a great option for eliminating this unwanted hair, however since the face is very hormonally stimulated a touch up may be required every so often to treat any new hair growth.
Facial Laser Hair Removal
Facial hair on females often develops due to hormone imbalances. This condition which creates hormonal imbalances is hirsutism. Hirsutism is a condition where a high level of the androgen hormones exists in the blood stream. This condition causes vellus hairs (fine colourless hair which cover the face and body) to turn into terminal hair or thick hair. Once a vellus hair becomes a terminal hair, it is unlikely that the hair will return to its original form. Androgens are overly secreted by the ovaries causing this condition.
A common cause of hirsutism which many women develop is a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. PCOS stimulates facial hair growth in females as their ovaries secrete greater amounts of the male hormone androgens than required by the body. Androgen is a steroid hormone which is responsible for the continuance and development of masculine characteristics.
Hair growth on female may also be caused by genetics. Different origins and racial differences have different hair growth patterns. If the disorder runs in the family, chances are you are at risk of having hirsutism.
Adrenal disorders are also a cause of hormonal imbalances. The adrenal glands are situated above the kidneys. These glands also produce the male hormone androgens.
Hirsutism can be treated by hormone replacement therapy. The existing hair may be tweezed and waxed. Facial hair laser removal is a more permanent solution since the follicles, which are destroyed will not return.
Reasons To Need Facial Hair Laser Removal
Laser hair removal has become the norm for eliminating unwanted hair. As more and more people turn to permanent hair removal procedures, it is important to know a little more about the different systems available.
There are 5 basic laser technologies available in the market:
Ruby: The first laser system available for hair removal was the Ruby with a Wavelength of 694nm. This laser has high melanin absorption characteristics. Due to this high melanin absorption, the treatment was deemed unsafe for olive toned or darker skin types.
Alexandrite: The Alexandrite laser was also one of the earlier systems developed for hair removal. This laser has a wavelength of 755nm. The alexandrite laser was effective for those with extremely fair skins and dark hair.
Diode: The Diode laser is considered the best hair removal technology for all skin types except for black skins. A diode laser has a wavelength of 810nm which is fantastic for attracting melanin in the hair follicle since this laser travels a little further down the hair shaft in comparison to a Ruby or Alexandrite system. This longer wavelength allows for increased epidermal safety. The Lightsheer diode laser for hair removal is the best diode laser available since the system has a built in cooling system. This cooling system allows for increased effectiveness by providing contact cooling with every pulse. The Lightsheer is considered the "Gold Standard" for hair removal
Nd Yag: An Nd Yag laser has a wavelength 1064nm. This laser is the safest and most effective laser for all skin types, especially dark skins. An Nd Yag system has the longest wavelength of all the available laser systems in the market. By having a longer wavelength, this system is less likely to attract the pigment in the skin which is why this system is ideal for darker skin types. The Coolglide is considered the "Gold Standard" for darker skins since this 1064nm laser also has a built in cooling system for maximum epidermal safety.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL systems or Intensed Pulsed Light is also used for hair removal. IPL systems are light based systems which utilize multiple wavelengths of light as oppose to a laser which is one concentrated beam of light. Wavelengths vary from 700 to 1200 nm. IPL systems can be effective for hair removal, however, the results vary greatly depend on the type of IPL system used. There are only a few IPL systems which have been proven to generate a permanent result with consecutive treatments. The most popular is the Prowave 770 IPL system which has a programmable wavelength. Since various IPL systems are available with various degrees of effectiveness, it is best to go to a laser clinic which has lasers in addition to IPL systems since IPL systems have limitations depending on your skin type.
In general if you are thinking of laser hair removal, it is important to go to a laser clinic has access to more than one laser technology.
Laser Hair Removal Technologies
Prior to laser hair removal the client should avoid getting a fresh suntan or sunburn in the area he/she is interested in getting laser hair removal. It is also important to stop bleaching, plucking or waxing at least 3 weeks prior to treatment. It is not necessary to shave far in advance, however the client should shave the day of treatment to ensure the area is as cleanly shaven as possible. It is also a good idea to leave a small patch of hair visible so the laser technician can properly assess your hair type.
After your treatment is completed it is common to see red or pink bumps and slight swelling in the area. Your laser technician will use a cold compress to help relax the skin if necessary. For the next 24-48 hours after treatment the client should avoid any excessive exercise or any activity where perspiration might occur, the area should be kept as cool as possible. If laser has been performed on a visible area sun block should be applied and used continuously throughout your treatment period to maintain a consistent skin tone. The following days or weeks the hair will shed, this process can be sped up with exfoliation and keeping the area moist with a gently non-perfumed moisturizer.
Laser Hair Removal After Care
A semiconductor diode laser is considered the most efficient light source available for hair reduction. The Lightsheer diode laser is a long pulsed diode system which is effective for numerous individuals with a variety of hair and skin types.
Permanent hair removal is accomplished when adequate amounts of light energy are absorbed by the hair follicle. This light energy absorbed by the hair follicle is then converted into heat. In comparison to other light based hair removal systems, the Lightsheer absorbs 3-4 times more energy at 800nm than a 1064nm laser. Due to this increased absorption capability the Lightsheer can achieve permanent results at lower fluences than a 1064nm laser.
The effectiveness of the laser depends on the person’s skin type. The Lightsheer is most effective on lighter skin persons. The challenge of a Lightsheer 800nm laser for darker skins is selective destruction of the hair follicle without absorption of the melanin in the epidermis. A 1064nm laser is still recommended for darker skin types (skin types V & VI).
Lightsheer Laser For Hair Removal
Those which have not seen good results from laser could be attributed to inferior technologies, to poor diagnosis of the hair and the skin type, following pre and post treatment protocols, realistic patient expectations.
It is important to have treatment at a laser clinic which has more than one technology available for hair removal. One machine cannot possibly be best for all skin types. The physics do not exist to effectively treat all skin types with one type of technology. There is a reason why there are different laser technologies out in the laser industry for hair removal. Make sure that the technology is reputable (for example: Lightsheer and Coolglide). Not all lasers are created equal.
Poor diagnosis means the hair thickness, colour of the hair, and Fitzpatrick skin type have been improperly assessed. The fluence, and pulse width are adjusted based on the hair and skin types. A good way to ensure that you are getting a good treatment is to ensure you are feeling the appropriate discomfort during the session. What you should feel during a treatment is sharp individual pinches. It will feel as if the hairs are being tweezed. You will feel more if the hair is thicker and darker. If the hair is finer and lighter, you should feel just a tiny pinch as there is a smaller target in the hair follicle and in turn less energy absorption.
If is important to follow pre and post treatment protocols for an effective treatment. This means, treatments must be scheduled 6-8 weeks apart for the body and 4-6 weeks apart for the face and neck. You should not tweeze or wax the area in between sessions as this removes the entire target which is what the laser is attracted to. Excessive tanning should be avoided in between sessions since the technician can always be more aggressive with a treatment when treating non suntanned skin.
Patient expectations are also very important. Laser hair removal is extremely effective when there is a good contrast between the skin and the hair. When the hair is finer and lighter and if the skin is darker or tanned, it is likely that you will not achieve 85-95% reduction. Brown skins which have fine brown hair on the chest are a good example of this scenario. It is best to consult a laser hair removal specialist in determining what type of reduction you can expect based on your hair and skin type.
Laser Hair Removal Efficacy
At first it does seem too good to be true! Could there be such a thing as permanent hair removal? Laser hair removal has grown in population throughout the decade because it is effective and it is permanent!
Laser light damages the root of the hair where all the reproductive origins exist. This damage prevents the hair from re-growth. More than one treatment is required since permanent damage to the root is only possible when the hair is in the active stage of hair growth or the anagen stage of hair growth which is when the hair has a full root. Normally 5-7 treatments are required for most areas. Those who require touch ups for hair removal beyond 5 or 7 sessions usually are left with fine sparse hairs. Some individuals are ok with some fine light hair while others would rather have a laser treatment once or twice a year to eliminate these sparse hairs. Touch ups are less common on the body and more common on the neck and chin area for females. Also those with darker skins may require more touch ups than those with lighter skins since there is less contrast between the skin and the hair.
Normally those that have a hormonal imbalance may notice future hair growth on the face and jaw line area more so than on the body. The reason why laser is considered a permanent reduction is the laser can damage only what presently exists under the skin. For every square inch on the body there are approximately 70 follicles which have hair or could potentially produce hair. These dormant follicles could be stimulated at any one time due to these hormonal imbalances. Although the area will never have as much hair as it once had, touch ups may be required for facial areas mainly.
Permanent Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for permanent hair removal. The hair can only be permanently removed when in the appropriate stage of hair growth. There are 3 stages of hair growth.
1. Anagen Stage: The anagen stage of hair growth is the growing phase. At this stage of hair growth the hair has a full root. During this stage of hair growth, the hair is attached to the papilla. This is the perfect stage in treating the hair with laser to achieve a permanent reduction since the laser will attract the melanin in the hair shaft and disable the papilla.
2. Catagen stage: This is a transitional stage where the hair is detaching from the papilla. This detachment is the second stage of the hair growth cycle. This is not the ideal stage of hair growth for laser hair removal, however, these hairs are likely to absorb some energy causing the hair to return thinner. When the hair returns in the anagen or growing stage of hair growth the hair will be eliminated permanently.
3. Telogen: This is the resting stage of hair growth where the hair has fully detached from the papilla and awaits to shed. If the hair is detached from the papilla, it is not possible to cause the desired damage to the papilla. This is also not the ideal stage of hair growth for laser hair removal.
The length of time a hair remains in the anagen, catagen or telogen stage of hair growth varies with different body and facial areas. Since any hair will randomly be in any one of these stages at one time, more than one treatment is required.
Stages Of Laser Hair Removal
Many people are under the impression that lasers and IPL systems (intense pulsed light) are the same thing. The two systems are actually very different. Some advertisements claim they offer IPL laser hair removal, however, an IPL system is not a laser.
A laser is a concentrated beam of infrared light. Effective wavelengths for hair removal have been proven to be 755nm, 800nm, and 1064nm. Earlier lasers were 755nm lasers, however this laser is no longer commonly used, as there is a high risk of epidermal damage.
An IPL system is a flash lamp, which covers a broad spectrum of light. This spectrum of visible and infrared light usually ranges from 700-1200nm. An IPL system is also commonly used for photorejuvenation and skin treatments as well. Photorejuvenation is a fantastic treatment for improving skin imperfections. For hair removal intense pulsed light systems compliment other hair removal lasers, however they are not the best stand-alone systems. They are not very effective for darker skin types.
It is best to consult with a laser hair removal specialist in order to determine which system or combination of laser and light systems are best for your skin and hair type. A laser clinic that specializes in laser hair removal should have multiple laser and light based systems for hair removal.
IPL Laser Hair Removal Systems
Laser hair removal continues to grow in popularity as a means of getting rid of unwanted hair that many new laser manufacturers are eagerly trying to gain FDA approval. Since the numbers of manufacturers are rapidly increasing, it is impossible for the FDA to maintain a current list of approved laser devices for permanent hair reduction. When looking for a laser clinic for laser hair removal, the technology must be FDA approved for hair removal. The Lightsheer and Coolglide are both FDA approved systems for hair removal. Lasers FDA approved for body hair removal are cleared for facial hair removal as well.
FDA Approved Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a very safe procedure for eliminating unwanted hair. Lasers for hair removal use infrared light to target the hair follicle. These lasers have been designed to attract a specific target. Infrared light passes through the skin unlike an x-rays or UV light which leaves residual energy in the body. X-rays, microwaves and UV rays are ionizing rays which means these wavelengths of light are actually changing the structure of the cells which is why there are limitations on the number of x-rays one can have a year. Infrared light does not change the structure of the body’s cells therefore; they are non-ionizing rays, which also indicates that laser hair removal does not stimulate any health risks. Lasers for hair removal have been created to deliver just enough energy to generate thermal damage in the root of the hair follicle preventing hair re-growth.
Laser Hair Removal Safety
Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles. This condition is commonly known as ingrown hairs. Folliculitis may be superficial or deep in the dermis. This occurrence involves the formation of a pustule in the skin follicle which is often irritating and painful. Folliculitis is caused by bacteria called staphylococcus. Contributing factors to developing this skin condition include poor personal hygiene, tight clothing, wound healing, lack of exfoliating and lack of skin hydration.
An effective treatment for folliculitis is laser hair removal. Laser Hair Removal gets to the root of the problem by destroying the hair by its root and preventing future hair growth. If the hair is permanently removed by laser hair removal, the hair cannot become trapped underneath the skin. Other treatment options for the prevention of ingrown hairs include retinol A creams which force exfoliation of the skin. Retinol A products prevent the build up of dead skin cells on the skins surface however this is not a permanent solution. Chances are that if you are prone to this condition, laser hair removal is a better long term solution since the outcome really is permanent removal of the hair.
Laser Hair Removal For Folliculitis
