Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses concentrated light. The light, which is absorbed by the pigment found in hair, is converted to heat that damages the hair follicles to prevent or delay hair growth.
The benefits of laser hair removal include clearer, smoother skin and the reduction of ingrown hairs, but there are disadvantages you may need to consider.
Here’s what you need to know about laser hair removal treatment.
Before the procedure
Laser hair removal requires a few necessary changes, especially before the procedure takes place. One request is that the area must be clean-shaven and exfoliated at least 24 hours before each session. This will avoid skin damage and help the laser focus on the hair follicles under the skin. Clients must avoid tweezing, waxing, and plucking, which can agitate the area and make the follicles harder to identify. Makeup or other products such as lotion, sunscreen, deodorant, and fake tanning products must be removed from any area to be treated. Stop using scrubs, retinol creams and products containing glycolic acid at least two days before starting laser treatments. Skincare experts also recommend that you limit exposure to sunlight at least four weeks before treatment sessions begin.
During each session
Some clients say the procedure feels like getting hit by a rubber band. Most get accustomed to the feeling after a few sessions.
You will find that appointments are short, averaging about 20 minutes or less. After the first few sessions, the hairs being treated will get thinner and less noticeable. The total number of sessions may vary, but clients can expect 8 to 12 treatments to see the final results.
Immediately after the procedure
After a laser hair removal session, you will have swollen hair follicles, and you can expect redness, stinging, or itching, which can last anywhere from an hour to 48 hours. Take cool showers for a couple of days following treatment, as hot showers can irritate the skin.
Your skin will be vulnerable to infection following treatment. So avoid visiting the gym for at least 24 hours since excessive sweat can invite bacterial growth.
Laser hair removal for dark skin
In the past, individuals with darker skin tones were not considered suitable candidates for laser hair removal. There was a high risk of skin burning as the darker pigment would be identified as hair. Thanks to improvements in technology, laser hair removal is now effective on all skin types using the right equipment.
Drawbacks of laser hair removal
There is a slight chance that laser hair removal may trigger longer and thicker hair growth. Speak with your dermatologist before starting treatment to determine if that is a concern for your skin type. Even if laser hair removal is successful, you may require top-up sessions after your treatment has ended. Although laser hair removal is safe for all skin types, some people may experience skin discolouration. In rare cases, laser hair removal can lead to blistering or scarring.
Laser hair removal in Vancouver
If you are searching for a laser hair removal clinic in Vancouver, SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic is the best choice.
SKN is an award-winning clinic with skincare professionals committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients.
Give us a call today to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about our laser hair removal services.
