The Right Laser Makes All The Difference
Dr. Henry, Dr. Hartman, and Singleton all recommend the YAG 1064 laser which is proven to work well on melanated skin. But to be clear: Whoever is using it still needs to be well-versed in what theyre doing. Because even with the perfect laser, you have to be able to read the skins response, says Dr. Henry.
Dr. Hartman has found himself taking on the role of educating both his patients and other physicians on the right kind of lasers to use. Patients will sometimes come to me after having several sessions elsewhere and tell me the laser hair removal didnt work, he says. And when I do the digging, I find out the reason it didnt work is because that laser was never meant to work for them. So, we have to educate people on the right devices, even showing them the ones Ive used on myself. Technology is always evolving, so sometimes its a case of getting the newest version of a device after the current model sunsets.
My Experience Withlaser Hair Removal
Golden Pulse Cosmetic Center in Richmond Hill uses state-of-the-art technology to provide the latest advancements in cosmetic beauty services.
Removing unwanted hair has always been an unpleasant permanent job for everyone! Plucking, shaving, threading, and waxing have been methods of hair removal for a while. Although these methods might be sufficient for a temporary period, they are not a permanent solution. Laser hair removal is an advanced method of achieving a permeant result. With this technology, you can say goodbye to body hair after a few short sessions.
What Are The Risks Of Using An Ipl Laser At Home
So if getting IPL done in a professional setting works well on dark spots, can we try at-home IPL for dark spots? Using this kind of advanced technology at home sounds like risky businessand, according to the experts we consulted, it is.
In the last few years, there has been a rapid increase in home light devices that have had very little testing, says plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Simone Matousek. Home IPL devices are unregulated and should not be used for management of pigmentation, or any skin problems, she advises.
Both doctors noted that these DIY devices arent really strong enough to produce significant results. In fact, they can actually cause darkening of pigmentation, as the intensity of home IPL units is too weak, says Dr. Morrell. And, if the intensity is stronger, there is a possibility of burns.
So, zapping your skin with an at-home IPL device might actually worsen your unwanted dark spots, by making them even darker.
Even in the hands of trained medical practitioners, an IPL device can cause side effects, adds Dr. Matousek. Clinical trials have found that these can include redness, rashes, blistering, swelling, and hypopigmentationpatches of skin lighteningin addition to dark spots. If powerful IPL technology is misused, it can even lead to eye injuries and scarring.
Recommended Reading: How Quickly Can Skin Cancer Appear
The Best Lasers For Dark Skin
The first and most important thing you need to know is how the two types of lasersNd:YAG and diodework for dark skin and dark hair. In recent years the Nd:YAG has become increasingly popular. The wavelength of this laser goes deeper into the skin than a diode, says Gmyrek. So it more successfully bypasses the pigmentation present in the skin. Because the YAG basically bypasses the melanin in your skin, its the safest option for medium to dark skin. Its one of two lasers Shobha Tummala, founder and CEO of Shobha hair removal, offers in her salons.
But the diode laser has its own perks, even though it might be more complicated for anyone above a 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale . In patients with dark skin, the diode lasers energy has to be delivered in a slower manner per pulse, leaving more time for skin to cool, says Gmyrek. It also has an instant cooling device that protects pigment from overheating and being damaged. The Lumenis LightSheer laser, one of the most popular diode lasers, even has a suction mechanism to distract your attention from the pain. I would overall say that its the least painful, says Estee Williams, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.
Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Brown Skin
Hair removal is one of the most important aspects of beauty and self-care. Its also one of the most difficult to get right, especially if youre not a white person. There are many reasons why people choose to remove their hair. Some people have medical conditions that make hair growth difficult or dangerous, and some people simply dont like it on their bodies. But no matter what kind of hair you have or why you want it gone, there are certain types that are harder to remove than others.
For example, brown skin is more resistant to laser hair removal than fair skin is. This means that if you have dark skin and youre considering getting rid of your facial hair with lasers, youre going to need more sessions than someone with a lighter complexion would need in order to see results.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Ipl laser hair removal for brown skin , best home ipl for dark spots. Read on to learn more. We at cosmeticsurgerytips have all the information that you need about at home ipl for dark spots. Read on to learn more.
Also Check: How Fast Does Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Spread
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Laser Hair Removal
After feeling like you’ve been popped with thousands of rubber bands, you may be wondering how long it will take to see results. “You’ll typically see anywhere between a 50 percent and 90 percent reduction of hair with the first treatment,” says Dr. Charles, adding that it usually takes around five sessions to see major differences.
I didn’t believe this was true until I started experiencing moments where 20 to 30 pieces of “dead” hair would fall out onto my washcloth as I washed my body and into my hands as I applied lotion. This may seem odd at first, but it’s a good indicator that your sessions are working and aren’t being done in vain.
You should also expect to see less hair growth after a few sessions. At times, it may look patchy, because your hair grows in different phases and some areas tend to be more stubborn than others. “It is important to adhere to a consistent, monthly routine when starting laser hair removal,” says Dr. Charles. This is because your hair typically grows in three phases: the growth phase, the resting phase, and the regression phase.
It’s worth mentioning again that though laser treatments can make a big difference in the amount of hair on your body, it’s not considered permanent hair removal. Because factors like hormones can continue to impact your hair growth, you’ll still need to go in for maintenance sessions even after you’re “done.”
Learn more about the difference between waxing, shaving, and getting laser on your bikini area:
Does Tria Work On Dark Skin
One popular hair removal machine is the TRIA line of devices, specifically the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X. Unfortunately, the Tria Hair Removal 4X is designed specifically to be used on patients up to Skin Tone 4.
This means light skin and light to medium brown skin tones can safely experience TRIA devices for hair removal, but anyone with darker skin should avoid these devices at all costs.
Learn more: 8 Reasons Why Laser Hair Treatment May Not Be Working For You
Read Also: Best Lotion For Rough And Bumpy Skin
Good Candidates For Laser Hair Removal
Before you invest in laser hair removal it’s important to find out if you’re a good candidate to receive treatment. According to Dr. Charles, no matter the amount of melanin in your skin or how light or dark your complexion is, you can get laser hair removal. “But the people that tend to do the best have coarse, thick hair and darker hair, and that’s because the light source in the laser tends to see that hair the best, so it picks up the hair and it really zaps it,” he says.
People with dark brown or black hair tend to see the best results with laser, adds Dr. Davis. If you have light brown, grey, or white hair, unfortunately, you aren’t considered a good candidate for laser hair removal as the laser won’t be able to detect the melanin of the hair follicles.
Most people will see success with laser hair removal, but there are areas, such as the upper lip, which are harder to treat because that hair tends to be finer. Most professionals will still treat this spot, but because it tends to be resistant to treatment , you may not see drastic results and will likely need to do multiple sessions to see any results at all.
M Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction Device With Fda Cleared Els Technology
-
Safe for facial hair
-
Nearly pain-free treatments
- Acne spot treatment tool
The m Smooth uses els technology explained above that is FDA-cleared. Like the iluminage Touch, the m Smooth advertises 94 percent hair reduction in treatments over seven weeks. It also weighs just over four pounds.
The m Smooth is almost mouse-shaped . It is not portable it requires being plugged in to function.
Some customers stated that the original cartridge in the device did not last as long as expected. One reviewer mentioned that they seemed to get more mileage out of cartridges after their hair had gotten thinner .
A couple reviewers said they saw better results in hair reduction with facial hair and underarms areas that typically have less hair.
You May Like: How Do They Remove Skin Cancer From Face
Silkn Permanent Hair Remover For Light To Dark Skin
- 92% reduction in hair growth
- Bluetooth connectivity feature
The Silkn Infinity device is pod shaped and lightweight, coming in at just under three pounds.
The Silkn Infinitys technology uses galvanic and optical energy, which creates a flash using electricity and a lens. Its heat also opens pores to better target hair follicles.
It must be noted that people with dark complexions should use this device on its lower settings. Please refer to the manual for more detailed instructions.
You May Also Like: Permanent Hair Removal A Guide
How To Prepare For Your Laser Hair Treatment
Now is notwe repeat, notthe time to get a coupon through a discount site. The provider matters. I was willing to pay a premium and see a professional with great reviews, says Marlene, 28, who had the treatment done on her underarms. A pro who has extensive experience with laser hair removal for dark skin is essential.
Not only should you expect the screening to cover the topics and forms youd see from any medical professional, it should also include your ethnicity, because different ethnicitiesregardless of skin tonereact differently to lasers. Your skin may appear to be a 3 or 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale, but if youre, say, Latinx or Asian, it could react to the laser as a 6 would.
Once youre scheduled, coddle your skin. Stop using skin-care products with harsh ingredients, including glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, and any retinoids , at least five days before your treatment. These can all make your skin more sensitive to the laser energy, says Gmyrek.
Go full vampire and keep out of the sunor at the very least, use proper protection. A tan equals more pigment, which can spur a different reaction to the laser. If youre even slightly tanned, inform the laser provider so that the treatment energy can be lowered or the treatment rescheduled, says Gmyrek.
Recommended Reading: What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Of Skin
Laser Hair Removal In London
- Using technology for dark skin, the Gentle Max Pro Nd:Yag laser.
- Suitable for men & women, aged over 18 only.
- Safe even on the higher melanin content of dark skin.
- Reduction of ingrown hairs & smoother skin.
- Doctor and nurse led clinic.
- All technicians qualified in Level 4 Certificate in Laser Treatments
- Over 18 years expertise in skincare.
- Clinics in London: Bank, Fenchurch Street & Tottenham Court Road
Other Hair Removal Options For Dark Skin
For Indian patients and other patients with brown skin, as well as patients with darker skin tones, Nd:YAG machines are the ideal hair removal solution on the market. It is effective for thick and dense hair, and can be used for bushy hair, facial hair, and body hair removal.
Not only do Nd:YAG machines reduce the hair growth in the targeted area, they also lead to finer and softer hair growth, should it ever begin growing again. However, some individuals with dark skin tones might be considering other hair removal solutions. Here are other ways you can remove your body hair:
You May Like: What Does Skin Cancer Look Like On An Arm
Have Confidence When Researching And Know That You Are Your Own Best Advocate
Do the research, ask the right questions, find technicians you trust, and always follow pre and post-procedure guidelines to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience with laser hair removal.
If you are interested in laser hair removal and have dark skin, but dont know where to start the process, keep reading as we breakdown everything you need to know.This post will tackle types of lasers, how they work, the kind of laser required to treat darker skin tones, how to care for dark skin after laser hair removal, and how to find the right technician for your skin type by asking the right questions.
What Is Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is basically the use of laser heat to destroy hair at the follicle. After several treatments, the hair follicle becomes too damaged and hair no longer grows in that spot.
The early laser hair removal technology used IPL or intense pulsed light which worked well on light skin with dark hair.
But there was a problem:
On other complexions, such as fair skin with light hair, or in laser hair removal for brown skin, the laser heated the surrounding skin too much, causing burns. Many other patients experienced permanent changes in skin pigmentation. IPLs were determined to be too dangerousfor permanent hair removal for dark skin.
Also Check: My Skin Is So Dry
The Best Laser For Dark Complexions
If you tried to get laser hair removal on a darker complexion in the early 2000s, you were probably turned away because old lasers weren’t created to work on these skin types. But now, newer lasers can distinguish between the pigment of the skin and hair follicles, making it possible to safely and effectively treat melanin-rich skin.
According to Dr. Charles, laser hair removal is “incredibly effective” for people with darker complexions when performed with a laser that provides a 1064 nanometer laser wavelength of light. Lasers such as the Nd:YAG have a 1064 nanometer wavelength, and this long wavelength and solely targets the melanin, or pigment, of the hair follicle.
“This particular wavelength is safest for skin of color because the wavelength penetrates the skin deeply enough to destroy the hair follicles without destroying the surrounding melanocytes ,” says DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist located in Dallas, TX. This is important because the destruction of the melanocytes can lead to pigmentary alterations such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, she adds.
According to Dr. Charles, laser hair removal is very safe with minimal side effects, “assuming that the person doing it is using the right laser and understands the mechanics of treating darker skin,” he says.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Your First Laser Hair Removal Treatment
There are a few things you’ll want to be aware of before you book your initial session. First, you’ll want to take stock of your skin-care routine and consult your dermatologist or laser provider. If you use products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide on areas you plan on getting treated, professionals may recommend you stop using them altogether, or at least press pause on them for a few days before and after your treatment. According to Dr. Davis, this is because they can cause increased sensitivity of the skin and in conjunction with laser hair removal, you run the risk of irritation or more serious issues such as your skin peeling off and scarring.
Dr. Charles doesn’t stop his patients from using topicals on treatment areas, but he doesnât recommend using retinol or retinoids immediately after getting treated. âThat said, it is ok to start your skin-care regimen a couple of days after treatment assuming that all went well with the treatment,â he says. For those on Accutane, Dr. Charles doesnât recommend getting treatment, as the skin can respond unpredictably.
And if you’re pregnant, it’s also advised that you hold off on treatment, as studies haven’t evaluated the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy.
You May Like: What Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Why Laser Hair Removal Favored Fair Skin And Dark Hair
When laser hair removal was first developed, doctors and technicians found that results worked best on patients who were light-skinned with dark hair.
The reason for this was because of the way the technology worked: as the light goes into the hair follicle due to its attraction to the melanin of the hair, there needed to be a distinct contrast between the pigment of the hair and the pigment of the skin. The greater this contrast, the more successfully the light energy could convert into heat in the hair follicles.
So what happened with patients who didnt have light skin and dark hair? Simply put, doctors could not guarantee effective hair removal treatments on them, and in many cases, it was dangerous to even try.
Without the advanced technology that we have today, devices that emitted wavelengths that werent absorbed into the hair follicle could lead to scarring, blistering, irregular skin color, and more, with some side effects being permanent. Without the sophistication of todays devices, women of color who wanted hair removal were putting the safety of their skin up for gamble.
The diagram above is known as the Fitzpatrick skin scale, and its the typical scale used to identify skin tones for treatments. While the scale is now considered outdated, it was the original chart for determining skin types, based on a study involving the effects of ultraviolet light on skin types .