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“Traditionally, lasers work by beaming intense light at the follicle, which causes permanent damage so the hair no longer grows there,” Dr. Engelman explains. Not only might your treatment take longer, but those with darker skin tones may require more treatments before achieving final results. While everyone’s skin responds differently to laser treatment, expect anywhere from sessions for semi-permanent hair removal. 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. Laser hair removal is ideal for anyone looking to stop or slow hair growth on specific parts of the face and/or body.
Overall doctor performance
We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts. At Ethos, we’ll be glad to assist you in determining the right treatment plan for your aesthetic & wellness needs. Visit an Ethos Aesthetics & Wellness clinic nearest you or contact us today to know what service best fits your concerns. Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more.
Laser hair removal causes future hair growth in the treated area.
Older laser devices have trouble differentiating between pigment in the hair, and pigment in dark skin. Because pigment attracts the laser, there’s a greater risk for burns, blisters or scarring when treating darker skin. 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. 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.
Laser Hair Removal for Darker Skin Tones
While patients with darker skin tones should take special care in finding a provider, laser treatments (of all kinds) carry risks for everyone. “They are just instruments that rely on the performer,” Dr. Frank cautions. Generally speaking, you need to be careful using lasers on people with a history of eczema and psoriasis or any type of skin disease, he says. Taking the time to research and consult with several providers will help ensure you get the best treatment for your needs. From laser skin treatments to laser hair removal, tone matters — skin tone, that is. Laser therapy procedures are not one size fits all and the wrong treatment can cause lasting damage.
An article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology says that laser hair removal is available for skin types I through IV on the Fitzpatrick scale – this excludes those with darker skin types. But as Dr. Shirazi notes, "those with darker skin tones should be cautious as there’s higher risk of complications such as burns or hyperpigmentation." Like most treatments at Ethos Spa, our laser hair removal treatments also start with a consultation.
But if you're adamant about removing hair in between sessions, "shaving is the best thing to do," he says. Stop using skin-care products with harsh ingredients, including glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, and any retinoids (including tretinoin and adapalene), at least five days before your treatment. “These can all make your skin more sensitive to the laser energy,” says Gmyrek. You'll also want to avoid any kind of exfoliating products, like retinol creams and AHAs and BHAs in the days immediately before your treatment too.
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, Tested by Experts
After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don't use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor. As with all beauty and skin treatments, the cost of YAG laser hair removal is dependent upon the size of the area being treated, who is performing the treatment, and where the treatment is being performed geographically. Generally speaking, YAG is more expensive in cities than in rural areas.
It might not work as well for people with dark skin or hair that’s blonde, gray, white or red. Burns and changes of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation arise from unsafe settings or treating freshly sun exposed skin especially when treating deep skin tones. This is why utilizing a physical sunscreen daily on areas treated with laser hair removal is so important.
How we test the best at-home laser hair removal devices
"It felt very comfortable to use on my legs, and I never experienced discomfort, even at the highest setting." Soft to hold against your skin, this IPL device has a smooth silicone handle and a unique treatment head where the lamp is surrounded by a ring of silicone. Plus, there are air vents inside the silicone ring that deliver cool air to the treatment area. RoseSkinCo boasts noticeable results in just four treatments, per the brand. Sleek, pink and chic, this IPL device stands out as one of the cheapest options we've found. Plus, if the device is not held flush against your skin, it won't flash, making it safe and easy to use.
The Absolute Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Guys - Men's Health
The Absolute Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Guys.
Posted: Sun, 29 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Laser hair removal works by targeting a specific medium, such as melanin, pigment, or a hair follicle, he explains. "In the case of doing laser hair removal, primarily the type that we do in darker skin, the laser goes after melanin or pigment at the bulb of the hair." "They contain shorter wavelengths that are unsafe for dark skin." She does concede that there are some newer devices that filter those wavelengths better to make it safer for darker skin types. First, it’s important to note that most at-home hair removal devices are not lasers.
However, it only has one treatment head, unlike many of its competitors. Before getting laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure. Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring.
Standard lasers can’t differentiate between the melanin in the hair and the skin, which can lead to burns or discoloration. Let’s delve deeper into laser hair removal and understand its nuances for those with darker complexions. Dr. Nazarian adds, "most at-home devices require consistent use up-front, and then infrequent use for maintenance, much like in-office lasers, but they are quite effective." A smaller version of Foreo's fan-favorite Peach2, the Peach 2 Go offers a larger treatment window, faster flash, and built-in skin cooling system to ensure a comfortable experience.
The reason YAG laser hair removal is so safe for darker skin tones is due to its longer wavelength. “It penetrates more deeply and is less likely to impact the superficial melanin pigment surrounding the follicle which is what makes it a safer alternative in darker skin types,” Garshisck says. To figure out what laser works best on dark skin, it's worth understanding how hair removal lasers work. However, thanks to advancements in laser technology, there are now safer and more effective options available for dark skin types. If you're trying to decide if laser hair removal is for you, there are a few items you should be crossing off your checklist before undergoing any treatment.
Ingrown hairs can lead to painful bumps, scars, and even infections. Additionally, seeking treatment from a reputable clinic with experience in treating dark skin can significantly decrease the chances of post-treatment hyperpigmentation. Darker skin tones can achieve excellent results comparable to those with lighter skin. The key is to use the appropriate laser type and settings tailored to the individual’s unique skin and hair combination. The effectiveness of laser hair removal depends on various factors, including the type of laser used, the technician’s expertise, and the individual’s hair and skin type. At Ethos Spa, we’re committed to providing you with the best cosmetic treatments that are guaranteed to be safe and effective for your skincare needs.
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