How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal takes advantage of the melanin pigment that gives your hair color. Your hair grows from inside a follicle, which still contains the pigmented hair root. The pigments absorb the laser energy, damaging the follicles. As a result, the treated follicles no longer produce hair roots, so you no longer deal with unwanted hair.
At Skinatomy, we understand that one laser will not work for everyone. We offer three different laser hair removal systems so every skin tone and area of hair can receive successful treatment. The Candela Gentle YAG, LightSheer Diode Laser, and Sciton ClearScan YAG can be used depending on your needs. Eliminating the “one size fits all” approach to laser hair removal lets us provide better treatment and results.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
The most important factor in the success of laser hair removal is the presence of pigment to absorb the laser energy. If the pigment is missing, the follicle will not be affected by the laser. Follow these tips to get the most out of each session:
No Waxing, Threading, or Tweezing
Hair removal methods like waxing pull out the hair root. You should not use these methods for at least four weeks before treatment. Within this time, enough hair roots will regrow to make the treatment successful. You can shave before and in between sessions.
Do Not Use Bleach
Bleaching your hair removes the pigments from the root, which has the same effect as removing the root itself. With no pigment to absorb the laser energy, the hair follicle remains untreated. Do not bleach hair you plan to treat for at least four weeks before treatment.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Sun exposure causes your skin to produce melanin. As a result, sun exposure before laser hair removal can result in negative effects. Do not tan or use artificial tanners before or between treatments and use sunscreen consistently.
Shave Before Treatment
Shaving leaves the hair root intact so that you can continue throughout treatment. We recommend shaving 24 hours before your session. Too much hair growth above the skin can generate heat, and the laser can work on hairs beneath the skin.
Your Skinatomy skincare expert may also recommend that you limit the use of certain over-the-counter medications and supplements. These include NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as several types of supplements.
What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?
In the past, laser hair removal was not always a comfortable process. With our advanced laser systems, your skin is kept cool and protected. Most people feel little to no discomfort, although some areas are more sensitive than others. Even those who find it uncomfortable usually describe it as mild and do not hesitate to return for further sessions.
Treatment can take as little as fifteen minutes for small areas and up to an hour for large or multiple areas. Your Skinatomy skincare expert will explain what you can expect and guide you through the procedure if you feel uncertain.
