As the weather begins to feel increasingly warmer, we are actually starting to feel like summer is near! Millions of people turn to laser hair removal for beautifully smooth skin, allowing them to bare it all on the beach! Due to its popularity, we decided to share some laser hair removal (LHR) safety tips so you can ensure your skin is looking its best.
First Let’s Talk About Some Common LHR Misconceptions.
It Is Too Painful To Undergo!
Many think this to be true, however, LHR is actually less painful than plucking or waxing your unwanted hair! The sensation may vary from a slight sting to “Ohhhh my goodness!” with hormones, stress levels & medications impacting how much you feel the laser. However, when using the best technology, cooling the area eases any pain you may feel. The Cynosure (the latest and greatest and what we use at Skin Bar) has a small hood over the laser, allowing us to get super close without actually touching the skin and is the only machine that has an adjustable cooling hand-piece!
It Is Permanent After One Treatment!
LHR is permanent hair reduction that typically requires six to eight treatments with yearly touch ups to remove 70-90% of unwanted hair. The amount of treatments varies, depending on the area of your body, thickness of hair, and hair growth cycle.
It Doesn’t Work On All Skin Tones
LHR can successfully treat ALL skin tones! Advanced lasers often specialize in treatment of a range of skin tones, using customizable settings for safe and effective results. It is important to be treated by skincare professionals who recognize and utilize the strengths and weaknesses of varying lasers when dealing with different skin tones. The YAG laser specializes in darker skin tones, whereas the Alexandrite (Alex) laser specializes in lighter skin tones.
It Is Dangerous!
It is often perceived that LHR is dangerous and even cancer causing. This is a very scary misconception that is NOT true. The type of radiation that LHR emits is non-ionizing, which can be found in visible light, and radio and sound waves, in items such as cell phones, televisions, and even remote controls! We are surrounded by non-ionizing radiation every day and it is nowhere near strong enough to damage our cells. Phew!
It Is Too Expensive
Many associate laser hair removal with large expense! However, if you add up the cost of all razors ever purchased or every wax you have ever had, it is clear that LHR is worth the one-time investment!
Listen Up Ladies! Important Safety Procedures To Follow At Home:
Two Weeks Before
Discontinue the use of self-tanners, antibiotics, and retinol. Limit sun exposure as much as possible and be sure to protect with sunblock when sun exposure cannot be avoided.
One Week Before
Do not use benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, vitamin c, any products that contain AHA or BHA, or any type of cosmetic acids one week before your treatment. These products make your skin so sensitive that it can burn if it comes in contact with the laser.
After/In Between
Due to the sensitivity of your skin after your treatment, you absolutely MUST be protecting it with sunblock.
We repeat: SUNBLOCK IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY!
Your skin will be susceptible to skin discoloration from UV Rays, which is why we recommend Alta 46 sunblock. Free of parabens, chemicals and fragrances, it is the best way to ensure that your skin will be protected and will not become irritated or clogged! We also recommend the use of an Epidermal Repair product to soothe and moisturize your skin. Do not pluck or wax in between treatments!
Remember These Five Simple Safety Tips When Getting LHR!
#1: Be Confident In Who Is Treating You
Be sure that an experienced and reputable licensed professional is treating you in a clean environment with a plan that is customized specifically for your skin.
# 2: Know Your Laser
Not all lasers are created equal! Be sure that you are being treated on a YAG if you have darker skin or an Alex if you have lighter skin. If another type is being used – go somewhere else! If you are sensitive to pain, be sure the laser has a cooling agent to ease the “ouch” factor!
# 3: Discontinue Use Of Products
Self-tanners, antibiotics, and retinol must be discontinued at least two weeks before treatment! Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, vitamin c, products containing AHA/BHA and cosmetic acids will result in the laser burning your skin if you do not stop using them at least one week prior to treatment!
#4: Keep The Area Out Of The Sun
The darker your skin is, the lower the setting of the laser needs to be to treat you safely so that you will not burn. This affects results! Keep the area out of the sun before and in between treatments (cover up like these sensible ladies to the right!) and if it is unavoidable, be sure to use sunblock.
#5: Protect Your Skin After Treatment
Your skin will be very sensitive after being treated which is why you MUST protect it with sunblock so that the sun will not damage it!
Remember Our Laser Hair Removal Safety Tips When Preparing To Bare It All On The Beach This Summer!
