Laser Hair Removal- It Doesn’t have To Hurt


July 15, 2016

By Matthew Pruitt

Let’s face it, there are two really important factors that we think about when considering laser hair removal- results and pain. There is little doubt that laser hair removal performed with quality lasers in the hands of trained technician’s works very well. But, what if I told you there is little to no pain when laser hair removal is performed with advanced laser technology and advanced techniques. Would you believe me?

We conducted a survey of our clients to find out what their comfort level was right after having laser hair removal at Skin Bar NYC. Of the 100 clients we surveyed 9 out of 10 replied that laser was comfortable or tolerable. 1 in 10 clients reported feeling discomfort or pain.

Just two years ago a similar survey revealed a very different story. More than 50% of respondents reported feeling pain. How has the comfort level changed so much? There are two reasons. First, the lasers we use are newly designed with special features intended to reduce the “ouch” factor associated with laser treatments. Lasers like our Cynosure laser pulse much faster than the previous generation of technology. And today they can treat much larger areas in a fraction of the time. Both of these advancements add up to faster treatments and faster is better if something is uncomfortable.

Riding shot gun with our Cynosure lasers is a technology that has replaced the numbing cream many clients in the past required as a prerequisite for treatment. It’s a cooling device that blows super chilled air directly onto the spot being treated without any messy goop or waiting time. This thermal cooling method blows air at a temperature of -29 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s pretty cold. This cold air forced onto the skin momentarily numbs the top layer of skin. And if your skin is numb, you don’t feel pain. Cold air works as an anesthetic.

Cold air plays another vital role in laser treatment. Safety. The cold air also cools down the skin before the laser is absorbed and as a result decreases the likelihood of adverse reactions like PFE or superficial irritation. Cold air is very helpful in the summer months when body temperatures are naturally higher and our skin retains more heat. Combine speed with an anesthetic and you have a strong counter punch to combat the “ouch” factor.

The second reason clients experience more comfort has to do with the treatment process. At Skin Bar NYC we have designed several unique techniques to ensure a higher level of comfort. First, we always pre-cool the area to bring down the temperature of your skin. We apply a light weight aloe gel to the area right before we begin treatment. When the cold air comes into contact with the gel it quickly freezes and adds another shield against potential discomfort. And finally, our trusted stress balls help to relieve stress and anxiety. It might sound like a small feature but clients comment all the time on how much they like to use them.

Laser hair removal hasn’t quite reached the level of comfort associated with other spa services like a massage, but it doesn’t have to be something you dread doing either. Done with advanced lasers and a little extra care even someone with the lowest tolerance for pain can have laser without cringing.

If you have been considering laser but you’re not sure if it’s right for you, let us help. Our expert team of skinticians are available for consultations and we always let new clients try our service with a small test patch done at no charge. So, go ahead, get you laser on!


Matthew Pruitt

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