How many times do we need to irritate our skin by shaving, unearth those pesky ingrown hairs, and endure hot wax before we look into permanent hair reduction? Holidays, special occasions, and any time we’d prefer smooth and hairless areas, are a nuisance when we have to find time for shaving and traditional hair removal methods. There’s got to be a better way with longer-lasting results, right? It’s time to consider laser hair removal.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is also known as IPL hair removal, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light. This technology uses, you guessed it, intensely pulsed light to utilise its energy in a form of laser. The energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, converted to heat energy which destroys the hair and the root. This also disables the hair follicle’s blood supply, lessening the changes of the growth of another hair.
The sensation is likened to a static electric shock and the ‘pinging’ of an elastic band when the light is delivered. It’s more uncomfortable than it is painful, and areas like the bikini line might be more sensitive than others, but this sensation diminishes as the sessions go on and the hair decreases.
The Do’s and Don’t’s of laser hair removal
DO shave in between your treatments. One of the benefits of laser hair removal is that you can still perform shaving as a hair removal method for up to a few days before your treatment. This is because the treatment only works on hair that is currently in the growing stage and not dormant, so shaving a few days before your treatment ensures your hairs are growing and treatable.
DON’T wax, epilate, or pluck the hairs between treatments. This is because these methods remove the root of the hair. The laser is attracted to and absorbed by the pigment in the hair beneath the skin, so if the root and hair is completely removed there’s nothing the laser can treat. Shaving is encouraged, but these kinds of root removal is advised against.
DO avoid sun exposure. This is because the laser is attracted to pigment, which includes the pigment in your skin. A sun tan is a change in your pigmentation due to sun exposure, so it’s important not to receive laser hair removal while you have a tan. The laser will break down this pigment and could leave you with unwanted uneven patches of skin tone.
DON’T apply heavy make-up for 24 hours after laser facial hair removal to avoid clogging the skin unnecessarily and causing breakouts. Mineral makeup is fine, but oily products could risk the development of spots and breakouts.
DO wear a high sun protection factor. After treatment, you skin will be a little sensitive to UV rays to protect from developing hyperpigmentation and sensitivity.
DON’T cut corners on your treatment and use at-home devices. It’s important you receive treatment from professionally trained aestheticians, such as those at Allison Jeffery Skin Health and Laser Clinic in Brighton. We’ll ensure optimum results, safety, and plenty of aftercare advice to best support your treatment.
DO exfoliate the area gently. It encourages the dead roots to fall out after every treatment and also encourages hair growth by stimulating the skin.
Laser hair removal permanently reduces hair growth in the treated area and saves you from experiencing trapped hairs and immediate regrowth. To lessen your hair growth, book your first appointment with us on __ or enquire online today.