With the increasingly early onset of acne in children, there has been a rise in the number of preteens and teens who seek acne treatments during a visit to their pediatrician. In a study published in the journal Pediatric Dermatology, researchers evaluated the change in pattern in the onset of puberty by determining if acne is becoming increasingly prevalent at an earlier age. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database was used in the study for researchers to analyze acne-based physician visits from children six to 18 years old from 1979 to 2007. The results of the study showed the average age of children seeking medical treatment for acne decreased from 16 to 15 since 1979 to 2007. The finding of the study also supports the early onset of puberty in girls compared to boys.
While the rise of acne treatments among children accounts for the earlier onset of puberty, parents may also be more likely to push their children to treat their acne now rather than later. Early detection of skin diseases has become increasingly important with the availability of new technology to determine the cause of skin breakouts. Severe acne during early childhood is a significant risk factor for having severe acne during a child’s teen years and possibly well into adulthood. Findings from two studies that dealt with the onset of acne in adolescent boys and adolescent girls suggest that the best way to predict the severity of acne at age 15 is to evaluate how severe the acne in the child at age 10. The earlier acne is tackled, the better your child’s skin will look as they get older. So don’t hesitate anymore and trust Satori Laser with your child’s skin before it gets worse!
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Ancient Egyptian women crafted the original rough draft of today’s lipstick using dye extracted from seaweed, iodine, and highly toxic bromine mannite. Because of the poisonous ingredients, the side effects were brutal, which eventually led to the discovery of carmine extracted from beetles and ants as a way to develop red pigments.
Arsenic Hair Removal
Long before Nair came to be, ladies of the Renaissance and ancient Egyptian times created early depilatory passes out of highly poisonous arsenic and quicklime, which is used to make cement. Later on, as recently as the 1940s, women were known to use sandpaper friction to rid the skin of hair.
Lead Facials
The toxic white lead was a popular ingredient in the early days of beauty through to the Victorian era and was frequently used as a mask or treatment to whiten the skin and provide the unearthly pallor that was considered desirable at the time. Queen Elizabeth I of England was an especially well-known lead user—her super-pale look was known as “the Mask of Youth.”
Bloodletting
Bloodletting has served many supposed “purposes” throughout history, ranging from curing illnesses and conditions to balancing the humor of the body for better health, but it was also used in the Victorian age to enhance paleness thanks to the loss of blood.
Tapeworm Diet
We cannot emphasize this enough: Do not try this at home. The tapeworm “diet” of the early 20th century entailed swallowing tapeworm eggs, which would then consume your food while living in your digestive tract. They would also produce millions of eggs in your intestine and grow up to 20 feet long. Healthy!
Radium
The radioactive ingredient discovered by Marie Curie was believed to have “magical healing properties,” mostly because it glowed in the dark. Marie’s husband Alfred manufactured a radium-based cosmetics line that purported to rejuvenate and brighten the skin.
Snake Massages
We can’t stomach the thought of even holding a snake, let alone allowing several of them to crawl all over our naked backs as a form of “massage” offered in some more… exotic parts of the world, like Indonesia, Russia, Israel, and Thailand.
Vampire Facial
Leave it to Kim Kardashian to make a very public sojourn into the realm of “vampire facials.” Suppress your gag reflex: The “facial” uses several acupuncture-sized needles that inject your own blood into your face to stimulate collagen growth.
Suddenly laser treatments with us don’t seem that extreme anymore huh?
Source:
1. Hair is made up mostly of keratin, the same protein animals’ horns, hooves, claws, feathers, and beaks are made of.
2. When wet, a healthy strand of hair can stretch an additional 30% of its original length.
3. Hair grows slightly faster in warm weather because heat stimulates circulation and encourages hair growth.
4. All hair is dead, with the exception of the hair that’s still inside the epidermis of your scalp.
5. Hair contains information about everything that has ever been in your bloodstream, including drugs, and is one of the most commonly used types of forensic evidence.
6. The only thing about you that can’t be identified by your hair is your gender—men’s hair and women’s hair are identical in structure.
7. Black is the most common hair color. Red is the rarest and only exists in about 1 percent of the world’s population, with blonde hair found in 2 percent.
8. As soon as a hair is plucked from its follicle, a new one begins to grow.
9. Hair is 50 percent carbon, 21 percent oxygen, 17 percent nitrogen, 6 percent hydrogen, and 5 percent sulfur.
10. Hair can grow anywhere on the human body with the exception of the palms of hands, soles of feet, eyelids, lips, and mucous membranes.
11. Goosebumps from cold or fear are the result of hair follicles contracting, causing the hair and surrounding skin to bunch up.
12. The average number of hair strands varies by natural color, with blondes having the most and redheads having the fewest.
13. The scientific term for split ends is “trichoptilosis.”
14. Aside from bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body.
15. Balding only begins to become visible once you’ve lost over 50 percent of the hairs from your scalp.
16. At any given time, 90 percent of the hairs in your scalp are growing, while the other 10 percent are resting.
17. A single hair has a lifespan of about five years.
18. Hair acts as a layer of thermally insulating protection for our heads, which lack the insulation that fat provides for the rest of our bodies.
19. Eighty percent of Americans wash their hair twice a day.
20. Each strand of hair can support up to 100 grams of weight. Multiply that by the average 100,000 to 150,000 strands on each head, and your entire head of hair could support the weight equivalent to two elephants.
Source: The Hair Removal Journal, ASPS Procedural Statistics
Research Date: September 4, 2016
Laser hair removal industry revenue in 2009 | $244 million |
Average number of treatments needed | 4 |
Average cost-per-treatment | $273.25 |
Number of laser hair removal procedures done in 2009 | 893,054 |
Number of laser hair removal procedures done in 2000 | 735,996 |
Women percent of total laser hair removal procedures in 2009 | 82 % |
Percent of people age 18-29 who say they want to get laser hair removal | 60 % |
Average Cost Per Treatment Location | Average Price |
---|---|
Arm Hair | $125 |
Back Hair | $420 |
Bikini | $298 |
Chest Abdominal Hair | $398 |
Facial Hair | $192 |
Leg Hair | $371 |
Underarm Hair | $169 |
Percent who experienced no pain | 11 % |
Percent who experienced mild pain | 48 % |
Percent who experienced moderate pain | 36 % |
Percent who experienced severe pain | 6 % |
Percent surveyed who said they would do it again | 87 % |
Percent surveyed who said they would not do it again | 13 % |
Laser Hair Removal by US Region | Percent of Procedures |
---|---|
Region 1: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT NJ, NY, PA | 18 % |
Region 2: IL, IN, MI, OH, WI, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD | 13 % |
Region 3: DE, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV | 22 % |
Region 4: AL, KY, MS, TN, AR, LA, OK, TX | 16 % |
Region 5: AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY, AK, CA, HI, OR, WA | 31 % |
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Candela is the worldwide leader in light-based aesthetic therapies, with branches located in the United States, Europe, and Asia. For the past four decades, Candela has been revolutionizing the skin care industry by creating safe and efficacious lasers used by countless dermatologists and aestheticians in over 86 countries and supported by more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific journals.
To understand how lasers serve their important functions in skin care, it might be of interest to discuss a little about lasers. The laser is an acronym that stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The most typical characteristic of laser light is its coherence – that is to say, that light waves in lasers are in step and that laser is emitted in a narrow, non-diverging ray. Hence, lasers are often represented as bright, narrow beams of light.
Laser light is generally emitted in a particular wavelength of light (usually in the nanometer [nm] range), which is inversely proportional to the strength of the laser. A laser with a very short wavelength possesses more energy than one with a longer wavelength. Aside from the wavelength, another measure of a laser’s strength is its light intensity or capacity for illumination, which is represented in terms of a lumen (lm) or, quite interestingly, a candela (cd).
Lasers have uses that transcend disciplines. They are used in engineering for accurate measurements and 3D, or stereo, representations. In health care, they have found uses in ophthalmology and cardiac surgery and, of course, in dermatology.
The principle of laser therapy in dermatology is to destroy target cells without damaging the surrounding tissues. A particular tissue strongly absorbs a certain wavelength of light that is intrinsic to a particular laser system. When the targeted tissue absorbs the wavelength, the cell then heats up and dies.
Candela lasers are used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions including treatment of acne and acne scars, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, permanent removal of hair, lightening of pigmented lesions and tattoos, and treatment of diseases such as psoriasis and rosacea.
Candela lasers are specialized in performing particular tasks. The GentleLASE system is a 755 nm laser used primarily for the permanent, safe and efficacious removal of unwanted hair. Each GentleLASE laser is equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device that makes the laser treatment very safe and comfortable for the patient. The Candela GentleLASE system is also very versatile, capable of lightening various darkly pigmented lesions and reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
For the meticulous aesthetic healthcare professional looking for a very versatile system, Candela also offers the GentleMAX System that combines the hair-removal capabilities of the GentleLASE system and the unsurpassed capabilities of the GentleYAG system in reducing leg veins, facial veins, and wrinkles. The GentleMAX is the first multiple wavelength workstations uniquely designed to address the most common problems in aesthetic medicine and dermatology. Truly, Candela has the right laser for whatever your practice needs.
This post appeared first on Satori Laser® | Blog.
]]>This laser equipment is widely used from any cosmetic clinics and cosmetic doctors across the world. Candela is known as one of world’s trusted laser machinery maker where they have designed an efficient laser machine that could possibly offer treatment at the most comfortable yet quick laser therapy from each of its patients.
So what Candela GentleLase can do for you?
* Candela offer ease of laser treatment from removing hair from any body parts permanently.
* Offer laser treatment for pigmented lesions such as freckles, sun spots, age spots, café-au-lait, and melasma.
* Perfect laser treatment for vascular lesions such as blue facial veins, venous lakes, hemangiomas, and even perfect for skin rejuvenation or wrinkles laser therapy.
* Proven from its quick laser treatment where patient mostly enjoys fast laser therapy with the most comfortable laser healing sessions.
With Candela GentleLase, you can have a laser equipment with the only DCD feature or call as Dynamic Cooling Device. This DCD feature allows your laser machinery to offer maximum comfort and retention rate to patients, while Candela also offers larger spot size or 18mm in a dimension that makes up the quickest laser hair removal system than any other laser machines.
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Actually, we made LOTS of inquiries. We spoke with customers, physicians who use EpiLight, medical researchers who conducted EpiLight’s clinical trials, sales reps and manufacturers of both laser and light-based hair removal equipment. Many of these people had experience with multiple systems and were able to compare treatments firsthand. Everyone had their favorite system, and those with vested interests made cases as to why their equipment was better than the rest. We also reviewed the technical papers and specification sheets on all the systems, but the most interesting information came from past customers.
First, some background. Technically speaking, the EpiLight is a very powerful light source, although not actually a laser, because it emits light of many colors. Its operator uses a series of filters to select the color (wavelength) appropriate to remove hair, based on each individual’s hair & skin color. Because of its broad range of output, EpiLight can also be used to treat other skin conditions. Lasers, on the other hand, emit only one color (wavelength) of light, which is used at various energy settings to treat all hair and skin types. Laser developers argue that the output of their systems is designed to be exactly right for light absorption by (and killing of) hair follicles.
Were EpiLight customers happier with their results than laser customers? Overall, no. We heard many complaints of heavier than expected hair regrowth and large hypopigmented (white) marks on the skin from EpiLight patients. A few people even complained of blisters. One of the physicians commented that despite recent improvements to the equipment, he felt that his ruby and alexandrite lasers ultimately delivered longer-lasting hair removal results. After we removed one notoriously ineffective laser system from consideration, we found fewer positive comments from EpiLight customers than from laser customers.
“I had 80% regrowth on my neck and shoulders 2 1/2 months after treatment” claimed one young male EpiLight client. “I had 3 EpiLight treatments about 2 months ago on my upper lip and chin,” stated a young woman, “and although I must say it helped, since I had a full mustache if I didn’t use depilatories, tweezing and electrolysis, I feel I should have lost more hair than I actually did”.
Does this mean you should get laser hair removal rather than an Epilight center? Not necessarily. Many factors affect the quality of treatment, including training & experience of the operator, TYPE of laser used, and individual patient characteristics. Some hair removal centers, in their glee to offer an exciting new service, also make unrealistic representations about the number of treatments and results, setting their customers up for disappointment.
As with anything – get referrals and ask questions before you buy so you can be an informed consumer!
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When hair removal first became available it could be a fairly uncomfortable procedure. Candela again rose to the challenge and created the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD). DCD uses a coolant called Cryogen that releases cold air onto the skin before and after the laser is applied to the patient. Candela no doubt helped increase the popularity of this procedure by taking away the stigma of pain that was once associated with hair removal procedures.
Candela GentleLase also offers several different spot sizes, which allows for treatments in different areas. The spots sizes available are 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, and 18mm. This wide range of spots sizes allows a physician to treat large areas, such as back or legs, to small areas, such as neck and bikini areas.
In recent years, Candela GentleLase systems have started to be the top sellers in the pre-owned market. One reason for this trend is the reliability of these systems. The GentleLase is known to run with millions of shots used with minimal upkeep. Another reason for their popularity in the pre-owned market is the ease of outsourcing service. Candela does not have any proprietary parts in their equipment, making the parts very accessible to outside service technicians, and in many cases more affordable when purchased from someone other than Candela. Candela continues to be the gold standard for hair removal. The desired wavelength, DCD technology, options of spot sizes, reliability, as well as the ease of outsourcing service make them a must have for any physician performing hair removal treatments.
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By following this hair removal timeline, we can read how our earliest ancestors solved their unwanted hair problems, and which hair removal techniques have transcended from the past to present. Tracking our hair removal history might also prove useful or helpful in solving your own current hair removal misconceptions and/or indecision.
Hair Removal Beginnings: B.C.
30,000 B.C.: Prehistoric man allegedly used flint razors to shave at this time. However, the flint would dull quickly, and cuts were extremely common.
In the same era, women reportedly created some of the first depilatory creams, made from harsh substances like quicklime and arsenic. These abrasive materials burned off unwanted hair, but would frequently harm skin in the process.
3,000 B.C.: Some of the first non-disposable razors were used in Egypt and India. Possible through advancements in metalworking, these copper razors were often customized and decorated with carvings and designs.
500 B.C.: Alexander the Great’s shaving obsession increased the practice’s popularity, leading to the construction of some of the first barbershops. At this same time, Roman women were starting to use shaving razors too, as well as tweezers, pumice stones, and depilatories.
60 B.C.: It was around this time that Ancient Egyptian women, like Cleopatra herself, reportedly began using the sugaring hair removal method. This natural mixture was said to effectively remove hair in a harmless and relatively comfortable manner.
Ancient Egypt, and early Middle Eastern and Asian cultures were also the first users of threading hair removal; a process that removes unwanted hair by twisting it between taut cotton threads.
Hair Removal in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
In the early Middle Ages, it was very fashionable for a woman to be completely hairless—even on their heads, which allowed them to wear the large, ostentatious wigs and headpieces that were in style. To remove hair on their eyebrows, heads, and necks, women plucked and shaved nearly every day. Sometimes, even the eyelashes were plucked out.
The 1500s: The Aztecs in Central and North America were using shaving razors fashioned from volcanic obsidian glass, which was sharp and effective, but sometimes fragile.
The 1600s: European women kept their faces, foreheads, and eyebrows plucked or shaved, in the trend of Queen Elizabeth.
Hair Removal in the 18th and 19th Centuries
The 1770s: A French barber named Jean-Jacques Perret writes and publishes “The Art of Learning to Shave Oneself,” which is where the concept of a safety razor was first introduced.
The late 1700s: The first L-shaped razor blade with a wooden guard was created. Named the Perret Razor, the hand-held guard made it easier to keep the blade steady while shaving, but it still couldn’t be called a proper safety razor.
The early 1800s: Women continue to use homemade depilatories in addition to shaving and tweezing.
1847: William Henson, an English inventor, created the first shaving razor with a blade that runs perpendicular to the handle. This redesign made handling of the razor much easier for shaving the face and other body areas.
The late 1800s: The straight razor, or open razor, was created in England and quickly became the most popular razor to use. Because of the razor’s tendency to dull quickly, however, the razors needed to be frequently sharpened or “stropped” to achieve effective hair removal results.
During this period was also when consumers first started to see shaving amenities for men, such as after-shave lotions, shaving soaps, and shaving creams.
1875: Reportedly when the use of electricity for hair removal was first recorded. Allegedly, an ophthalmologist from St. Louis, Dr. Charles Michel, was credited with using electrolysis to treat ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis) and had been doing so since 1869.
1880: The Kampfe brothers in the U.S. created the first safety razor. With a small wire running across the razor edges on one side, the razor’s featured skin guard enabled greater shaving ease and less propensity for nicks and cuts.
Hair Removal in the 20th Century-Present Day
1901: Gillette and an MIT engineer create a double-bladed safety razor that features replaceable, disposable blades. This revolutionary invention forever changes the hair removal industry.
World War I (1914-1918): Gillette makes a deal with the Armed Forces that puts Gillette razors into every soldier’s standard issue gear, forever helping solidify Gillette as a leading razor brand for male hair removal.
1915: American women are influenced by a marketing campaign in Harper’s Bazaar magazine that paints underarm hair as unfeminine, unhygienic and completely unfashionable for the latest sleeveless women’s styles. The adoption of razor blades by more women following this campaign helped fuel a major push in female body hair removal.
1916: New Yorker Paul Kree develops the multiple needle galvanic electrolysis method that is still well-known and used in a varied form today. Galvanic electrolysis is considered best for treating the bottom two-thirds of hair and creates a chemical reaction in the hair follicle that effectively disables it.
1931:, Col. Jacob Schick obtains a patent for the Schick Dry Shaver, the world’s first electric shaver with motor-powered razor blades.
1924: The thermolysis method of electrolysis was officially developed by a Frenchman. Thermolysis, also known as short-wave or high-frequency electrolysis, uses an alternating current to generate heat quickly to destroy hair. This method is rumored to be faster, but not as thorough as galvanic electrolysis.
The 1940s: The invention of Nair, which became the most successful depilatory cream to date. This product led to an increase in female hair removal consumers, as well as a stronger interest in female1960sbody hair removal altogether.
1948: Blend electrolysis received its first patent, and was created by Arthur Hinkel and Henri St. Pierre. The blend electrolysis method utilizes both previous electrolysis technologies to create an even more powerful hair removal techniqThe 1960s
: The birth of cosmetic laser technology. Lasers for hair removal were first developed in the form of laser epilators in the 70s, but these were largely proven to be ineffective and painful according to FDA testing.
The 1980s: Electrolysis becomes even more popular and widespread as computerized electrolysis equipment is developed. This makes electrolysis treatments safer, more convenient, more reliable, and much easier to use—albeit still quite painful.
The late 1980s: Sisters from Rio de Janeiro open a salon in NYC and introduce America to the Brazilian wax.
1995: The FDA approves the first laser for hair removal, the Nd: YAG laser. This laser was quickly distributed for use in upscale spas and by cosmetic providers, but the product was inaccurately marketed as a permanent hair removal device. Laser hair removal technologies would later come to be labeled as permanent hair reduction devices.
1997: New laser hair removal devices were cleared by the FDA for distribution. The new devices’ laser technology proved more successful at targeting hair melanin. This meant that the laser could be more easily focused on unwanted hair, and thus greater avoid burning or damaging surrounding skin tissue, which was a problem with some original designs.
The early 2000s: Developments in hair laser technology have now given way to several different hair removal lasers that can treat varying skin types and hair colors. These lasers include:
Ruby Lasers
Nd: YAG Lasers
Alexandrite Lasers
Diode Lasers
IPL (intense pulsed light)
2008: The TRIA system becomes the first FDA-approved, at-home laser hair removal device. It utilizes a diode laser to remove unwanted hair within a hand-held applicator.
Choosing the Right Hair Removal System Today
Given how far we’ve come and how varied our hair removal choices are today, it’s not surprising that the available options can cause confusion as to which one is the best.
The smartest way to make an informed hair removal decision is to discuss your options in greater detail with a hair removal professional, in addition to completing some treatment research of your own. A qualified hair removal provider will have greater insight into possible triggers for laser hair removal side effects, be knowledgeable in local hair removal costs for waxing, electrolysis, etc., and know more specifics about the kind of hair removal treatment results you can personally expect.
In other words, the best way to ensure you come out looking your very hair-free best—no matter which historical hair removal treatment you choose—is to research your chosen hair removal method well in advance, look into individual factors that could interfere with your results, such as skin conditions, allergies or certain medications, and only trust a highly experienced provider to perform your treatments.
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Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and rejuvenating the skin on the face. The GentleLASE System, a revolutionary long-pulse high energy alexandrite laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort.
The GentleLASE System safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.
Because the laser treats many hairs at a time, facial areas (lip, chin, etc.) can be treated in 5-10 minutes. Small body areas (underarms, bikini, etc.) take less than 15 minutes. Larger body areas (full back, legs, arms. etc.) usually take about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area.
The laser works by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter their growth cycles at different times, an average of 5 treatments will be necessary to disable all of the follicles in a given area.
]]>The researchers at the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences in Tehran compared the removal of hair on the legs of 15 people using either long-pulsed 755-nanometer alexandrite lasers (12- and 18-millimeter spot sizes), long-pulsed 1,064 nanometer Nd:YAG laser (12-millimeter spot size), or a combination of alexandrite and Nd:YAG 12-millimeter spot size lasers.
The participants received a total of four treatment sessions at eight-week intervals. Average hair density was measured with a hair counting device and special software, and hair reduction was assessed by comparing digital photographs taken before treatment and at eight- and 18-month follow-up sessions.
Average hair reductions 18 months after final treatment were 75.9% for the 12-millimeter spot size alexandrite laser, 84.3% for the 18-millimeter spot size alexandrite laser, 73.6% for the Nd: YAG laser, and 77.8% for the combination therapy. Leg areas that received the alexandrite laser treatments had higher average pain severity than those treated with the Nd: YAG laser. The highest amount of pain occurred in areas that received the combination treatment. Those areas were also most likely to have hyperpigmentation.
“Despite other studies showing more efficacy of the alexandrite rather than the Nd: YAG laser, our trial results showed no significant difference between them,” the study authors concluded. “The use of alexandrite or Nd: YAG laser systems alone for at least four treatments sessions and with eight-week intervals have long-term persistent efficacy in hair reduction with acceptable and transient adverse effects.”
The study was published in the October issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about excess hair growth and removal.
]]>A Delicate Balance
The laser is pulsed usually for only a fraction of a second, but it emits enough light and energy to be absorbed by the follicle and destroy it, but not long enough to let the heat excess to the skin surrounding the hair follicle. So the tricky part of laser hair removal is targeting the hair shaft without damaging the melanin pigment in the surface of the skin. But the work of laser hair removal depends on the thickness of the hair and the color of the skin. The darker a patient’s skin, the more difficult it is to avoid injuring the surface of the skin while treating the hair. For this reason, several main types of hair removal lasers are used today. One laser may provide benefits as compared to another.
]]>TYPE I: Highly sensitive, always burns, never tans.
Example: Red hair with freckles or Albino
TYPE II: Very sun sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
Example: Fair-skinned, fair-haired Caucasians
TYPE III: Sun sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown.
Example: Darker Caucasians, European mix
TYPE IV: Minimally sun sensitive, burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown.
Example: Mediterranian, European, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian
TYPE V: Sun-insensitive skin, rarely burns, tans well.
Example: Hispanics, Afro-American, Middle Eastern
TYPE VI: Sun-insensitive, never burns, deeply pigmented.
Example: Afro-American, African, Middle Eastern
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A large discrepancy can exist between patient expectations of treatment with laser-assisted hair removal systems and the actual effects of such a treatment. Open communication must exist between the care provider and the patient. A body surface area does not realistically remain completely hair-free after a single laser-assisted hair removal treatment.
Expectations
Approximately 80% of all patients respond well to laser hair removal therapy.
Patients should be counseled to expect a 30% decrease in hair at the treatment area with each laser treatment.
Patients should understand that multiple treatments are often necessary to achieve the desired reduction in hair at a given body area. A minimum of 5 treatments is often necessary to achieve optimal patient satisfaction.
Treatments are typically spaced 1-3 months apart.
Individual response to laser-assisted hair removal is highly variable and depends upon numerous factors, including skin color, hair color and size, laser type, fluencies, wavelength, and skin preparation.
Laser hair removal is not without risk. Some discomfort may be associated with the procedure. Patients must also understand the potential for adverse effects, adverse reactions, and complications of laser treatment for unwanted hair.
The best candidate for laser hair removal is a patient with light skin and dark hair.
Author: Christian N Kirman, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Coauthor(s): Joseph A Molnar, MD, PhD, FACS, Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Associate Director, Burn Unit, Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Samer Alaiti, MD, FACP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine; Medical Director, Miracle Mile Medical Center for Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc
]]>Since the first lasers were approved for the use of hair removal in 1996, dramatic advances have occurred in laser technology. This has led to the development of several laser types for the treatment of unwanted hair. Before the widespread use of longer wavelengths and pulse durations and more effective cooling devices, laser-assisted hair removal was best used to treat individuals with light skin and dark hair. More recently, however, long-pulsed lasers have been used to safely and effectively treat patients with darker skin types. Laser light sources currently used to destroy hair photothermally include the long-pulsed ruby (694 nm), long-pulsed alexandrite (755 nm), a long-pulsed diode (810 nm), and long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG, 1064 nm). The efficacy of these different lasers for treatment of unwanted hair and the frequency of adverse effects encountered after treatment have been compared in various skin types.
The efficacy of each of the following laser systems is compared in terms of permanent hair reduction. Hair reduction, as defined by the FDA, “refers to a significant reduction in the number of terminal hairs after a given treatment, which is stable for a period of time longer than the complete growth cycle of hair follicles at the given body site.”
Long-pulsed ruby
The long-pulsed ruby laser was the first widely used laser for hair removal. It’s light energy has the most selective absorption by melanin and the shortest depth of penetration (wavelength of 694 nm). Use of this laser for hair removal is indicated in individuals with light skin and dark hair. Its efficacy in individuals with light skin has been demonstrated in numerous studies, ranging from 20-60% hair reduction after one treatment and up to 50-78% reduction after multiple treatments. The ruby laser penetrates the skin by only 1-2 millimeters and can cause significant absorption by epidermal melanin of thermal energy. In studies treating a wide range of skin types with the ruby laser, more adverse reactions have occurred in patients with darker skin. The use of this laser on patients with darker skin types is not recommended.
Long-pulsed alexandrite
The 755-nm alexandrite laser has now been widely used for laser hair removal and is recognized as being efficacious and generally safe. This laser is still typically used for patients with lighter skin types, but its longer wavelength allows for deeper penetration into the skin, and it can be used for patients with darker skin.Studies have reported hair reduction from 4-56% after only a single treatment and from 33-95% hair reduction after multiple treatments, depending upon a number of treatments and body location. The adverse effects of this laser, when used on patients with darker skin types, can include blistering, crusting, and alterations of pigment, even when skin cooling devices are used. In patients classified as having the darkest skin, residual hypo- or hyperpigmentation is the rule with the alexandrite laser.
Long-pulsed diode
Treatment of unwanted hair with the 810-nm long-pulsed diode laser has been demonstrated as comparable to those of the ruby or alexandrite lasers. After a single treatment, hair reductions of 32-34% have been reported, and up to 84% hair reduction has been reported after multiple treatments. The diode laser has a longer wavelength and adjustable pulse duration, and, when used with an efficient skin-cooling device, allows for the treatment of patients with darker skin types. The diode laser is more effective for laser-assisted hair removal in patients with dark skin because of the higher absorption by melanin than is seen with the Nd: YAG laser. Still, temporary adverse effects have been reported with the use of the diode laser in the form of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation when used on individuals with dark skin.
Long-pulsed Nd: YAG
The Nd: YAG laser is the safest type used to treat unwanted hair on patients with dark skin and is most suitable for patients in this group. At 1064 nm, this laser penetrates the skin deeper than other lasers (to a level of 4-6 mm) with less absorption at the skin, but it is also less effectively absorbed by melanin. This leads to lower instances of adverse effects and better tolerance in patients with dark skin, but also lower efficacy for hair removal. Permanent hair loss has been reported, however, with reported hair reductions of 27-53%, depending on the number of treatments administered and the body location.
The FDA has approved the long-pulsed diode and the long-pulsed Nd: YAG lasers for use in hair removal in patients with darker skin classifications. All FDA-approved laser systems used for hair removal must have efficient and effective epidermal cooling devices incorporated as part of the system.
Intense pulsed light systems
Pulsed, noncoherent broadband light sources are now accepted and widely used in the medical industry for hair removal and other applications. Intense pulsed light (IPL) systems utilize a xenon bulb as a light source, which produces polychromatic light with wavelengths from 550-1200 nm. This is in contrast to laser light sources, which produce monochromatic light of a specific wavelength. Light emitted by the bulb passes through a filter that excludes shorter wavelengths that may severely damage skin. The ability to “tune” the wavelength of light emitted by these systems gives IPL systems the advantage of versatility. Using different filters, a pulsed light system could mimic any number of laser systems, allowing the operator to treat many different conditions amenable to light therapy, including, of course, the removal of unwanted hair.
Studies have shown intense pulsed light to be an effective method of hair removal. In a study of 210 patients who underwent hair removal by IPL, a mean hair reduction of 80% was reported after 3-5 treatments. Minimal adverse effects, including transient erythema and localized edema, were reported.
The variability of light output can also be a disadvantage of IPL systems. The light spectrum may vary slightly with each pulse, and reproducibility of treatments varies between operators. The handpieces of IPL systems are typically larger than laser-based systems, which makes treatment of fine areas of the skin difficult.
Author: Christian N Kirman, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Coauthor(s): Joseph A Molnar, MD, PhD, FACS, Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Associate Director, Burn Unit, Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Samer Alaiti, MD, FACP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine; Medical Director, Miracle Mile Medical Center for Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc Contributor Information and Disclosures
Updated: Nov 6, 2008
]]>In areas with thick, dense hairs, such as the beard area or upper back in men or the bikini area in women, a lower fluence should be used until the hair has sufficiently thinned. Epidermal damage could otherwise occur, due to the additive thermal energy absorbed by the higher density of hair follicles.
When treating the brow area on men or women, the skin should be pulled up and away from the eyes and should overlay a flat portion of the forehead. This helps minimize the risk of laser light exposure to the eye and retina.
A higher occurrence of adverse effects and adverse reactions has been noted at the neck region in women; higher fluences in this area should be used with caution.
For treatment of the chin, perioral region, or upper lip, tooth enamel should be protected from excessive laser light exposure. Inappropriate exposure to certain laser light may induce hard tissue disintegration in the tooth and irreversible damage to dental pulp.
To minimize the possibility of thermal damage to skin and to improve patient comfort, the skin should be cooled during laser-assisted hair removal. As previously stated, all FDA-approved laser systems have an epidermal cooling device incorporated into the handpiece. Incorporated cooling mechanisms currently in use include cryogen sprays, sapphire-cooled handpieces, and cold airflow.
Cryogen sprays are used in short bursts prior to each pulse of laser light. Increasing the length of cryogen spurts can decrease the pain felt by the patient.
A pre-cooled, heatsinked sapphire window or water-cooled glass window can be incorporated into the laser handpiece. This comes into contact with the skin to be treated and cools the skin.
Some laser handpieces contain a source of continuously cooled air. This cold air is blown over the area to be treated and cools the skin during laser treatment.
Cold compresses or ice packs may be used prior to treatment, along with cooled laser handpieces. These may be applied prior to treatment or intermittently during a longer treatment time.
Application of a cooling gel (eg, ultrasound, aloe vera) to the skin can aid in minimizing discomfort and epidermal damage. All gel must, however, be thoroughly removed from the skin prior to treatment.
A recent study has introduced a pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) device as an alternative to the dynamic cooling devices that are currently used. This device generates a negative pressure on a small area of the patient’s skin, elevating and flattening the skin onto a sapphire window in preparation for laser therapy. This feeling of pressure against the skin may block the sensation of pain experienced by the patient. Study results thus far show that this method of treatment can be successful.
During laser treatment, each laser spot should overlap by no more than one-third of the spot size. Further overlapping of continuous pulses causes accumulation of thermal injury and potentially causes epidermal damage. No overlapping of spots could result in missed areas in the treatment area. A treatment grid could be applied to the patient’s skin and used as a guideline to outline the treatment area. With experience, the laser operator becomes proficient in visually tracking the treatment area.
Postoperative Details
Immediately after a treatment session, patients should be given a cold compress or ice pack to decrease pain and reduce swelling. This effectively reduces discomfort, edema, and erythema, and keeps epidermal adverse effects to a minimum.
Patients may also be given a topical corticosteroid cream to decrease local erythema.
If minor skin damage has occurred, a topical antibiotic ointment may be applied until the skin has sufficiently healed.
For more serious skin damage, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed for prophylaxis if deemed necessary by the health care provider.
Makeup may be applied to treated areas the day following the procedure, as long as no epidermal damage has occurred.
Patients should be told that hair casts will shed from treated areas over the following week and that this should not be confused with new hair growth.
]]>Hair removal lasers selectively target melanin:
Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed.
Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Hair removal is commonly done on the lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, cleavage, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes.
The laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark black hair even in patients with dark skin.
Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the Food and Drug Administration approved it for “permanent hair reduction.” Laser hair removal has become extremely popular because of its speed and efficacy, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill and experience of the laser operator, and the choice and availability of different laser technology at the clinic which is performing the procedure. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 4-6 treatments. It has also been observed that some people seem to be non-responders – this is not confirmed and reasons are not known, and may, in fact, be due to lack of skill on the part of many laser operators and/or the type of machine and settings they are using.
]]>Alexandrite or Nd: YAG laser therapy is effective for leg hair removal, but combination therapy causes more adverse effects without additional benefit, according to the results of a randomized controlled, investigator-blinded trial reported in the October issue of Archives of Dermatology.
“Unwanted hair that potentially has profound effects on psychological well-being is an exceedingly common concern for men and women,” write Seyyed Masoud Davoudi, MD, from the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, and colleagues. “Laser-assisted photo epilation or laser hair removal, as first reported in 1996, is accomplished through destruction of the follicular unit…. During the past decade, laser hair removal has become an accepted and popular means of achieving hair reduction.”
The goal of this study was to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of long-pulsed Nd: YAG and alexandrite lasers, both individually and in combination, for long-term reduction in leg hair.
At a private skin laser center, 20 participants aged 16 to 50 years with skin phototypes 3 and 4 were enrolled, and identified areas were treated for a total of 4 sessions at 8-week intervals. The medial and lateral sides of each participant’s legs were randomly assigned to 1 of the following therapies:
long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser with 12-mm spot size
long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser with 12-mm spot size
long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser with 18-mm spot size
a combination of long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser and long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser (treatments 1 and 2)
The primary endpoint was hair reduction from baseline, based on hair counting by 2 blinded evaluators using digital photography 8 and 18 months after the last laser therapy session.
Among 15 participants who completed the trial, mean hair reduction 18 months after the last treatment was 75.9% ± 19.0% for the 12-mm spot size alexandrite laser, 84.3% ± 12.4% for the 18-mm spot size alexandrite laser, 73.6% ± 11.4% for the Nd:YAG laser, and 77.8% ± 15.9% for combination treatment (P <.05 by analysis of variance).
Areas that received combination therapy had a significantly greater incidence of adverse effects — primarily hyperpigmentation — and pain severity (P = .001). Average pain severity was higher in areas treated with alexandrite laser than in those treated with the Nd: YAG laser, but pain severity was highest in areas treated with both lasers.
“After 18 months of follow-up, alexandrite and Nd: YAG lasers were efficacious for leg hair removal,” the study authors write. “Combination therapy did not have any additional benefit and caused more adverse effects.”
Limitations of this study include dropout rate of 25% and difficulties in the method of evaluating hair counts.
“Despite other studies showing more efficacy of the alexandrite rather than the Nd: YAG laser, our trial results showed no significant difference between them,” the authors conclude. “The use of alexandrite or Nd: YAG laser systems alone for at least four treatment sessions and with eight-week intervals have long-term persistent efficacy in hair reduction with acceptable and transient adverse effects.”
By Laurie Barclay, MD
]]>Adequate methods for hair removal have long been in demand; long-term hair removal with minimal adverse effects is the ultimate goal. Laser hair removal has become well established as an effective form of treatment for unwanted body hair.
The shaving and hair removal market in the United States increased 8% between 2002 and 2007 and is currently 1.8 billion dollars annually. None of the hair removal methods practiced today provides complete or permanent hair removal. This goal will likely be reached with a complete understanding of anatomy, physiology, hair growth cycles, and laser-tissue interactions, and as more sophisticated technologies emerge.
History of the Procedure
Numerous methods are successful in temporarily removing hair.
Manual plucking
This method is an easy and practical way to remove single hairs and can be utilized by most individuals for clearing small numbers of unwanted hairs. The hair shaft must be long enough to be grasped by tweezers.
Plucking often induces a hair follicle into its active growth phase, or anagen, thus stimulating new hair growth. Additionally, it can create postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, true or pseudofolliculitis, and, very rarely, scarring.
Shaving
Although fast and effective for clearing a large surface area of hair, shaving is the most temporary method of hair removal, as it only cuts the hair at the skin surface. As the hair continues to grow, the blunt end of the cut hair is more noticeable because it is thicker than a normal tapered end.
Disadvantages include skin lacerations, potential pyoderma, folliculitis, ingrown hairs, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Many women may not use this method on certain areas of the body because of masculine connotations of shaving the face and neck.
Waxing or sugaring
Application of a warmed wax or a sugary paste to areas of hair-bearing skin and then removing it, along with the unwanted hair, is a popular method of hair removal and is commonly performed at salons and spas. This method may be used over large skin surface areas (eg, legs, arms, back) or small controlled areas (eg, face, eyebrow, bikini area). New hair growth appears more slowly than with shaving, as the hair must grow to the level of the skin surface before it appears.
Stripping of the wax or sugar paste from the skin is often unpleasant or painful and may cause adverse effects such as irritant dermatitis, true or pseudofolliculitis, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and thermal burns from hot wax or poor technique.
Depilatory preparations
Preparations containing thioglycolates or strontium sulfide are the most widely used chemical depilatories. These agents disrupt the disulfide bonds (especially cysteine) that hold hair cells together, thus dissolving the hair. Like shaving, this method offers only a brief hair-free period, as hair continues to grow from the level of the skin surface.
The major adverse effect is the potential for irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, which may cause significant itching or rash.
Chemical bleaching
Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide is an effective method of disguising the presence of hair but does not actually remove hair.
This is particularly effective for individuals with fine but dark and, therefore, noticeable hair on the arms, face, or neck.
Electrolytic therapy
Successful electrolysis can achieve permanent hair follicle destruction to some degree in 15-80% of patients. It employs a weak direct current that passes through a negative electrode (anode) inserted in the hair follicle and a positive electrode (cathode) in the form of a wet pad in the patient’s hand. Follicular destruction is achieved via the formation of toxic sodium hydroxide (a free radical). Electrothermolysis uses an alternating current that causes the direct thermal destruction of the hair follicle.
Each hair must be treated individually and the process is slow and may be painful. Adverse effects include pain, scarring and hypo- or hyperpigmentation.
Medicated treatment with eflornithine
Available by prescription only, eflornithine 13.9% cream was approved for topical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 31, 2000. Topical eflornithine may irreversibly inhibit skin ornithine decarboxylase activity, resulting in a reduction in the rate of hair growth.The onset of action may take 4-8 weeks of using the topical cream for unwanted facial hair on the mustache and chin area.
The most common adverse effects of topical eflornithine cream include, but are not limited to, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbie, skin irritation, and rash.
Laser hair removal
Since 1996, when photo epilation-using laser technology first became available for use, numerous advances have occurred in laser hair removal, resulting in different types of lasers now available for treatment of excessive hair. Laser hair removal is based on the theory of selective photo thermolysis, or selective destruction of the follicular unit, resulting in significant hair reduction in treated areas.
Adverse effects are primarily related to epidermal damage by partial absorption of laser energy by the surrounding skin. This effect has been more pronounced in darker-skinned individuals whose increased skin melanin concentration places them at a higher risk of adverse effects. These adverse effects include blistering, hypo- or hyperpigmentation, scabbing, or, very rarely, permanent scarring.
Author: Christian N Kirman, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Coauthor(s): Joseph A Molnar, MD, PhD, FACS, Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Associate Director, Burn Unit, Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Samer Alaiti, MD, FACP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine; Medical Director, Miracle Mile Medical Center for Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Updated: Nov 6, 2008
]]>Success is typically reported in terms of permanent hair elimination or in terms of marked delay in its growth. Most investigators have assessed patients with light skin types (ie, Fitzpatrick skin types I-III), but recent groups have studied newer lasers for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.
Anatomy of the hair follicle.
History of the Procedure
Goldman et al first described ruby-laser injury to pigmented hair follicles in 1963.In 1983, Oshiro and Maruyama noted hair loss from nevi after treatment with a ruby laser.However, at fluences affecting hair follicles, the epidermis was severely damaged.
The theory of selective photothermolysis that Anderson and Parrish developed in 1983 was based on a laser of particular wavelength and a pulse duration of light to target a particular chromophore. By applying this theory, the target can be destroyed selectively, sparing the surrounding tissue.
Use of a topical suspension of carbon particles followed by treatment with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was the first laser treatment for hair removal the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. This initial method reportedly delayed regrowth by 3 months, but it did not provide permanent hair reduction.
In 1996, Grossman and associates, who used a normal-mode ruby laser, reported the first application of Anderson and Parrish’s theory for hair removal.In 1998, Dierickx and associates published their report of a 2-year follow-up study demonstrating long-term, permanent hair removal with this laser.
Hair-removing lasers and light sources
Since then, the market has been flooded with numerous hair-removing lasers and light sources.
Initial laser systems, such as the Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm, Soft Light system; Thermolase Corp, San Diego, CA), used a suspension of carbon mineral oil to penetrate the hair follicle and to act as an energy-absorbing chromophore.
An optically filtered xenon flashlamp (Epi Light, ESC Luxar; Energy Systems Corp, Needham, MA) uses filters to select operating wavelengths of light at a cutoff of 690 nm, allowing light above this wavelength to pass through to affect hair.
The long-pulse ruby laser (EpiLaser 694 nm, Palomar Technologies, Lexington, MA; EpiTouch, Sharplan Laser, Allendale, NJ) uses the principle of selective thermolysis in which melanin acts as the target chromophore.
The long-pulse alexandrite laser (PhotoGenica LPIR 755 nm; Cynosure Inc, Chelmsford, MA) is based on the principle of thermokinetic selectivity and targets melanin in the hair follicle. In this way, the epidermis is allowed to cool efficiently while the melanin in the hair follicle is heated.
Coherent Medical (Santa Clara, CA) and Palomar (Lexington, MA) have introduced the LightSheer, a diode laser operating at 800 nm that has pulse durations of as long as 30 ms. This technology minimizes the size of the laser by replacing the laser tube in place of solid-state diode circuitry.
Lasers available or once available
The following is a list of lasers available at the time of this writing. Most technical improvements in devices have been incremental in terms of improving efficacy and reducing side effects. Some new models combine light- and heat-based methods by using radio-frequency (RF) energy; these are based on the theory that the heated areas can be further heated without causing damage to surrounding skin.
New devices are frequently introduced, and old models may be discontinued but still available as after market products. Check with the manufacturers for latest information.
Currently manufactured models of lasers are the following (by brand name – type of laser – manufacturer):
Acclaim 7000 – Nd:YAG – Cynosure
Apex 800 – Diode – IRIDEX
Apogee 5500 – Alexandrite – Cynosure
Apogee 6200 – Alexandrite – Cynosure
Apogee 9300 – Alexandrite – Cynosure
Apogee Elite – Alexandrite/Nd:YAG – Cynosure
Aurora – Intense pulsed light (IPL)/RF – Syneron
Comet – Diode/RF – Syneron
CoolGlide CV – Nd:YAG – Altus/Cutera
CoolGlide Xeo – Nd:YAG – Altus/Cutera
CoolGlide Vantage – Nd:YAG – Altus/Cutera
CoolGlide Excel – Nd:YAG – Altus/Cutera
Cynergy PL – IPL – Cynosure
DeLight – Flashlamp – Radiancy
Dualis XP – Nd:YAG – Fotona
EpiLight – IPL – ESC/Lumenis (This device is actually a flashlamp and not a true laser for hair removal.)
EpiStar DS series – Diode – Nidek
EsteLux – IPL – Palomar
Fidelis XP – Nd:YAG – Fotona
Galaxy – IPL/RF – Syneron
Gemini – Nd:YAG – Laserscope
GentleLASE – Alexandrite – Candela
GentleYAG – Nd:YAG – Candela
LightSheer (SC, EC, XC, SP, EP) – Diode – Coherent Star/Lumenis
Lyra-i – Nd:YAG – Laserscope
LPL – IPL – Lambda Scientifica
Lumenis One – IPL/Nd:YAG – Lumenis
MediLux – IPL – Palomar
MeDioStar XT – Diode – Asclepion-Meditec
NaturalLase 1064 – Nd:YAG – Focus Medical
NaturalLase LP – Nd:YAG – Focus Medical
NeoLux – IPL – Palomar
PhotoGenica LPIR – Alexandrite – Cynosure
PhotoLight – IPL – Cynosure
PhotoSilk Plus – IPL – Cynosure
Pitanga – IPL/RF – Syneron
RubyStar+ – Ruby – Asclepion-Meditec
SkinStation – IPL – Radiancy
SmartEpil II – Nd:YAG – Cynosure
SoftLight – Nd:YAG – ThermoLase/Danish Dermatologic Development
Solis – IPL – Laserscope
SpaTouch – IPL – Radiancy
SpaTouch Pro – IPL – Radiancy
StarLight – Diode – Star Medical/Coherent
StarLux – IPL – Palomar
VascuLight Plus – IPL/Nd:YAG – ESC/Lumenis
VEGA – Nd:YAG – Lambda Scientifica
Discontinued models include the following:
Athos – Nd:YAG – Cosmos
Chromos 694 – Ruby – Mehl/Biophile
Depilase – Nd:YAG – Depilase
Depilase – Diode – Depilase
E2000 – Ruby – Palomar
Ellipse – IPL – Danish Dermatologic Development
EpiLaser – Ruby – Palomar
EpiPulse – Ruby – ESC
EpiTouch – Alexandrite – ESC/Lumenis
EpiTouch – Ruby – ESC/Lumenis
IPL Quantum HR – Flashlamp – ESC/Lumenis
LaseAway – Alexandrite – Silver Creek Medical
LaseAway – Ruby – Polytec PI/Lambda
Lorad – Nd:YAG – Focus Medical
MedLite – Nd:YAG – Continuum
MLT R694 – Ruby – MLT International
MultiLight – PhotoDerm – Flashlamp – ESC
PhotoDerm – Flashlamp – ESC
SLP 1000 – Diode – Palomar
SmoothLASE – Alexandrite – Leisegang/Cooper
Home-use lasers and IPL devices
Several low-power devices have been marketed directly to consumers as home-use epilators. Although some have companies followed regulatory procedures and though their devices are available by prescription, most are not capable of even epilation. Patients should be discouraged from purchasing and using home-use lasers unless the FDA has approved the device for use as epilators. Physicians should ascertain whether patients presenting with adverse effects were using one of these devices instead of medical-grade lasers.6
Problem
Unwanted pigmented hair is a common cosmetic problem for both men and women.
Frequency
About 4% of young, healthy randomly selected white women to feel disfigured by their facial hair. The percentage is even higher in people of color and increases with age. This percentage does not reflect the vast number of patients who have unwanted hair in other areas, and it does not account for the huge number of men who feel disfigured by unwanted hair (eg, on the ears and back).
Etiology
Excessive hair growth affects the healthy population, but it also severely affects patients with hormonal disturbances, such as polycystic ovary disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, and congenital hairy nevi.
Excessive hair growth has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pilonidal disease and in the unfavorable outcome of some reconstructive flaps.
Pathophysiology
Hirsutism is characterized by the excessive growth of coarse terminal hairs in women in a pattern similar to that of adult men. Given the subjectiveness of this perception, especially in different racial groups, Ferriman and Galway developed a scoring scale. Nine body areas are used to grade hair growth on a scale of 0-4. The scores for the 9 body parts are added, and a total score of 8 or more defines hirsutism. On the basis of this scale, 5% of women in the United States have hirsutism.
Hyperandrogenism (ie, increased plasma androgen levels) is sometimes the cause. This condition may be related to adrenal causes (eg, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-producing tumors), pituitary causes (eg, Cushing disease), ovarian causes (eg, polycystic ovary disease, ovarian tumors), or exogenous causes (eg, anabolic steroids, testosterone).
Idiopathic hirsutism is likely caused by subtle forms of ovarian or adrenal hypersecretion, alterations in serum androgen-binding proteins or androgen metabolism, or (most likely) excessive genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to normal androgen levels.
Presentation
Patients typically have a history of either excessive hair growth or hair growth in undesired body locations. For men, these areas are often the shoulders, back, and ears. For women, these areas are often the face, breasts, legs, and lower abdomen.
Take a complete history, including menstrual, pregnancy, and family histories. Discuss the degree of past, recent, and potential future sun exposure.
Perform a full external physical examination. If a hormonal problem is suspected, consider referring the patient to an endocrinologist or a gynecologist.
Indications
The indication for hair removal is mostly subjective. A desire for hair removal is the only criterion for laser surgery.
Relevant Anatomy
Each hair has 3 distinct components: the bulb, which lies near the insertion of the erector pili, the isthmus, and the infundibulum.
Pluripotential cells in the bulb and bulge areas cause the growth of the hair follicle. Melanocytes are present in these areas. For most people, the bulb is approximately 4 mm beneath the surface of the skin (deeper in some individuals). Therefore, a considerable laser penetration depth is required to remove the bulb.
Hair grows in cycles. Anagen is the active growth phase, catagen is the transition phase, and telogen is the resting phase. The duration of the anagen phase governs the length of hair at different body sites. Lasers are truly effective in only the anagen phase, when hair matrix cells divide rapidly and migrate outward from the shaft and when the melanin load is at its highest. During the catagen phase, mitosis ceases, the hair matrix regresses, the papilla retracts to a place near the bulge, and capillary nourishment diminishes. In the telogen phase, the follicle detaches from the papillae and contracts to a third of its original depth, eventually falling out. The telogen phase varies in duration from one body area to the next. For example, the telogen phase may last as long as a year for hair on the leg.
The ratio of anagen follicles to telogen follicles varies with body location. Because not all of the hairs are in the anagen phase at any 1 time, laser treatment must be repeated to capture the new hairs coming into the anagen phase.
Contraindications
For the laser to be effective, the hair pigment must be darker than the surrounding skin pigment. If this is not the case, the treatment will not work, and harmful complications may occur. Early in the evolution of the procedure, patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V or VI were not candidates, and even patients with skin types III and IV were at high risk. With new technologies, most patients can now be treated, though caution must still be exercised.
Recently, Aldraibi et al looked at using topical corticosteroid treatment to help minimize the side effects when treating skin types IV-VI with an Alexandrite laser system. Their study showed that using a topical corticosteroid treatment appears to minimally help in reducing posttreatment erythema and edema and also decreases the duration of hyperpigmentation. It was felt in this study that treating skin type VI was “less safe.”
Sun tanning is obviously contraindicated during or before treatment because the practice darkens the pigment of the skin surrounding the hair.
Author: Mounir Bashour, MD, CM, FRCS(C), PhD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, McGill University; Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Sherbrooke University; Medical Director, Cornea Laser and Lasik MD
Coauthor(s): Andrea James, MA, Director of HairFacts.com, Deep Stealth Productions, Inc
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Permanent hair removal has been available in some form for 125 years; the first electrolysis machine was invented in the late 1800s by an ophthalmologist who used the device to treat ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis). Since then, numerous electrolysis machines have been patented, but no new hair removal technology appeared until lasers entered the consumer market in the 1960s.
While electrolysis is undeniably effective, it can only target one hair at a time. The holy grail of permanent hair removal has always been the bulk treatment of many hair follicles at once. This reduces the time needed to treat an area of skin by a factor of several hundred.
In the mid to late 1960s emitted a continuous wave, an impractical feature for hair removal since the beam also damaged adjacent tissue. The development of the Q-switch, similar to a camera shutter, allowing the beam to be emitted in timed pulses.
In the late 60s, early laser hair removal devices targeted individual follicles through a wire-thin fiber-optic probe, later modified into a penlight-type device. These devices were difficult to use, just as electrolysis probes are, and in addition were ineffective at destroying the hair follicle. The FDA forced the removal of these devices from the marketplace due to false advertising.
In a repeat of history, the late 70′s saw the introduction of a laser device to treat ingrown eyelashes. This led to the introduction of argon laser equipment to treat unwanted hair elsewhere on the body, but this device also proved to be useless for body hair.
Other dermatologists noticed that lasers used to treat tattoos and vascular lesions produced hair loss in the adjacent tissue, which led to more experiments.
1995 the first FDA-approved laser hair removal device was introduced, the SoftLight by ThermoLase. However, FDA approval does not mean that a device is effective; it just means that according to the FDA’s inspectors, it is not acutely dangerous and makes no medicinal claims that have not been substantiated by research.
The SoftLight used a carbon-based lotion which was rubbed into the skin immediately following hair removal by waxing. Theoretically, the lotion would penetrate into the open hair follicle, and then the laser would be applied to heat the accumulated carbon and destroy the follicle. However, this device proved less effective than light devices that targeted the hair follicle pigments naturally present in the skin.
The company which produced SoftLight initially made an excellent profit by offering what they claimed was permanent hair removal through a chain of proprietary clinics called Spa Thira. However, by 1997, a medical study which followed treated patients found full hair regrowth, and in 1998 and 1999 successful lawsuits against the company forced it to cease manufacturing the devices.
the FDA approved several more devices which target the melanin in the hair follicle. These devices have better results than the earlier versions; however, some are still so new it is difficult to tell if the hair removal is permanent. Of the 9 laser or light-based systems currently being used, 2 of these use non-laser light. The non-laser technologies use the collimated light of many wavelengths which the system operator filters to select the wavelength most likely to be absorbed by the melanin in the patient’s follicles.
Some consumers claim they have experienced long-lasting hair removal with the newer lasers. The treatments are safe if performed properly, and are useful for large areas such as the back or legs, where electrolysis would be a tedious, painstaking process. Even when hair is not completely removed, it grows back finer and lighter. Light-skinned patients with dark hair have the best results. The treatments are said to be more comfortable than electrolysis, and patients can usually tolerate them without analgesics.
3-4 year results are available for some systems such as pulsed light, but most of the newer machines have not been around long enough for long-term data to be available. Also, light-based devices do not work well on blondes or redheads, or people with dark skin. Untrained technicians can cause burns, lesions, skin discolorations and in some cases scars.
It is important to remember that any permanent hair removal treatment must be repeated several times, over a period of at least 1-2 years. At any given time, most hair follicles are in the dormant stage, not producing any hairs, and if there is no dark hair in a follicle, laser/light systems will not have any effect. However, after a year or two, most follicles will have restarted their growth cycle.
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Pros:
*Many consumers experience a long-term or permanent hair reduction
*When performed under optimal conditions, the procedure is safe
* Works well for large areas, for instance, legs or the back
*Any regrowth will be lighter in color and have a finer texture
*Ideal for a brunette consumer with fair skin
Unethical Claims
Some practitioners will make wild, unethical claims about laser hair removal. For instance, some clinics will claim the procedure is “virtually painless.” Laser treatment isn’t pain-free, but most find the experience tolerable. The sensation of pulsed light is likened to that of a rubber band being snapped against your skin. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen an hour before a session is advisable. There are 4% lidocaine sprays and creams that can be purchased over the counter and can be applied 20 minutes before a laser hair removal session.
Some clinics will promise “100% permanent hair removal,” or “guaranteed 0% hair regrowth,” and these, too, are wild claims which cast suspicion on a clinic’s ethics and standards. Another dubious marketing term is “laser electrolysis,” or “lasertrolysis.” The two procedures, laser hair removal, and electrolysis are two very different procedures and this blurring of the distinctions between the two is meant to confuse rather than to inform consumers. If a clinic claims that laser hair removal is a more advanced technology or a better procedure than electrolysis, this too is a shady marketing ploy. Again, the procedures are very different and you may be a better candidate for one than the other.
]]>A bold eyeliner: A bold lip with a hint of color is a bold yet minimalistic statement that will turn heads–in a good way. You can pretty much pick any color your heart desires, but an aqua blue or a turquoise would look beautiful with a red lip. Apply to either the upper and lower lash line–and BAM! It’s an easy look that will make it appear that you put a lot more effort in than you actually did. Some good color options are Stila’s Stay All Day Eyeliner in “Turquoise” or Urban Decay’s 24/7 Eye Pencil in “Electric.”
A wash of color: A hint of brown also pairs beautifully with a bold lip. Using a product like Urban Decay’s Naked Basics Palette or MAC’s Groundwork Paintpot will add some definition to the face and frame a red or orange lip beautifully. If you want some shimmer, try a light application of Maybelline’s 24 Hour Color Tattoo in “Bad to the Bronze.” Don’t apply too much otherwise you will have a smokey eye, which is not what we’re going for here. A smoky eye will compete with the lip, whereas a hint of color will compliment them.
A light shimmer: Another option to pair with your neon lip is a wash of a light, shimmery color. It will add light to the eyes without being overpowering, plus it will make you look more awake. Try something like MAC’s eyeshadow in “All That Glitters,” or Maybelle’s 24 Hour Color Tattoo in “Barely Branded.” Both shades have gold sparkle running through them that is perfect for summer and that will flatter any eye color.
While these are just some options, feel free to get creative this summer and wear smoky eyes or tropical colors on your lids if that’s what your heart desires. These suggestions are just quick and chic ways to work the eyes while wearing a colorful lip. Plus, they are mostly sweat proof, which is always a good thing for summer.
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PCOS is a leading cause of hirsutism in women because of the hormonal imbalance it causes, which is often the result of ovarian cysts. In such cases, the body will produce an increase in male hormones (androgens) which will compete with the female estrogen hormones. Therefore, if the hair growth you are experiencing appears on your chin, neck, chest, back, or another area that hair typically grows on men, you may have PCOS.
Other signs include acne, irregular/infrequent periods, and no ovulation. The issues PCOS causes to the menstrual cycle can impede one’s ability to become pregnant as well. It can cause depression, weight gain, and make weight loss difficult. PCOS can also impair the body’s ability to process insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and an increase in the risk of diabetes. Be aware of these signs so you can detect whether or not you do have PCOS, as your health depends on it.
The causes of PCOS are generally unknown, although many doctors suspect it to be genetic. In order to determine if you have PCOS, doctors may examine your medical history, conduct a physical, a pelvic exam, blood tests, and a sonogram. Treatment is catered towards whatever symptoms one displays, but typically doctors recommend healthy eating and exercise, eating the whole grains, birth control (for women not planning on getting pregnant), surgery, diabetes or fertility medication, etc. Again, treating PCOS depends on the individual symptoms, so consult your doctor to figure out the best plan of action for you.
While it is more important to get PCOS under control, eventually one will probably want to deal with the excess hair it has caused relatively quickly. While it is a source of great humiliation for many women, just know that PCOS is a common syndrome that affects many women; you are not alone. Plus, there is a solution to unwanted hair: laser hair removal.
Many women suffering from PCOS-related hair growth turn to Satori Laser to rid themselves of this embarrassing issue. Since we use the best technology available, Candela Lasers, it is likely excess hair issues caused by PCOS will be eradicated after 4-6 sessions. While laser hair removal has varying results on different people, the likelihood that laser hair removal will reduce unwanted hair is very high.
Satori’s goal is not just to remove all excess body hair; we want to empower our clients and allow them to live their lives to the fullest. It’s hard to do that when one grapples with crushing insecurities about their appearance, especially for women who have hair growth in uncommon areas of the body. It can be a demoralizing and sometimes debilitating problem that can destroy one’s confidence. It’s Satori’s mission to get rid of the hair and restore our clients’ sense of self. This is especially true for women who suffer from PCOS since they have a lot of other issues with their health to deal with–they should not have to worry about excess hair as well.
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How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs? Ingrown hairs are yet another reason to abandon shaving for good. Among the many unfortunate side-effects shaving causes (redness, irritation, hives, cuts, hair re-growth, etc.). Ingrown hairs are probably the most difficult to deal with. The unrelenting bumps on your skin that aren’t exactly pimples yet aren’t hives can cause a lot of issues if not handled properly.
Ingrown hairs are caused by the hair curling and growing back into the skin rather than coming to the surface. They commonly afflict thick, curly haired people, yet everyone is prone to ingrown hairs. Because the hair is stuck under the skin, a red bump will often form that contains the doubled over hair. Since hair sometimes grows back sharper and thicker, ingrown hairs can get worse over time. They are also very hard to remove without causing further irritation or infection. They most commonly appear in shaved and waxed areas such as the face and neck for men, and legs and the bikini area for women. Either way, they are annoying and sometimes painful.
While after some time, ingrown should sort themselves out. They can cause infection, darken the skin, or cause scarring (if they are picked at). The best way to avoid ingrown hairs is to stop shaving and waxing. Both of these methods practically invite hairs to grow into the skin and cause issues. This is no doubt uncomfortable and unsightly–yet the areas that ingrown frequent are often those which need to be shaved. Luckily, there’s good news: laser hair removal will take care of ingrown for once and all.
As laser hair removal will produce a permanent reduction in hair growth, after a full round of treatments, hair and shaving will be a long lost memory. However, you don’t even have to wait the six months to a year that laser hair removal will take to see results. Each time you undergo a laser hair removal treatment, the hair will grow back thinner and lighter each time, thus gradually minimizing the chances of ingrown until the hair is gone for good.
If you already have ingrown hairs and are in the process of booking your free consultation at Satori Laser, we have some good news: first, you will be done with ingrown forever very soon; and second, we have a suggestion as to how to deal with the ingrown you already have. Use an abrasive exfoliant, like a sugar scrub to buff away the layer of skin your hair is trapped under. This is the safest way to unearth the hairs trapped below the surface. You can also use this method in between shaves and waxes to ensure that the hair grows in the right direction. Exfoliating is also necessary for between laser hair removal treatments, as it buffs away dead hairs like nothing else.
Ingrown hairs are annoying, gross, and oftentimes painful–luckily there is a permanent solution waiting for you at Satori Laser. Laser hair removal will completely eliminate a problem you likely spend a lot of time dealing with–not to mention the hair itself–so it’s worth taking the leap. Your skin will thank you for it.
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The good news is that there is a simple way to handle it: laser hair removal. You may have struggled with the hair growth in these areas because you simply don’t know whether laser hair removal could be used on them; however, it turns out you can get hair zapped away on any area of the body other than the eyebrows. If you experience unwanted hair in any of the areas about to be named, don’t hesitate to book your free consultation now.
Feet: Flip flop season is coming up–have you dealt with your toe/foot hair yet? Think about it: your toes will be on display all summer long, and while you probably have gotten the perfect pedicure, it’s likely you’ve overlooked the stray hairs congregating on your feet. It’s embarrassing and not so pretty, right? Why invest all the money into cute wedges and sandals when you’ll probably be too embarrassed to wear them? Fortunately for you, laser hair removal is the perfect solution: just a few sessions will get rid of the hair pretty quickly, as the hair that grows on our feet is usually thin and sparse, to begin with. You’ll never have to deal with hobbit feet again!
Chin: Hair on the chin can be humiliating and persistent. It’s difficult to deal with hair growth in this area, as it is generally related to hormones or thyroid issues, and shaving can sometimes only make the hair thicker and darker. Hair in the chin area is especially bothersome because it is quite visible and difficult to conceal. That’s why laser hair removal is so essential for women who suffer from hair in this area because it will permanently eradicate the hair, making it thinner and lighter as the sessions go on. You won’t see such results with shaving or waxing.
Areolas: Yet another mortifying area that is prone to hair growth on some women are the areolas. While many women experience hair growth here following pregnancy, menopause, or even puberty, it is nevertheless unwelcome. Although the skin on the breasts and nipples is quite sensitive and has made laser hair removal a no-go in the past, the present technology is gentle enough to use for the areolas. This is awesome news for women who experience excess hair on their areolas.
Happy Trail: The happy trail describes the path of hair that leads to your bikini area, usually extending from your belly button to “down there.” This is an especially annoying area because it thwarts a girl’s ability to rock a bikini or crop top without feeling self-conscious. Plus, if you have dark hair and light skin, the happy trail is very noticeable. It’s difficult to deal with happy trail hair for the summer when your belly is going to be exposed quite often. Don’t limit yourself to a tankini just because of your happy trail! Laser hair removal is, of course, the best way to deal with it.
The small inconvenience that hair in these areas present truly affects our confidence and the way we carry ourselves. While it may not seem like a big deal, if you are worried about people seeing the excess hair on your chin, it can sometimes be hard to sit back and enjoy life. It’s especially critical to deal with hair in these areas now that it’s summer, and more parts of your body will be exposed. Don’t hesitate to look and feel beautiful–get laser hair removal and love your new Satori Smooth Skin.
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Punta Cana, DR: Punta Cana is without a doubt a place to vacation this Summer. Kick back below the palm trees and clear skies with a fruity drink and you’ll contemplate never leaving the sandy shores. Aside from the immaculate beaches, Punta Cana also boasts some of the best golf resorts in the world if you’re ready to hit the links. For the more adventurous, zip lining through the trees is an exhilarating activity that will get your adrenaline pumping. The other thing you could do is to go scuba diving, from which you can see crystal clear waters and hang out with the marine life. Whatever you do, Punta Cana is the perfect place to flaunt that Satori Smooth Skin.
Maui, Hawaii, USA: Who doesn’t want to jet off to Hawaii? Maui is a must go destination for those heading to the Islands for some rest and relaxation. The golden sands and turquoise water will truly restore the most burnt-out workaholic. Gawk at the towering waterfalls, the craters, and the gorgeous mountains sprinkled throughout Maui. Get a feel for the local culture by attending a Luau, grubbing on some authentic Hawaiian food and shaking your hips with the hula dancers. It will truly be a lifetime experience.
Miami, Florida: Miami is by far the best beach city on earth. It not only offers pristine beaches but also have a wealth of activities and a thriving nightlife, combining the beauty of an exotic tropical locale with a bustling city. When you’re done being a beach bum served by sexy cabana boys, go jet skiing, enjoy luxury shopping, or check out the city’s gorgeous Art Deco architecture. At night, take advantage of the vibrant Miami nightlife and the delicious, authentic Cuban cuisine.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: If you’re looking to party on your tropical getaway, Cabo is an ideal choice. For both jet-setters and spring breakers alike, Cabo is the place to go when vacationers are seeking a good time. Adopt the YOLO mentality here before you swim with dolphins, surf the incredible waves, or hop on a wild party cruise. Wind down with a dip in the hot springs or a lazy day at one of the many the incredibly beautiful beaches Cabo has to offer. Whether you choose to party hard or take it slow (or a little bit of both), Cabo has it all.
Phuket, Thailand: If you truly want an exotic, unique experience this summer, Phuket is the perfect place for you. Phuket offers a series of watersports and deep diving opportunities, in addition to beautiful white sands and sparkling waters. A sunset will never be quite as beautiful as it is in Phuket–the beautiful hues of red, orange, and blue are truly a sight to behold. Although it will be hard for you to pull yourself away from the ocean, Phuket has a lot to offer outside of their extraordinary beaches. Explore ancient Buddhist temples or get up, close, and personal with tigers at the Tiger Kingdom–definitely a unique experience! Don’t forget to enjoy Thailand’s succulent and savory cuisine, too. Rest assured, as soon as you leave Phuket, you’ll be making plans to go back.
Whatever beach location you choose this summer, smooth skin is your #1 travel essential. If you visit any of these destinations, you will be in your bikini and swim trunks often, so be prepared! The last thing you want to worry about on your dream vacation is remembering to shave. Get that razor out of your travel bag and chuck it in the trash–with Satori Smooth Skin, you won’t need it anymore!
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Sun: Avoid the sun at all costs during laser hair removal treatments. We’ve said this a million times, but it’s too important not to repeat another million times. Inevitably, when one spends time in the sun, their skin will either tan or burn. This is dangerous because the laser could potentially burn tanned skin, therefore you must be careful to avoid sun exposure on the treated area. Wearing a high SPF helps, however, your safest bet is to shield yourself from the sun’s powerful rays with a hat or protective clothing.
Tanning Beds, Sprays, and Creams: Some people make the mistake of assuming fake tan is cool to use the laser on, however, they are mistaken and often sent home from treatments. No matter how the tan got there, it’s a no-go for laser hair removal, because it increases the chance of burns. While it may be painful to stay pale (especially in summer), it will be a worthwhile sacrifice in the end, once you have your Satori Smooth Skin. We recommend starting laser hair removal in the fall and winter months so you’ll be good to go for summer.
Waxing: You’ll be happy to know you can cancel your waxing appointments in the treated area, not only because laser hair removal will make sure that hair never grows back–it will also interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicle. Because laser hair removal must attack hair during all three stages of growth, removing hair at the root will interrupt this process. Also, the lasers will target the melanin in the hair, and if it’s been removed, the treatment will not be nearly as effective.
The same principle applies to tweezing and depilatory creams. All of these hair removal methods extract hair from the root, making it harder for the laser to do its job. We understand that it’s hard to let the hair grow during the first few sessions of laser hair removal, however, you can still shave. Shaving only removes hair at the surface of the skin and won’t affect the follicle.
Hair Bleach will also tamper with laser hair removal’s ability to remove excess hair. You likely already know that laser hair removal cannot be performed on gray, blonde, or red hair because the pigment is not dark enough for the laser to identify. Therefore, bleaching your hair will make it impossible for the lasers to work, thus your skin will be more prone to burns. If you bleach your excess hair in between sessions, your laser technician will not be able to conduct the session.
In short, shaving is the only way to keep your hair at bay in between laser hair removal sessions, and the sun, all tanning products, and hair bleach should be avoided. We get that it’s annoying to have to worry about sun exposure more than usual, however, it’s essential to your safety that you don’t get a tan during your laser hair removal journey. Avoiding the mentioned things will ensure that you attain Satori Smooth Skin sooner and safer.
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We can say with authority that after a harsh winter, the warmth and brightness the sun has brought definitely makes us happier. Who could possibly disagree? The sun is out and closer to us also means trips to the beach, the pool, bikinis, barbecues, fireworks, and all of the other amazing spoils of summer. Turns out it’s not just us: scientists say that sun exposure boosts serotonin levels–a.k.a. the “happy hormone.” It’s also been proven that the sunshine can alleviate depression. We also suggest working out in the sun, as it will produce more endorphins than getting physical indoors.
It gets even better: the sun accounts for the majority of our intake of Vitamin D, which helps our bones absorb calcium, boost the metabolism, and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. A lack of Vitamin D can cause depression, weight gain, diabetes, MS, and increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Many doctors say these benefits far outweigh the risk of getting skin cancer. Doctors suggest getting at least ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure–SPF free–three times a week in the Spring and Summer. Without SPF? Yes, otherwise your skin won’t absorb the beneficial rays properly. If it’s only for a few minutes, you won’t burn. Sun exposure has also been found to increase fertility, relieve aches and pains, and boost energy levels.
So what’s the dilemma? Well, we all know excessive sun exposure can potentially result in skin cancer. It can also cause premature wrinkles and aging, sunspots, burns, etc. Despite all of the health benefits the sun can provide us, it’s true that too much of a good thing ceases to be good. The number of sunburns someone sustains throughout their life could determine whether or not they get sun cancer. People with blond or red hair, as well as freckles, fair skin, and males, tend to be more prone to sun cancer than others. Whether or not you fit the physical description, it’s still important to protect yourself with broad spectrum SPF. If you’re fair and very prone to sunburn, ensure you will not be vulnerable to the negative effects of the sun by wearing a floppy hat and a long beach cover up to protect your skin. Wear an SPF of 30 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection.
SPF is critical not only for preventing cancer but also for delaying signs of aging. While this is nowhere near as important as preventing skin cancer, it is nevertheless important to care for your skin, as it is the biggest organ in your body. While freckles can be cute, they can be a precursor to cancer in rare cases or give way to age spots, which are incredibly difficult to get rid of. We recommend that if you spent too much time in the sun and are just now seeing the effects of it; schedule an appointment for a skin rejuvenation treatment. Our eTwo machine will reduce fine lines and age spots in just one session.
So, is the sun a friend or foe to skincare? The truth is, probably a little bit of both, but more of a friend in the end. Just keep in mind that if you’re going through laser hair removal treatments, you must limit your exposure to the sun so you won’t tan. Otherwise, try to get some sunshine for a little bit every day (weather permitting) if you can. Not only will it reduce the probability of heart disease, MS, diabetes, depression, and obesity, but it will boost your energy and make you happier. It’s no wonder that we feel better in the summer–turns out it’s not just the beach, beautiful sunsets, or cotton candy–the sun really does boost those happy hormones. So be smart and wear your SPF and protect your skin as much as you can without sacrificing a beautiful day.
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