Laser hair removal is the most sought-after, long-lasting, successful option to get rid of unwelcome facial and body hair. Unfortunately, earlier, not everyone was able to undergo laser hair removal. The traditional laser hair removal devices were ineffective and unsafe for dark-skinned people. But, thanks to the advancements in laser technology, now a handful of laser hair removal options are available for dark skin.
In this blog we will be detailing laser hair removal for the dark skin individuals. This informative post is drafted by taking insights of the information gathered by the laser experts of Skination Clinic. This advanced skin and laser clinic headed by the skilled skin specialists who have expertise in lasers are known for delivering the best laser hair removal in Faridabad. The expert ensures that the maximal reduction is obtained in each patient, regardless of hair type, skin color, or body part treated.
Continue reading to learn more about laser hair removal for dark skin.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Dark Skin?
Medical-grade lasers work to reduce or remove hair by focusing an intense light beam onto the target area. The laser light energy passes through the skin and gets converted into thermal energy that gets absorbed by the melanin of the targeted hair follicles. This results in damage to the actively growing hair follicles and subsequent delay or inhibition of further hair growth.
With each laser hair removal session, the hair becomes finer and softer as well as less noticeable. This happens only with hair follicles that are in the active growth phase of the hair growth cycle. Therefore, multiple laser sessions are needed (usually 6-8), scheduled 4-6 weeks apart, to ensure targeting all hair follicles. This helps in achieving silky-smooth, hair-free skin.
When the laser is used for hair removal on dark skin tones, a longer wavelength of light is required to ensure that the laser is only directed at the melanin of the hair and not the skin.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Dark Skin?
If the wrong laser type or wavelength is used for hair removal on dark skin, it's unsafe. That's why it is extremely important to get your laser hair removal done by a licensed and experienced professional.
However, the potential risks of laser hair removal on dark skin include hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin) or hypopigmentation (skin lightening). To be on the safe side, the professional must do a patch test of the laser and accordingly adjust its wavelength settings.
Which Laser Hair Removal Device is Best for Dark Skin?
The choice of laser hair removal device and its wavelength setting is best made by a skin professional who uses the Fitzpatrick scale to first determine the skin type of an individual. Based on the amount of melanin the hair and skin contain, laser hair removal is performed. Generally, ND: YAG lasers and diode lasers have proven to be most effective and safe for hair removal in people with dark skin and dark hair. That's because they emit longer wavelength light than other lasers.
During initial consultation for laser hair removal, a skin professional can best recommend the optimal laser type for your skin type.
Who are Good Candidates for Laser Hair Removal?
Many factors contribute to making anyone a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. Ideally, lasers are effective for people having pale skin and dark, coarse hair. The color contrast between hair and skin can allow the laser to precisely target the hair without harming the skin. However, with advanced laser hair removal devices, it's possible to target lower contrast hair to skin tone types.
Moreover, laser hair removal is an excellent choice to target large areas of skin such as arms, underarms, legs, and back as well as small areas like upper lips, sidelocks, chin, and even sensitive areas like bikini lines. It works best on clusters of hair and not scattered hair.
People who should avoid laser hair removal include pregnant women, nursing mothers, people looking for removal of hair around the eyes, tanned people, and those having active skin infections, acne, or other serious conditions.
Preparation for Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Once you have made an appointment for a laser hair removal session, you need to pamper and prepare your treatment area.
- Skin experts recommend stopping using any harsh or irritating skin products at least 5 days before the treatment to avoid making the targeted area sensitive to laser energy.
- Also, you must stay away from direct sun exposure or at least use proper sun protection.
- Daily apply broad spectrum sunblock of SPF at least 30 whenever going outdoors in the daytime.
- Shaving of the area to be lasered is recommended within 24 hours of your treatment.
- Make sure you have not waxed or uprooted targeted hair in any way and your skin is not tanned. On the day of the appointment, you must come with clean and dry skin.
How to Care for Dark Skin after Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
With laser hair removal done on dark skin, side effects are still possible. The resulting skin irritation, redness, and inflammation can be resolved with post-care cream. The use of topical antibiotics can help treat acne-like eruption or folliculitis. If there is pigmentation, skin-lightening creams may help normalize the skin color.
If you are longing for laser hair removal you can consult the expert at the Skination Clinic. The best Skin specialist in Faridabad, Dr. Rajat Gupta is an internationally trained laser expert. All the laser procedures done at this clinic are supervised by the expert doctor. To avail of the benefits, consult the expert at Skination Clinic now!
