Laser hair removal is one of the fastest-growing, pain-free methods of hair removal today. A safe procedure practiced by med spas and healthcare professionals, laser hair removal achieves amazing results.
But, not everyone can undergo the procedure safely. There are certain people who should not be exposed to laser beams. We’ll delve deep into who they are, and why they’re an exception in this article.
WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
What does laser hair removal actually entail?
The process is fairly simple. Laser hair removal machines generate a small, concentrated beam of light. It’s this light that is used over areas on the skin that you need to remove hair from.
What this “light”, or laser beam does, is that it ‘zaps’ the hair out, right from the follicle. The beam of light hovers over the follicle, shrinking and damaging it. This makes the hair fall off, leaving you with silky smooth and hairless skin.
The zapping of the follicle causes it to diminish in size, and this can semi-permanently stop the production of hair from the root! Once exposed to laser treatment, the follicle takes a long time to repair itself. After a few consecutive laser sessions, hair growth slows down to an extent where your skin remains hairless for a few months or years.
This means you enjoy hairless skin for a prolonged period of time, sans the fuss. You get to say goodbye to those expensive salon trips and painful waxing procedures.
WHO CAN HAVE LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal is an absolutely safe process for the majority of the population.
In the past, this treatment was more effective for people with lighter skin and darker hair. But as technology advanced, it has become accessible and safe for people with darker skin and lighter hair too.
Its success on all skin types is what makes the process a much sought-after method of hair removal.
People with certain hormonal conditions can benefit greatly from laser hair removal too. These include those afflicted with:
HIRSUTISM
This is a condition where women tend to grow dark and coarse hair on areas of the body that men tend to have hair on.
HYPERTRICHOSIS
Hypertrichosis is caused by an excess growth of thick, dark, and dense hair on the body. Both men and women can suffer from this condition.
PCOS (POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME)
This hormonal condition tends to cause facial hair growth in women. They can laser off the hair instead of threading or waxing it all the time.
WHO SHOULDN’T HAVE LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
As with everything, there are certain limitations to who can get laser hair removal done safely. Some shouldn’t opt for laser treatment, because it can be damaging to their health. These include:
PREGNANT WOMEN
If you are pregnant, then exposing yourself to a laser beam is not a good idea. The ramifications are unknown, but pregnant people should not be near lasers in any case. Sometimes during pregnancy, you can experience extra hair growth, but it typically wears off after delivery.
SKIN CANCER PATIENTS
People who have, or have had skin cancer in the past should not undergo laser hair removal. Exposure to lasers during cancer treatment or with skin conditions will only make things worse.
GENITAL HERPES PATIENTS
Even though rare, one of the noted side effects of laser treatments is herpes outbreak. So people who already suffer from genital herpes should not undergo laser hair removal. This also applies to people who have cold sores or oral herpes. It can trigger another herpes bout if you’re in remission or in a dormant phase of the disease.
PEOPLE WITH SKIN INFECTIONS
If you have a skin condition or infection, exposure to lasers is not a good idea. It can worsen your ailment and interfere with the healing process.
THOSE WITH KELOID SCARS
Keloid scars are little buildups of protein over the surface of the skin. It could be because of inflammation, injury, or an infection. Running a laser over them can be dangerous for your health. If you have scarring, raised indents, and wounds on your skin, do not get laser treatment done in that area.
PEOPLE ON ACNE MEDICATION
If you take certain types of acne medication like isotretinoin, then they can make you photosensitive. Since your sensitivity to light increases, exposing yourself to such concentrated beams will result in skin damage.
WHAT MED SPA TO CHOOSE FOR THE BEST LASER EXPERIENCE?
For laser hair removal, you want to choose a clinic or practitioner who is safe and reliable. Experience, equipment, and sterile working conditions are non-negotiable in choosing a med spa to do the job for you. Our top picks is SunsUp Tan & Wellness – with best-trained professionals in healthcare on the team they do excellent job with laser hair removal. The process is painless and flawless. You will be able to experience semi-permanent hair loss in just 5 – 6 sessions.
If you’re on the west coast, then SunsUp Tan & Wellness is the place for you to be. Book a visit with them today.