Laser hair removal is a popular method of hair removal that has been used for decades. It works by targeting the pigment in each hair follicle with light energy, safely removing the hair. However, for people with darker skin tones, laser hair removal can be problematic due to the risk of burns, scarring, hypopigmentation, and other adverse reactions. Fortunately, with new lasers created specifically for melanin-rich skin, laser hair removal is now safe and effective for people with dark skin.
Dr. Downie explains that laser hair removal is really like permanent hair reduction, not complete elimination. It will reduce the amount of hair you have, but it may not completely remove it forever. To ensure safety and effectiveness, it's important to use a laser that targets only the pigmentation of the hair follicle and not the skin.
The biggest problem when performing laser hair removal on dark skin comes from the heat produced by lasers. The intensity of heat can heat melanin and damage the skin, causing changes in pigmentation such as hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. That's why it's important to get services from people who have experience working with colored skin. According to Dr.
Charles, no matter how much melanin in your skin or how light or dark your complexion is, you can get laser hair removal. People who tend to do better have thick, thick hair and darker hair because the light source in the laser tends to see that hair better and zaps it. He does not recommend using retinol or retinoids immediately after receiving treatment as the skin can respond unpredictably. After the session, you may experience small bumps on your skin due to inflammation of the hair follicles, but they usually go away in a day or so. Redness is also common and Dr.
Charles recommends using a mild topical steroid for a few days after the session in order to reduce it. You'll usually see 50 to 90 percent hair reduction with the first treatment, and it usually takes about five sessions to see the main differences. When considering laser hair removal for dark skin tones, it's important to do thorough research before choosing your treatment provider. Make sure they use a laser that targets only the pigmentation of the hair follicle and not the skin. After undergoing laser hair removal, there are certain things you'll want to do and others you'll want to avoid to make sure you get the best possible results. It's easy to rule out some of the more traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, or waxing.
Many people who struggle with unwanted hair on their face and body turn to laser hair removal for a long-term solution. Early generations of laser technology couldn't distinguish between hair pigment and skin pigment. Fortunately, with new lasers created specifically for melanin-rich skin, laser hair removal is now safe and effective for people with dark skin tones. Just make sure you're careful and do thorough research before choosing your treatment provider.
