Have you ever thought about your body hair
as a constant annoyance? As if, no matter how hard you try to get rid of it, it
always seems to grow back and become even a bigger annoyance? Well, its time
you try your hand at laser hair removal. Medically proven to work, laser hair
removal helps to slow down the growth of body hair through concentrated beams of
light (laser) which is absorbed by the pigments in the hair (melanin). The
light energy is then converted into heat, which alters the hair follicles
within the skin and delays hair growth.
Why
Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is used to remove and
slow down the growth of unwanted hair. Usually, treatment locations include
legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the private areas. However, it's possible to
treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except for the eyelids or surrounding areas.
Hair colour and skin type influence the
success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the
hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser
should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin.
Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin colour — dark hair and light skin —
results in the best outcomes.
The risk of damage to the skin is greater when
there is little contrast between hair and skin colour, but advances in laser
technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker
skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colours that don't absorb
light well: grey, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-coloured
hair continue to be developed.
What
to expect during a Laser Hair Removal treatment?
Laser hair removal usually requires a
series of two to six treatment sessions. The time gap between sessions usually
depends on which area of the body you are getting your laser hair removal done.
On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might
be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the
back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks. Two days before you start
your treatment, your dermatologist will ask you to shave the area where your
treatment is being done. A little stubble should be present but not long hairs.
If you’re getting laser hair removal treatment on sensitive areas like the
armpits or the private areas, you will be prescribed a topical anaesthetic to
reduce the pain of the laser treatment. Your first treatment is where you feel
the most from the laser. It will feel as if a rubber band is snapping against
your skin.
Self-care
after the Laser Hair Removal treatment
Every session of laser hair removal treatment
lasts for about 10 to 20 minutes and immediately after the treatment, you may
experience redness, heat and swelling in the treated areas. To help with these
symptoms, your dermatologist may prescribe you some corticosteroid cream and
ice packs for the laser hair removal areas. As your session is completed, you
will be advised to avoid sunlight, avoid using skin creams or bleaching creams
and generally, be gentle to the treatment area. If you have any more questions
or queries do not hesitate to ask your dermatologist about them as they are
experts and are always willing to guide you along with your laser hair removal
process.
In India, one of the best and oldest places
to get a laser hair removal procedure done is VLCC where they have been experts
in beauty and slimming since 1989 and today are widely recognized for their
comprehensive portfolio of beauty and wellness products and services and a high
level of consumer trust.
