Laser hair removal in summer. To do or not to do

Summer is the season of short skirts, tanning and romantic meetings. How we want our bodies to look flawless on the beach. And unwanted hair is not needed here. As always, we have a choice: you can solve the problem traditionally with a razor or with waxing, or you can try the trendiest method — laser hair removal. From the very beginning the method was presented as practically the most effective — radically and permanently removing hair. However, the proper result was not always and not for everyone achievable. That was when the first doubts about the effectiveness of laser hair removal were sown.

The principle of laser hair removal is based on the ability of a laser beam to selectively affect the hair and the hair follicle. The laser beam damages the hair germinal zone, and the growth of that hair stops. Laser hair removal works effectively on dark hair, especially against the background of light skin, and can be used on any area of the body. The laser pulse acts on the pigment melanin, which is contained in the hair follicle and hair shaft, and absorbs the flash energy. The more melanin contained in these structures (the darker the hair), the better the result. The structures of the hair follicle and hair shaft heat up and are destroyed. Tanned skin also contains the pigment melanin. Does that mean laser hair removal will damage tanned skin along with the hair?! And sadly — this is a justified assumption for most traditional laser systems (ruby, alexandrite, diode). The only exception is the newest laser system for hair removal — the neodymium laser.

The method of laser hair removal using a neodymium laser (Nd:YAG) is based on a solid-state laser device built on a yttrium–aluminum garnet, operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm. The neodymium laser is a powerful multifunctional tool created specifically for dermatocosmetology. Its specific features include increased power, the use of pulses of different durations and spot sizes, as well as the use of a built-in patented dynamic cooling device. The laser hair removal procedure is practically painless thanks to the powerful built-in cooling system: the patient locally feels warmth and sees a flash of light in the treated area. The cooling system a few milliseconds before and a few milliseconds after the laser pulse delivers a selective spray of cooling aerosol onto the skin surface at the treatment site, thereby minimizing unpleasant sensations and protecting the epidermis.

This technology allows hair removal procedures to be performed on ANY skin types, and, what is especially important, on dark- and black-skinned patients! (both immediately before and after the laser hair removal procedure it is possible to tan in the sun or in a solarium). The only recommendation is to apply a sun-protection cream with a sun protection factor of at least 20. Neodymium laser hair removal is safe for skin of any phototype; it rightfully holds the title of the "Gold Standard" of laser hair removal for dark skin. Moreover, the effect on the skin is beneficial, since laser hair removal also causes photo-rejuvenation of the skin. The light wave from the neodymium infrared laser triggers the natural regeneration process, stimulating the synthesis of new collagen and elastin.

On average, a course of procedures consists of 8–12 sessions at intervals of once every 4–6 weeks. To perform safe laser hair removal, it is necessary to be aware of some contraindications to the procedure.

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS to laser hair removal are:
• herpes in the active stage in the intended treatment area
• decompensated forms of diabetes mellitus
• true photodermatitis

RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS to laser hair removal:
• pregnancy
• lactation period
• use of Roaccutane-type medications
• use of hormonal medications (to be discussed with the doctor during an in-person consultation)
• blood clotting disorders
• oncological disease

Now, even in summer you can confidently say: “No!” to outdated short-term depilation methods (the razor and wax) and confidently answer: “Yes!” to the modern and safe method — laser hair removal. You can also boldly say “Yes!” when solving many other skin problems. Papillomas, warts, moles, vascular lesions, etc. Laser cosmetology can easily rid you of these and other problems!