Which skin type is best for laser hair removal?

Skin hair removal laser treatment has become a popular alternative to chemical hair removal, shaving, plucking, threading, and waxing. It takes less time than shaving every few days, is safer than chemicals that can burn skin, and is more convenient than waxing. But there’s a lot that people must know before getting the treatment. For example, is their skin suitable for this treatment? Find out!

Impact of skin hair removal laser treatment

People looking for a long-lasting method of hair removal prefer laser hair removal. It prevents new hair growth in the hair follicles.

Several factors determine the impact and permanence of laser hair removal treatment. It also affects the skin after laser hair removal.

These factors include the patient's skin colour, the colour and thickness of the hair being treated, the type and quality of the laser used, and the laser operator's competence and training.

Which skin type is best for laser hair removal?

The pigment in the hair must absorb heat for skin hair removal laser treatment to work. In general, melanin, which is responsible for absorbing heat, is more abundant in darker skin types. Melanin is produced when the body is exposed to ultraviolet rays and develops naturally. This is why people get a tan when their skin is exposed to the sun.

The treatment is more effective when there is a contrast between skin tone and hair colour. Having said that, people with light or pale skin and darker or coarser hair are ideal candidates for laser hair removal.

Clinics can choose from a wide range of lasers for skin laser hair removal, each of which works differently. The better lasers in the market are capable of producing effective results for the majority of skin types. In contrast, basic laser machines will typically only be effective on individuals with lighter skin tones and darker hair colour.

Determining skin type

An individual's skin type is determined by ethnicity and heredity. The Fitzpatrick scale helps classify skin types. The scale is based on numbers from 1 to 6, 1 being the skin type with the lightest colour and 6 being the darkest.

• People with skin type 1 cannot tan without burning, and less than 5% of people in North America fall into this category.
• With skin type 2, one can get a tan, but they'll get sunburned easily. 
• One can get a tan quickly and still get sunburned if they have skin type 3. In North America, this type of skin is the most prevalent.
• One will tan easily and rarely get sunburned with skin type 4. This is found among Hispanic, Asian, or Middle Eastern people.
• Skin type 5 is for people with a brownish skin that gets darker when they are in the sun. They tan easily and rarely get sunburned. African-Americans tend to have this type of skin.
• In Skin type 6, the skin, which is dark brown or black, will continue to darken when one is in bright sunlight. They rarely get sunburned.

Types of lasers for different skin types

• Lasers that can be used to get rid of hair include long-pulse diode lasers, long-pulse ruby lasers, long-pulse alexandrite lasers, and Nd: YAG lasers. These lasers are matched to the skin type.
• Lighter-looking skin with dark hair can utilize an alexandrite or diode laser.
• Nd: YAG can be used by people with dark hair and skin.
• A diode laser can be used for people with red or blond hair.

Short laser pulses control the spread of heat and prevent unwanted tissue damage. Additionally, the laser's energy is altered. It needs to be high enough to harm the cells in the bulge but not too high that it hurts or burns.

Skin after laser hair removal

The procedure is usually safe if performed by professionals. However, some people also notice side effects after the treatment. While laser hair removal skin damage isn’t as common or alarming, one must consult a dermatologist if one notices long-lasting side effects. 

Some of the common side effects include: 

• Changes in skin texture: This usually happens when the person gets a recent tan. Resulting in a change in the skin texture.
• Excessive growth of hair: This can sometimes happen to darker complexions or coarser hair. It can also happen if the laser energy is too low or the wrong laser is used for the person's hair and skin. 
• Skin crusting and blisters: This may happen due to sudden sun exposure after the treatment.
• Scarring: This is most prevalent in people prone to scarring easily. People with psoriasis must immediately consult a dermatologist.

Is the procedure safe?

The procedure is usually safe if carried out by professionals and with proper equipment. Some people report mild side effects, which disappear in a few days.

Itchy skin after laser hair removal is a common after-effect. The hair follicles are heated by the laser light, which can cause mild skin irritation and inflammation. Itching, redness, and sometimes even a mild rash can result from this irritation. Consult a dermatologist if the rash lasts for a long time. 

To sum up

Skin hair removal laser treatment can provide a significant reduction in hair growth. The effect can last several months or even years compared to other methods like shaving or waxing. But there's a lot that one must know about the treatment before opting for it, such as its impact on different skin types. 

Different skin types require special lasers, and a professional can easily determine which laser suits one's skin perfectly. So, getting treatments from a trusted clinic with latest equipment is important.

UnCover has a great team of dermatologists, and their treatment is top-notch. Their plans are reasonably priced and start at Rs. 1,800 for face parts. 

So, know the treatment well, and get an appointment today!