Laser (also known as Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiance) was popularized in the 90s. Back then, electrolysis, the well regarded permanent hair removal option was tedious and costly. Laser became a great alternative.
Through the use of an invisible light ray, the consistent heat created by the laser run through the skin and removes the hair from its root without hurting the skin's exterior. The beam detects the hair follicle by looking for its melanin, the dark pigmentation in the hair. Then it aims at its root to destruct it.
Even though the process is rather accurate and swift, there are still tendencies it can irritate the skin. Hence, it's pretty common to apply the impacted skin with a cooling spray or gel during the treatment. These materials prevents the laser beam from causing stress on the skin.
Four Methods of Lasers Permanent Hair Reduction
Currently, there are 4 types of FDA-approved lasers :
(1) Ruby Lasers like those employed in the the EpiTouch or Epilaser system utilizes a shorter wavelength light ray called infrared. Because of it's wavelength, it tend to use more energy and aren't as effective on tanned or darker skin tones. It's also less useful when it comes to treating light and fine hair. The introduction of newer technologies which can treat darker skin at a much larger coverage has brought down Ruby lasers' popularity.
(2) Alexandrite. Candela GentleLase Plus laser hair removal systems uses this. Fastest of all, Alexandrite lasers makes uses of a slightly longer wavelength when compared to the Ruby. It's able to work on a larger body area and skin tones from light to olive complexions. Although it's still relatively limited to light skin tones with dark hair, this is however, one of the most widely deployed permanent hair removal laser method.
(3) Diode, the laser used in the Coherent Light Sheer system, has a much longer wavelength than both Ruby and Alexandrite lasers. It is also able to penetrate deeper and hence great for slightly darker skin tones. Though it still ineffective when treating finer, lighter hair, it can cover large hair patches at faster repetition speed.
(4) ND and LP ND Yag (used in the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide) can be employed safely in various skin types including tanned and dark ones. Large hair zones can be treated at fast repetition speed. However, as compared to other lasers, it's not as good in handling finer, lighter hair. There's also more discomfort reported by patients who've used this laser.
Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal?
People with tanned or darker skins tend to be less suitable when it comes to laser hair removal as melanin is also found in the skin. The same goes for red or blond haired since the laser is attracted to the dark pigments in the hair.
However, with the advent of newer technologies such as the ND Yag lasers, such limitations are slowly getting mitigated. Experts have also noticed that the treatment is also most effective on follicles that are still relatively active. This activeness is classified into a phase called the anagen. About 85% of our hair tend to be in the anagen phase at any point of time.
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