Know the Facts Behind Laser Hair Removal

Guest Post Disclaimer: The following is a guest post. From time to time I like to share interesting articles by guest bloggers with various points of view. The opinions and information expressed in the following article are from the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Go Inspire Beauty. Please perform your own due diligence when considering skincare treatments such as Laser Hair Removal.

Know the Facts Behind Laser Hair Removal

If you have ever considered laser hair removal, do a little bit of research before you make your first appointment.  More specifically, understand what types of lasers are used and for what skin types.  Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Cornell Medical School, Harvey H. Jay, M.D. states that there are five most commonly used lasers for hair removal.  These five lasers cause the lease amount of discomfort and work on a wider range of skin types.

• Pulsed light lasers are one of the newer forms of laser technology believed to give better, longer-lasting results.  These lasers require no anesthetics and are used for light-colored skin and darker hair.  It works by flashing a light onto the hair, which is absorbed by the follicle and heated, permanently killing the hair follicle.

• Nd:Yag (Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser) is also new to laser hair removal.  It has a longer wavelength compared to its predecessors, which allows for less energy to be absorbed into the skin.  This means it is safer to use on darker skin types.  It can also reach deeper layers of skin so it may work on those who have tanned skin as well.

• Diode lasers use longer wavelengths to reach deeper layers of skin.  Though it works on darker skin types, the results aren’t as strong as the Nd: Yag laser.  However, this laser works best on dark, coarse hair in larger amounts, such as the back.

• Alexandrite lasers work best on light-skinned, dark haired patients, making it one of the most versatile laser treatments available.  Another bonus, the laser works quickly, covering a large body area with ease.

• Ruby lasers have been used for laser hair removal the longest, remaining one of the most reliable laser treatments to date.  This shorter wavelength laser uses more energy than long wavelength lasers making it more ideal for light-colored skin and dark hair. 

So before you consider laser hair removal, ask some questions first.  Get the most out of your session by choosing the best type of laser for your skin.  If you have light-colored skin, you may see the best results, but for darker complexions seek out the stronger, longer wavelength laser treatments.

Author Byline:

Syd Martin is a commercial writer and copyeditor in the Atlanta area  who likes to blog about Atlanta events as well as lifestyle and entertainment topics.