Author: Premier Laser

The two methods of hair removal, laser hair removal and IPL, are hot topics at the moment – with many celebrities endorsing their use and various beauty magazines raving about their effectiveness. But which one is best?

Laser hair removal uses a beam of high concentrated light, targeted at the hair follicle, to kill it from the root. This means the hair is destroyed and will not grow back. The treatment is not painful like waxing or traditional methods of hair removal, and can be completed in a short amount of time. Different types of lasers mean that different patients can be treated, including men or women with varying degrees of hair types. You need multiple treatments to achieve the best results, especially on larger areas of hair, however sometimes only one treatment is needed on some people. Laser body hair removal is now established in many clinics and salons, and is a trusted form of hair removal which is also cost effective.

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. Like laser hair removal, IPL uses a light beam to kill the hair at the follicle which means that the hair cannot grow back. The difference between this and laser hair removal is that the light beam is designed to take a shorter amount of time to remove the hair and is ideal for larger areas of hair removal. However, long term effects of the treatment have not been assessed because it is too new to tell. IPL treatments also require multiple sessions to achieve full effectiveness, and occasionally skin damage can occur but this all depends on the individual. Laser hair removal is a more accurate and effective way to remove unwanted hairs and can be less costly then IPL.

Laser hair removal – Sunbeds, Sunbathing and Fake tans – The Facts

Many people ask the question whether they can sunbathe, use sunbeds or apply fake tan before, during or after laser hair removal.

We will explain the do’s and the don’t so you will know exactly what you can and cannot do.

As with any procedure and laser hair removal treatments, speak to the qualified expert dealing with your treatment so you get specific, personal advice.

Sunbathing before, during and after laser hair removal advice

• sunbathing Before Laser treatment

Traditionally, advice was not to sunbathe before laser hair removal. However, with the advancement in laser technologies, treatments can be made which penetrate deeper into the skin – avoiding the top layers, so sitting out in the sun in the height of summer should not be a problem before your treatment as long as you take the necessary precautions of wearing a good SPF even if you have dark skin.

• sunburn and laser hair removal

If you come into your session with sunburned skin, however, your clinician may turn you away. And you may have wasted the cost of the session. When booking your treatments you should inform your laser hair removal clinic if you intend on tanning and they can give you the best advice.

Sunburn and laser do not mix.

Laser causes intense energy to be transferred into the hair follicle. Sunburn is also a transfer of light energy into the skin which your skin has to heal and recover from. Laser cannot be performed on sunburned skin. Your skin is trying to recover and heal from the sunburn which dermatologists classify as damage.

• sunbathing During laser treatment

Lasers make your skin more sensitive to the sun and UV light.  This increases your risk of burning. It can also cause hyperpigmentation which is an increase in the production of melanin, leading to dark spots or patches on your skin.

Laser works by being attracted to dark pigmentation in hair. When you tan this darkens the skin and makes it harder for the laser tell the difference between the skin pigment and hair pigment.

Lasers like contrast.

With lasers the better the contrast the more effective the lasers are.

Also if you are tanned your laser settings will have to be changed. With laser hair removal consistency is the key to good results (along with with an experienced practitioner.)

If you have an experienced practitioner they can adjust your treatment confidently, an inexperienced practitioner may be unsure and hesitant which could put you at risk

Clinics recommend you avoid sun exposure and sun beds completely during your laser hair removal sessions.

• sunbathing After laser treatment

Most people feel their skin feels slightly red and sore, similar to sunburn. You should not worry about this as it is perfectly natural.

Your practitioner should advise you of the best aftercare. As the laser uses a tremendous amount of energy and transfers this into your skin, your skin needs time to heal.

It is important to avoid sunbathing, cover your skin up and wear an SPF as your skin is vulnerable and needs protecting.

What to do if you have a holiday planned ?

Just because you are having laser hair removal it doesn’t mean your life should be put on hold!. However there are steps you can take to make sure disruption to your treatment is minimal.

The best advice if you are in the middle of treatment is to:

• Let your clinic know you are going away and how long you will be spending overseas – a weekend break v a month long trip!.
• Apply a good quality high SPF sun factor cream every couple of hours, especially if you are swimming.
• Cover up as much as possible with hats and light, long-sleeved clothing.

Sunbeds and laser hair removal

• sunbeds before laser hair removal

Avoid using sunbeds in the run up to your first laser hair removal session. Have your last sunbed 7-10 days before your first laser session, depending on how long you are on the sunbed for.

A deeper tan should see you stop 14+ days before.

Sunbeds use the same UV light as the sun so can cause the same damage. Laser will not be able to be performed on suntanned skin, even if it from a sunbed.

• sunbeds During laser hair removal

Your skin may not able to recover as easily from the treatment as you are causing extra trauma to the skin which has to heal.

If using sunbeds is a regular part of your life you may find it hard being told that you should avoid them for a while.

• sunbeds after laser hair removal

How long you sit on the side-lines is different for everyone. It depends where you have been treated and your skin type, tone and hair.

Make sure you look after your skin post-laser. It will heal quicker. Also use a good quality SPF. Have a good skin routine to keep your skin healthy and supple. This will help you get back on the sunbeds faster.

Fake tans and laser hair removal

Can you wear fake tan when having laser hair removal?

As you know there are different types of fake tan available. We are referring to tans which are:

• not instant
• that wash off
• are body foundations
• bronzing powders

This means formulas with slow tanning agents such as moisturisers including gradual tan formulas.

Fake tan must be removed from the area you are having laser hair removal treatment before your session.

All traces must be removed.

If you are having laser on your legs and your fake tan is on your face then you don’t have to worry.

Can you wear fake tan between laser hair removal sessions?

In between your treatments fake tan can be worn as long as you remove all traces before, if it is on the area you are having treated. The best advice is to stop applying your fake tan 7-10 days your scheduled laser sessions.

All residue must be removed as it can be dangerous to have laser with traces of fake tan present on your skin.

You will run the risk of your laser session being cancelled if the fake tan is still present when you attend your clinic.

Can you wear fake tan between my laser hair removal sessions?

Yes although if you have very dry skin and your tan takes longer to fade, leave a longer period 14+ days so all residue is completely removed.

Can you use instant or wash off tan before laser hair removal?

Yes. If using instant wash off tan you can use it no more then 2-3 days before your session but it is not recommended the day before as all residue must be completely removed.

Can you use fake tan on the same day of my laser session?

No. Your skin must be as natural as possible. So free from tanning products as well as oils, creams, moisturisers and lotions. This is to avoid any complications.

Advice on best way to remove fake tan before your session:

• Exfoliating mitts & scrub
• Tan eraser mitt
• Moisturiser after exfoliating to avoid dry skin
• Have a hot bath before exfoliating.
• Pay special attention to dry, wrinkly hard to clean areas like elbows, knees, shins etc

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Laser hair removal aftercare does not require any complicated routines to follow for weeks after your appointments. This is because laser hair removal is a relatively simple process with little recovery time.

However, it is important that you take time to care for your skin after the procedure. Caring for your skin means it will remain healthy and moisturised.

Immediately after your laser hair removal session, you can expect your skin to be slightly red and irritated, this is totally normal. It might even feel like mild sunburn. For many people, this disappears within a few hours.

But for others, it may take a few days before it totally goes. If you notice any of your skin blistering, you need to discuss this with the clinic where you had the treatment as this will be a reaction which shouldn’t happen.

How to soothe your skin during aftercare 

If you find the redness after your laser hair removal treatments to be uncomfortable and sore, there are things you can do to help ease the redness.

1. First you should get some cold compresses and apply these to the area of skin that’s red, to help any swelling go down. You might consider using ice if you don’t have any cold compresses , or a cold bath. This should soon have your redness going down.
2. Making sure the area of skin is kept clean is also an important point, to avoid infections.
3. You should also moisturise the area. Moisturising creams aid in the recovery of the skin in the areas that were treated with the laser. The clinic you go to will probably recommend some creams for you to use.
4. Consider using a daily moisturiser in the days leading up to your next treatment, if you have purchased a package are having a course of treatments. This will also keep your skin generally healthy and supple and give you optimum results when having your laser hair removal procedure.

In general, many people feel fit and ready to go back to work immediately after treatment. Others may feel they need a little rest, but this shouldn’t be more than a day or too. Depending on the length of treatment, area of skin being treated and skin type, all after care guidelines can vary and you should speak to your clinic.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

It may seem a long, long way away – but you should prepare for summer 2012 now. No, this doesn’t mean booking your holiday in the sun just yet (although, you can if you like) but preparing your skin by investing in a permanent hair reduction solution – laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is ideal for any section of your body where you have unwanted or unsightly hair, such as on your legs, armpits, chest or back. Instead of shaving or waxing, having laser hair removal ensures that you have smooth, hairless skin summer after summer.

Preparing for your summer now by getting laser hair removal in the winter will ensure that any red patches clears up in good time after your course of treatments. Sometimes, the skin can be left slightly red where intensive laser removal is required.

Treatment length can vary, but generally you will expect about 6 weeks of regular treatments. This is so that all of your hair will be removed, making it a thorough and cost effective hair removal solution.

Starting now and planning ahead is a great idea, and will get your skin hair free and in perfect shape for those glorious summer months which will be long awaited.

The only thing you’ll need to think about now is, where do you fancy flying off to?

Laser hair removal works by beaming an invisible, high concentration beam of light directly into the skin. The constant heat of the laser means that the light can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin where the hair follicle, or the hair root is situated.

There are four types of lasers which can be used for laser hair removal. This includes the

• Ruby Laser
• Alexandrite
• Diode
• Nd: YAG

Different lasers or wavelength are used for different skin types and tones. The Alexandrite 755nm wavelength is used on lighter skin tones where the Nd:YAG 1064nm is used on darker skin tone. The Ruby laser is fairly old and not used as much these days as the technology has improved since the early day of laser hair removal.

Top of the range lasers like the Candela Genltemax Pro operate on the 755nm and 1064nm wavelength so can treat a wide range of skin types and tones.

The beam of light can then cauterise or destroy the hair follicle so that the strand of hair is safely killed without damaging surrounding tissue or skin. This is a very safe procedure which is also virtually painless. Some people report a mild discomfort during the treatment, like an elastic band snapping on the skin.

The skin may be left slightly red afterwards, but this returns back to normal within a few hours. This makes it one of the most effective and efficient method of hair removal to date.

In order for the laser hair removal to be fully successful, a series of treatments is advisable. This is because laser hair removal works when the hair is in the active growth phase, which 90% of hair usually is.

However, to be sure that the full area of skin remains hair free, the remaining 10% also needs to be treated. This means that some people book in for a series of five, six, seven, or even eight sessions to be completely thorough.

There are various things that you should consider before opting for laser hair removal as a permanent method of hair removal.

The first is your budget. You should consider laser hair removal as an investment in your body. This is because you will never have to buy shavers, razors, or wax strips again. The initial one off cost will be regained within a short period of time. If money is an issue, you may want to consider treating one small area of your body at a time.

The second thing that you should consider is where you decided to have your treatment. You should always opt for a qualified, experienced and professional technician who you can talk to about your requirements. You should also visit the area where you will be having the treatment, and be sure to ask questions along the way. You should find out about the kind of laser that the clinic uses.

A final consideration is the type of hair you have as well as your skin type. This is also something which the technician should discuss with you and their expertise should help you to determine the best course of treatment. For example, If you have very pale skin and fair hair then you will need a different treatment then someone who has tanned skin and thick hair – it may be best to space out your treatments so that your skin is not exposed to too much of the laser in one go.

Again, the technician will be able to help you with all of these considerations before you agree to the treatment.

There are many options available when considering laser treatments. These have become very popular in recent years due to both their celebrity endorsements and their safe and effective results.

These methods include laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, microdermabrasion, vascular vein removal, green peels, cellulite treatment, anti wrinkle, semi permanent makeup and even advanced skin peels. Four of the most popular treatments are discussed here.

Laser hair removal is the process of removing unwanted hair from your body. This is a great way for both men and women to remove hair on their chest, back, legs, arms and face. It can take place in just an hour and is virtually painless.

Skin rejuvenation is a non surgical face lift which helps to tighten and smooth skin on any area of the body, usually conducted on the face. This results in younger looking skin without the need for invasive surgery, a highly popular choice.

Microdermabrasion is a non invasive exfoliation of the skin. It is particularly valuable to those people with acne, red patches of skin or wrinkles as it can stimulate right into the skin. However, even people without skin conditions can get this treatment. Some people decide to use this as a kind of pick me up treat before a special occasion, as it can result in glowing looking skin!

Vascular vein removal is a laser treatment which anyone can use to remove unsightly veins in the skin. It stops the blood flow through the vein, which is perfectly safe, which can diminish the appearance of that vein. This laser treatment is also popular for people who are worried about their vein appearances.

You may think hair removal laser treatment is a daunting prospect, but many thousands of men and women have undergone the groundbreaking treatment which isn’t as scary as it first sounds.

When you arrive at the salon or clinic you will naturally feel nervous, but there is nothing to be scared of. Relax where you are told to go and then when called in, the area of skin being treated will be washed properly and prepared. You will probably be asked to wear safety goggles and you should expect others in the room to also wear these.

The laser energy source will then be turned on and prepared. Laser Hair Removal involves the beaming of a laser right into your skin, where the hair follicle starts. This will allow the follicle to die so it no longer grows. The laser is incredibly accurate and there is hardly any pain; some report it to feel like an elastic band snapping against the skin, others say they don’t feel anything but slight warmth and discomfort.

Depending on the area of skin being treated, the laser procedure might only last half an hour up to an hour. For really small areas it might only take a couple of minutes for the follicle to absorb the energy from the laser beam.

After your procedure, you might need a further course of treatment but you can usually return to normal as soon as you leave the clinic! This makes it quick, worthwhile and highly effective.

There are many different type of hair removal and you may have found yourself trying just about every method in the book. There is shaving, waxing, using an epilator, bleaching and even sugar waxing! Over the years, these methods have had varying success.

The problem with many of these methods is that they simply do not last long enough. Shaving may be a temporary success but the very next day you may find yourself needing to shave again. Waxing can last slightly longer, but can be painful to endure and DIY kits are often messy and unreliable.

Laser hair removal is not a new idea, but it is growing in popularity because of the permanent, lasting effects and benefits. After a short course of laser hair removal treatments, your hair can be removed from its root. This means no re-growth and no unsightly chunks of hair.

Laser hair removal is therefore a more cost effective solution as there are no longer any needs to buy shavers or waxing strips. It is also very useful for the modern woman (or man!) who leads a busy life and doesn’t have time to worry about their hair removal. Treatments can last around an hour so you can even go in your lunch hour.

As mentioned above, laser hair removal is not just a woman thing. Many men have the treatment to remove hair on their back, face, chest or even arms and legs.