Laser Hair Removal for Sensitive Areas: What You Need to Know

Laser hair removal is an advanced hair removal method that helps one achieve long-lasting silky-smooth, hair-free skin. For all those who don’t want the hassles of repeated hair removal, mostly sought-after laser hair removal to get rid of undesirable hair on almost any site of their body, except their eyelashes and eyelids. However, people with sensitive skin types are often worried about what effect laser hair removal can have on their skin.

This blog is for all those who have sensitive skin and consider laser hair removal in Indore. Keep reading to be aware of a few things before going ahead with a laser hair removal session with the expert information shared by Dr. Harshita Kothari , an expert dermatologist and laser hair removal doctor in Indore at Skinpuritys Dermatology & Aesthetics.

The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal

 
Laser hair removal involves the use of advanced lasers like alexandrite or diode lasers, delivering laser light in pulses. As the laser light passes through the skin to reach the targeted hair roots, the laser light energy gets converted into thermal energy. This thermal energy gets absorbed by the melanin in the hair and further results in selective damage to targeted hair follicles. The damage is enough to significantly delay hair regrowth. As melanin is targeted by the laser, thus laser hair removal works best for dark, coarse hair and light skin complexion.

Laser hair removal works on the principle of selective photothermolysis, shares Dr. Harshita Kothari , dermatologist in Indore. It can only destroy hair follicles that are in the active growth phase of the hair growth cycle. As at the time, all the hair follicles in the target area are not actively growing hair, multiple laser hair removal sessions are required to get optimal results- a hair-free target area.

Why is laser hair removal best for sensitive skin?

• Safe and effective on all sensitive areas of the body

For sensitive skin, removing unwanted hair with razors, waxing, or depilatory creams can cause irritation and pain. Laser hair removal technology is designed keeping in mind different types of skin, including sensitive skin. It is safe to use on all sensitive areas of the body such as underarms, bikini area, and face; while guaranteeing optimal results. Today, laser hair removal is done with state-of-the-art laser devices that feature a unique dynamic cooling device. The in-built cooling system helps soothe, calm, and protect the skin during and after laser hair removal sessions. For more information on this amazing cooling technology for safe hair removal contact the skin specialist in Indore at Skinpuritys Dermatology & Aesthetics.
 

• Permanent hair removal in Indore

Every alternative hair removal method other than laser hair removal results in hair regrowth. After shaving, hair starts growing back again in 2-3 days while after waxing the hair comes back within 15-20 days. This means, there would be a need for frequent hair removal sessions that can result in skin scabbing or redness. For sensitive skin, this is not right instead laser hair removal is the best choice. Laser hair removal can effectively and permanently reduce unwelcomed hair growth without causing pain or irritation.
 

• Lasers help destroy actively growing hair but do not stop the growth of new hair follicles. This means multiple laser hair removal sessions would be needed to stop hair growth altogether. The number of sessions is determined by the patient’s skin type, the type of laser used, and the targeted area. Usually, 6-8 laser sessions are needed for permanent laser hair removal to work.
   

• Reduce ingrown hair 

Laser hair removal works by focusing concentrated light on the hair follicle present at the root of the targeted hair. It inhibits hair regrowth without disrupting or damaging the skin surface so that even the most sensitive body sites could be treated. Thus, it helps reduce ingrown hair that is often seen after waxing or shaving.
 

• Minimal pain factor

For sensitive skin, anything abrasive used on the skin surface can call forth painful images. Laser hair removal takes care of the sensitive skin. In this treatment, advanced lasers are used that have an in-built cooling system to avoid overheating of the skin. During laser hair removal, the pain is tolerable or minimal.  When a laser beam strikes the skin of the target area, its effect is felt as if a hot rubber band is snapped against the skin.

Most sensitive-skinned people are more likely to get intensely hurt and if there is a long gap between laser hair removal sessions, the discomfort felt is more. To avoid this or minimise pain/discomfort, the doctor applies a numbing cream before the laser hair removal session and a skin-soothing gel after the treatment session.
 

• Gentle on the skin

Lasers don’t come in contact with skin to cause its burning or scarring. Thus, lasers won’t damage sensitive skin too. One minor risk is of having an infection which is rare and avoidable with pre-and post-treatment care.
 

• Before laser hair removal, shaving is needed

Regardless of one’s skin type, shaving is required before a laser hair removal session. Shaving is a traditional hair removal method that helps remove the long hair shaft lying above the skin without damaging the hair follicles. In the laser hair removal method, the laser precisely targets the hair follicle. If shaving is not done, the hair shaft above the skin will absorb more of the heat of the laser and thus damage the skin. The skin damage would be more intense if the skin is of a sensitive type.
 

• Protection of the skin from the sun’s UV rays is a must before treatment 

If skin (especially sensitive skin) is not kept sun-protected, it can tan or get damaged. For tanned or sun-damaged skin having abundant melanin deposition, laser hair removal is not safe and effective. That’s because the laser targets melanin pigment which is present in both skin and hair and so it may mistakenly damage the skin instead of damaging hair follicles. Therefore, it’s necessary to avoid sun exposure at least four weeks before the treatment. In case it's important to go outside during the day time, it’s recommended to wear sun-protective clothing and apply sunscreen with high SPF.
 

•  Laser hair removal treatment is associated with some side effects

Just like any other treatment, laser hair removal treatment can also cause some side effects. The most common side effects are swelling and redness around the hair follicles that resolves within a few days. Other possible mild and temporary side effects include skin blistering, crusting, and pigmentation changes. Rarely, these side effects may be long-term. The side effects are minimal, if the laser hair reduction in Indore is performed by skilled and experienced practitioners like at Skinpuritys Dermatology & Aesthetics, and proper pre and post-treatment care is taken by the patient.  
 
Visit Skinpuritys Dermatology & Aesthetics, best laser hair removal clinic in Indore to learn more about this amazing technology. The clinic also offers the best laser hair removal cost in Indore to people of all skin tone and age.

Make a visit today for more information and to make your skin free from unwanted body and facial hair. 

Content Reviewed and Updated by Dr. Harshita Kothari