One of the most annoying things we have to deal with as ladies is shaving body hair every so often. Not to mention finding a painless method that doesn’t leave you with skin bumps or stubble. Hence the rising popularity of laser hair removal. But before you book that appointment, here’s what you need to know.
The procedure involves using lasers that contain Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which is focused on the areas where hair is to be eliminated. This stops it from growing in future. The laser energy passes down the hair shaft and is absorbed by the roots in the productive growth cycle. Roots in the dormant stage aren’t affected. Hair follicles in the deeper layer of the skin are disabled. Depending on the area being treated, the procedure may take between several minutes to several hours to finish.
Precautions/ Considerations
- Before going for the procedure, avoid waxing, plucking and electrolysis for six weeks to allow the skin to heal.
- Since not all the hair roots are affected at once, you’ll need more than one session.
- Sunscreen must be used on the areas treated to protect the skin in its delicate state.
- You might experience swelling after the procedure but this subsides with time. Cold compresses help to reduce this inflammation.
- Avoid exposure to direct sun for long periods six weeks before and after treatment.
- The treatments are more costly than other methods.
Pros
- The procedure causes minimum distress as compared to other hair removal methods such as waxing.
- It’s non- invasive thus gentle.
- Can be used on all parts of the body.
- Since large areas of the skin are worked on at once, it saves time.
- It might even out skin tone in some cases.
- Gives your skin an even texture.
- Chances of permanent scarring are rare.
