Unwanted hair can be quite simple to remove permanently with the latest in technology for laser hair removal. Chin, feet, toes are a few areas where women just do not want hair, not to mention legs and the bikini area. Eager to learn more? Read on….
- How does laser hair removal work?
Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells in the skin to include being around hair follicles. Lasers used for hair removal target the melanin (pigment produced by melanocytes) thus heating the surrounding area to include the hair follicle. This heat will destroy the follicle removing its ability to make the hair.
Why does it take more than one session to see results?
Knowledge of the hair cycle will help answer this question. There are three phases to the hair cycle: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the hair growth stage. The hair is above the surface of the skin, and this stage lasts for about 3 weeks. This stage is ideal for laser hair treatment as the bulb, or base of the follicle, will be destroyed by the laser.
Catagen occurs between growth and rest as the hair sheds. It only lasts a few days, but laser hair removal will be less effective during this stage as it has lost its target.
Telogen is the resting phase of the follicle. This can last a few days to years, and laser hair removal will not be possible during this stage.
All hairs are in different stages of the cycle, thus permanent removal can take between 4-6 sessions as you need to target the anagen phase to be successful.
Tips on how to have the best results.
-Limit your sun exposure so you do not confuse the laser. It needs to target the melanin around the follicle. Tanned skin would be unsafe and certainly less effective.
-Do not tweeze or wax your hair before a treatment as this removes the follicle. The laser needs to target the follicle to remove it. But it is ok to shave as this does not remove the follicle
-Shave the day before your treatment as it makes the laser session more effective and less uncomfortable.
-Do not miss a treatment as you need to focus on laser removal during the anagen phase. If you miss an appointment, you might be back in the catagen or telogen phase where the laser is not effective.
Call us and let’s get those legs ready for summer!
Dr. Anne Truitt 858-292-5101
There are good reasons to toss out old makeup and start fresh as we (hopefully) start to return to normalcy. But how old is too old? Did you know that:
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime. However, in a recent survey, the American Academy of Dermatology found that not everyone is applying their sunscreen correctly — leaving people vulnerable to dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun. For example, the AAD found that only about a third of Americans reapply their sunscreen every two hours while outside. Since sunscreen wears off, incorrect usage can leave you unprotected and susceptible to skin cancer.
Men have been known to keep their skin routine simple if perhaps nonexistent; but maybe it’s time for an upgrade to ensure healthy, younger-looking, and protected skin like their female counterparts. While women have traditionally taken the lead in skin care, men are quickly catching up albeit with a few differences particular to the needs of male skin.
Cancel the aftershave: A bit of history for you: shaving was originally performed with a single straight razor, often leading to nicks and cuts. Aftershave contains alcohol as a disinfectant. As straight razors are rarely used today, there is little need for a disinfectant, especially as it can lead to dry skin. Choose a moisturizer instead after your shave.
Go for those cosmetic procedures: Why shouldn’t men share in the cosmetic procedures that are so common for women? Consider neuromodulators to reduce wrinkle formation and Potenza microneedling with radiofrequency to smooth those fine lines and wrinkles. Let’s get that youthful skin look and leave that “rugged” look to your clothing choices.