by admin on September 3, 2010
There are many different laser hair removal machines available today, and many would like to know which laser type is simply the best. Though the answer to this question will depend on your specific skin and hair type, there are certainly a few favorites among today’s laser hair removal practitioners.
The Lumenis LightSheer, which is a diode laser, is considered “the gold standard” by many practitioners, and has excellent results with many different skin types. This top-of-the-line laser hair removal machine is FDA-approved and its improved technology requires fewer procedures, and gives some of the best results that are possible today. This laser is so highly regarded that many practitioners doesn’t mind using it on themselves or on family members.
The LightSheer Diode Laser System offers powerful technology as well as both short and long pulses to safely and effectively treat all skin types, including tanned skin. The LightSheer Duet laser is an updated version of the regular LightSheer Diode laser. The LightSheer Duet is a huge progression for laser hair removal: it is much faster and the comfort level is significantly better, it has vacuum-assist technology and an increased spot size. The LightSheer duet can treat backs and legs comfortably in only 15 minutes, without anesthetics and gels. The treatment time is reduced by up to 75%. The LightSheer family of diode laser systems represents some of the best lasers that are available today.
The Alexandrite laser is another excellent laser type favored by many laser hair removal practitioners. The Alexandrite Laser comes under brand names such as the Candela GentleLase and the Cynosure Apogee. With its larger spot size and higher repetition rate, the Alexandrite laser is one of the fastest hair removal lasers available, and is suitable for rapid treatment of large body areas. Some practitioners believe that the absorption of light by melanin, the pigment found in hair, is closest to the wavelength of the Alexandrite laser and that it is by far the best laser for people with fair skin.
The Nd: YAG laser is another popular hair removal laser, especially for treatment of dark and tanned skin. The long pulsed Nd:YAG laser, such as the cynosure elite and the candela GentleYAG is best for darker skin types. The Cutera CoolGlide or the Sciton ProFractional are two other popular brands of this laser type. The Nd: YAG lasers have a long history of safety and effectiveness on all skin types, and can treat different types of hair as well.
While there is no laser that works for every skin and hair type, it is safe to state that the Diode lasers, followed by the Alexandrite and Nd: YAG lasers are the best and most popular lasers for hair removal available today.
Photo via BOB008
by Hazel Charles on September 1, 2010
Though laser hair removal is typically associated with a trip to a laser hair removal clinic, it is now fully possible to do laser hair removal at home. Today, a variety of small devices are available for home use, some of them even approved by the FDA. The possibility of reducing hair growth at the comfort and privacy of ones home is appealing to more people than ever.
Two of the most talked about devices are Tria by Tria Beauty and Silk’n SensEpil by Home Skinovations. They are both cleared by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Tria is a real Diode laser, while Silk’n SensEpil uses HPL (Home Pulsed Light), which is the company’s own version of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The Epila laser and VISS IPL are two other brands of hair removal devices that can be used at home; however, it appears that they are not approved by the FDA. The concept with these devices is the same as traditional laser hair removal: the heat is aimed to reach the hair follicle, destroy it and inhibit future growth.
These devices work best on people with light skin and dark hair. They cannot be used on people with dark or tanned skin, and will not respond well to blonde, white or grey hair. Those with light skin tones can safely use both Tria and Silk’n SensEpil. Both devices come with a skin sensor that will test your skin tone prior to treatment to make sure it’s not too dark.
Both the Tria and the Silk’n SensEpil have different settings which can control the strength of the treatment and thereby limit pain. However, the majority of people who have used these devices report that the pain is not intolerable. The Tria laser is more powerful than the Silk’n Sensepil, but less powerful than the lasers found in salons, so more hair removal treatments may be necessary. In contrast, the Tria laser has a smaller treatment head than IPL based devices, which could require more sessions depending on which part of the body is being treated.
Both devices can also be used on most parts of the body, such as the legs, bikini line, underarms, feet, arms, hands, chest, back and stomach. However, a big advantage to the Silk’n SensEpil is that it can be used on facial hair from the cheek and down. But extra caution must be used to avoid the eyes and the lip area. The Tria is not cleared in the U.S. for use on the face, head or neck.
Due to less powerful technology, at-home hair removal devices may not be as successful as professional laser hair removal machines. Some people are skeptic whether these devices will work, while others swear by them. In fact, a variety of studies has proven that these devices do indeed reduce hair growth, and by carefully following instructions it might just work for you as well.
Photo via Pendragon
