There are many different types of skin conditions, and while some of them may not be suitable for laser hair removal, a few of them might actually improve with laser treatment. While it may be tempting to go for a laser hair removal session regardless of any skin condition, it can possibly lead to side effects, so it is best to consult with a dermatologist before making any decisions. Only a doctor can truly determine if a certain skin condition can handle a laser session.
Having a sunburn is perhaps one of the more common skin conditions where laser hair removal cannot be performed. A laser hair removal machine produces heat. And adding heat to an area that already has a sunburn will make it worse. Clients with skin that has hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation can sometimes undergo laser hair removal but should have lower settings in order to avoid complications. Individuals with vitiligo or psoriasis may want to avoid laser hair removal all together as the laser can potentially cause lesions to the area.
If there is any type of inflammation or infection in the skin, laser hair removal would also not be advisable. An area of the face or body that is trying to recover from such a condition must not be treated with any cosmetic procedures. In such a case, the client must wait until the skin has healed before laser hair removal sessions can take place. With many of the skin conditions, the main concern is the amount of heat that will be applied to the skin, because the skin must be able to handle this heat. Sick or fragile skin will become worse if it gets burned by the heat. What feels like a mild sunburn can be expected from a standard laser hair removal session, but ill skin may not be able to handle this type of side effect.
Certain skin conditions might improve from laser hair removal treatments. These include folliculitis and keratosis pilaris. The theory is that by removing the hair follicle the skin condition will improve. But just as with standard laser hair removal where there are no skin conditions, several treatments will be needed. A single treatment is not enough to treat these skin conditions as hair grows in three different stages. Several sessions will need to be scheduled a few weeks apart until all hairs have been treated. Occasionally, hairs can be stubborn or grow back for other reasons, such as hormonal, and maintenance sessions might also be needed.
Laser hair removal is not the only hair removal method that can improve certain skin conditions. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments have a reputation for being beneficial when it comes to skin conditions such as age spots, freckles, rosacea, birthmarks, unsightly veins and acne scars. In fact, it has been said that IPL was originally developed to treat skin conditions, with hair loss as a pleasant side effect.
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