Is hair removal harmful?

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In order to remove inappropriate hair growth areas, many women have turned to permanent hair removal methods such as lasers or home hair removal methods. So is hair removal harmful?

1. What is hair removal?

Hair removal is a medical procedure to remove unwanted body hair using a focused beam of light (laser) or hair removal devices. Traditional hair removal methods such as razors, waxing, hair removal creams.. and modern hair removal methods such as lasers all have their advantages and disadvantages. However, nowadays most people learn and implement laser hair removal methods.
During laser hair removal, the laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted into heat, which damages the tubular sacs in the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or slows hair growth in the long term. Accordingly, you can treat unwanted hair in almost any area, except for the eyelids or the surrounding area. However, skin with tattoos should not undergo hair removal.
Hair color and skin type affect the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, not the pigment of the skin, will absorb the light. The laser will affect the hair follicles, not the skin.
The risk of skin damage is greater when there is less contrast between coat and skin color. But advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people with darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective on hair colors that do not absorb light well: yellow and white.
Although, laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth in the long run, it usually does not provide permanent hair removal effect. You will need multiple laser hair removal treatments for initial hair removal and may also need maintenance treatments. Effective laser hair removal can be done on everyone, especially those with light skin and dark hair.

2. Is hair removal harmful?

Whether hair removal is harmful or not depends on many factors such as: skin color, hair color, hair removal plan and compliance with pre- and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
Skin allergies: The side effects are mild discomfort, redness and swelling of the skin after laser hair removal. These symptoms usually go away quickly within a few hours. Changes in skin pigmentation: Laser hair removal can darken or lighten the area of ​​the skin. These changes can be temporary or permanent. Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, scaling, scarring, or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of hair and excessive hair growth around the treated area, especially on darker skin. Laser hair removal is not recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, as it can cause serious eye damage.

3. Steps of hair removal

Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. In areas of rapid hair growth, such as the upper lip, hair removal can be repeated every 4 to 8 weeks. For slow-growing areas, such as the back, treatment can be every 12 - 16 weeks
At each treatment, you will wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser. Your doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce discomfort during hair removal.
The procedure for laser hair removal is as follows:
The doctor will press the handheld laser device into your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on top of the hair removal device or a cool gel may be used to protect the skin and reduce the risk of side effects. When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beams will pass through the skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat from the laser damages the hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth. To remove hair on the upper lip area, it can take only a few minutes. But back hair removal can take up to an hour. After hair removal, the area of ​​hair will not fall out immediately, but it will fall out over a period of a few days to a few weeks.

4. Is hair removal at home safe?

You can completely remove hair with laser at home, but the effect will not be high. These home laser hair removal devices are cosmetic, not medical, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. That is, they are not tested as thoroughly as other medical devices.
If you choose to use a home laser hair removal device, follow the instructions that came with the device to help reduce the risk of damage to the skin and surrounding areas.

5. Measures to prevent risks when hair removal

To avoid possible risks during hair removal, you need to pay attention to the following notes:
Choose a doctor with high expertise in the field of dermatology, plastic surgery. They are experienced in laser hair removal on all skin types. Find reputable, safe spas, salons or beauty salons. Visit and consult your doctor before laser hair removal to determine if you are suitable for this treatment? At the same time, inform the doctor about the history of skin diseases, scars on the body, medications being used... Take photos before and after the hair removal process to compare the effectiveness and effects of this method. . If hair removal is possible, the doctor will guide you through the preparation steps before performing this technique, specifically:
Sunscreen : You need to avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment . Whenever you go outside, apply a broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen. Skin lightening: Your doctor may prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have recently had a tan or dark skin tone. Avoid other hair removal methods: Plucking, waxing, and electrolysis can disturb hair follicles. Therefore, you should avoid taking these measures for at least four weeks before treatment. Avoid taking blood thinners: You should ask your doctor about medications to avoid before the procedure, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs. Shave, shave before procedure: You should trim and shave the day before laser treatment. Whether hair removal is harmful or not depends on many factors. Accordingly, to ensure safety, you can go to reputable medical centers, hospitals, spas, and cosmetologists to perform hair removal methods. In case you do hair removal at home, follow the instructions exactly.

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Reference source: mayoclinic.org