Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Rosacea? If so, you’re probably aware of the difficulties associated with it. Rosacea is a skin disorder that manifests itself in facial redness, irritation, and inflammation. It can be unpleasant and upsetting for those who have it, and it can affect people of any age, even children.
The good news is that medications exist that can reduce the severity of rosacea’s symptoms. IPL laser hair removal is one such method. Pulsed laser energy is directed towards the pigment in your hair follicles, killing them without harming the skin or any other nearby tissue. The end result? Flawless and even skin texture with no distracting hairs to spoil the effect.
IPL uses controlled light in specific wavelengths to alleviate the inflammation, redness, pimples and uneven skin tones caused by the condition. IPL offers a gentle, long-lasting solution for those suffering from Rosacea by providing a gradual and natural improvement to the skin’s appearance. Read on to learn more about at home ipl for rosacea and is ipl for rosacea permanent.
Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Rosacea
Laser hair removal treatment is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure for both men and women alike. Most areas on the body and face can be treated with lasers for permanent hair reduction with the most popular treatment areas being the chin, upper lip, cheeks, legs, arms, underarms and, chest, bikini line and back.
You may have heard of both IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment and laser hair removal as treatment options for hair removal, however there are often questions about what these two treatments do and how they are different to each other.
How do IPL and lasers work to remove hair?
Let’s start with how they both work. This is where the two treatments are most similar. Both IPL and lasers work to remove hair by using a light source to destroy the hair. Light is directed on to the skin which is then absorbed by the melanin pigments in the hair.The absorption of the light causes the hair follicle to heat up. By using the correct amount of light energy heating the follicle to the correct temperature, the heat is able to interrupt the hair growth cycle causing the hair to stop growing.
For both IPL and lasers, a course of treatment is required to see the desired results. As hair grows in cycles, not all the hair will be targeted during one single treatment session. For IPL, it is often recommended to have at least 10 treatments, often one month apart. Lasers often require slightly less treatments, with results often seen between four to six sessions. With both treatments, this is dependent on the thickness of the hair being removed, as well as the skin type and hair colour.
What is the difference between IPL and lasers for hair removal?
The key difference with these two treatments is the type of light that is used. IPL uses a less specific light source compared to a laser, using a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. Due to the light source being less specific and less targeted, IPL can target not only the melanin in the hair follicle, but also the melanin in the surrounding skin. Due to this, the energy output when using IPL needs to be limited to ensure safety. Lasers on the other hand use a monochromatic coherent light source, which means one wavelength or colour of light going in one direction. This makes laser light more concentrated and more targeted to the hair which needs removing.
A good way to imagine this difference is that IPL, which has multiple wavelengths, is like a flashlight. When using a flashlight, you can point the light at a particular object but you can also see the surrounding area. Laser light, which only uses a single wavelength, is much more specific and is like a laser beam pointing directly at the object you are targeting.
Can IPL and lasers be used to treat the same thing?
Both IPL and lasers are effective in hair removal. IPL often requires more treatments and may not achieve the same final hair reduction as a laser can. Due to this, hair removal using a laser usually produces faster results.
IPL is effective in not only hair removal, but also treating rosacea and facial flushing. Likewise, lasers too can be used for more than hair removal. They are effective in treating pigmented lesions, acne scars, tattoo removal and thread veins to name a few. This versatility of both treatment types makes them popular with dermatologists for not only cosmetic purposes but also for treating a variety of skin conditions.
How do I know if I should have IPL or laser for my hair removal treatment?
Due to the fact that IPL is less targeted, the treatment works best on those with lighter skin types as some areas around the hair will also be exposed to the light. The darker the skin tone, the more melanin pigments, and as permanent hair removal works by light being absorbed by melanin pigments, the results will be less effective on those with more melanin pigments in the skin. Lasers are able to be used on darker skin types as the light is more targeted to the hair rather than the surrounding skin. Both IPL and lasers work best on darker hair in comparison to lighter hair.
IPL is typically cheaper per session in comparison to laser, however more treatment sessions are often required to deliver the desired results, meaning laser hair removal can be more cost effective in the long run.
IPL and laser treatments are both suitable for men and women over the age of 18 and can be used to permanently reduce hair on both the body and the face.
Prior to your treatment you will be required to attend a consultation where your medical history will be discussed and a patch test conducted to ensure you don’t react negatively to the treatment. Most high quality dermatologists will have access to both IPL and lasers and during your consultation they will be able to advise you on what would best suit your needs. Here at Stratum we use a range of state of the art lasers including the Alexandrite, Revlite, Elite and NdYAG.
Are there different side effects of IPL and laser?
If your laser hair removal treatment is conducted by a professional with the relevant qualifications then there are minimal side effects to both IPL and lasers. Most treatments will also involve a cooler unit which cools the skin as it is being treated to reduce any side effects. Following the treatment your skin may feel sensitive or appear red but this will fade within a few hours. Following both IPL and laser treatment, the treated skin is more sensitive to the sun so it is recommended to protect the skin with an SPF of 50. It is recommended not to have a hot bath or shower following treatment and to avoid wearing makeup straight after treatment.
Do your research before deciding to have laser hair removal treatment and ensure that the therapist carrying out your treatment is fully qualified as if not used correctly, this treatment can lead to burns and scarring. You will be required to attend a consultation before treatment begins, where you can ask any questions you have, discuss the areas of hair you would like to be reduced and have a patch test to ensure you won’t react to the treatment.
Is Ipl For Rosacea Permanent
When used to treat visible blood vessels, most patients see a 50% to 75% reduction in visible blood vessels after 1 to 3 treatments. Some people see a 100% reduction.
Treatments are usually spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart.
If you have thickening skin, a skilled cosmetic dermatologist can give you very good results with in-office surgery and laser resurfacing. Patients who treat their thickening skin early tend to see the best results.
How long do results from lasers and lights last?
When used to treat blood vessels, the results tend to last 3 to 5 years. Treated blood vessels don’t reappear, but new ones can form.
Thickening skin tends to return after treatment. To prevent this and help you maintain results, your dermatologist can prescribe medication. You may also need follow-up laser therapy in the future.
What are the possible side effects from lasers and light treatments?
If you are considering a laser or light treatment, it’s important to know that your results depend largely on the person performing your treatment.
When you see a dermatologist, you’ll be in the care of a doctor who has the most experience treating the skin and skin diseases. Dermatologists:
- Know the skin and treats rosacea often
- Consider your medical history before creating a treatment plan
- Can tell you whether laser therapy or light device can effectively treat your rosacea
If a laser or light treatment is right for you, you may have some temporary side effects after a dermatologist treats you. After treatment, it’s common to see some redness. This usually fades within 2 weeks.
You may also see a rash of purple or red spots. These, too, tend to clear in 1 to 2 weeks.
During treatment, some patients experience skin tightening, itch, or pain.
Scarring is rare in skilled hands.
To help you get the best results, you should receive instructions that explain how to care for your treated skin. Follow these instructions carefully.
While the instructions about sun protection may seem unnecessary, sun protection is really important. Staying out of the sun and protecting your skin from the sun’s rays help prevent permanent scars.
What to tell your dermatologist
To get the best results, communication is essential. If a laser or light treatment may be an option for you, it’s important for your dermatologist to know:
- Which medications you take, including warfarin, isotretinoin, and aspirin
- What other medical conditions you have, such as getting cold sores from time to time
- If you are sensitive to light or bruise easily
- What results you expect.
I’m not here to tell you that you should or shouldn’t remove your body hair—I support whatever you want to do. But if you’ve decided you want less of it and you want a removal option that’ll last longer than a few days, laser hair removal is the way to go. Yes, it’s an investment (sessions can range from $30 to $100 depending on the area), but after getting Brazilian waxes for about 10 years, it definitely made more sense for me to pay more upfront for more permanent hair reduction and spend less time trying to mediate in butterfly position while someone ripped hard wax off of my vagina.
As I began researching laser hair removal options, I noticed that in general, useful information is scarce—and useful information for people with melanin-rich skin is even rarer. So, after doing tons of research, embarking on my own “journey,” and chronicling my experiences on Instagram Stories, I figured there needed to be a more permanent and visible place for others to get all the deets on laser hair removal for dark skin.
This guide contains all the information I wish I had before committing to laser hair removal with tips from myself and most importantly, from board-certified dermatologists who specialize in working with melanin-rich skin.
How laser hair removal works
“Laser hair removal is the process by which we use a laser light source to essentially almost destroy the hair follicle,” says Carlos A. Charles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Derma di Colore. Laser hair removal works by targeting a specific medium, such as melanin, pigment, or a hair follicle, he explains. “In the case of doing laser hair removal, primarily the type that we do in darker skin, the laser goes after melanin or pigment at the bulb of the hair.”
Although laser hair removal has been found to drastically reduce hair growth, “It’s important to emphasize that laser hair removal is really like permanent hair reduction—it’s not going to get rid of everything,” says Dr. Charles. In other words, it will diminish the amount of hair you have, but it may not remove it all for good.
Up until recently, laser hair removal wasn’t considered safe for people with melanin-rich skin because early models of lasers weren’t created to differentiate the melanin in the skin from the melanin of the hair follicle. Because of this, people with darker complexions were at an increased risk of experiencing burns, scarring, hypopigmentation (aka light spots on your skin), and other adverse reactions when treated with a laser. However, with new lasers created with melanin-rich skin in mind, specifically lasers with longer wavelengths, longer pulse durations, and more efficient cooling devices, this is changing.
The benefits of laser hair removal
Not only does laser hair removal reduce unwanted hair on the body, but as a result, it can also be used to treat common skin concerns such as razor bumps, hyperpigmentation (darkened areas of skin), and hypopigmentation. Because the laser targets the hair follicle and reduces hair growth, it prevents the follicle from becoming inflamed. Plus, as the hair on your body decreases, it eliminates the need for shaving, which is often the culprit behind razor bumps and the dark patches associated with them. For those who have discoloration or bumps caused by hair growth, over time laser hair removal may also improve the texture of your skin.
The best laser for dark complexions
If you tried to get laser hair removal on a darker complexion in the early 2000s, you were probably turned away because old lasers weren’t created to work on these skin types. But now, newer lasers can distinguish between the pigment of the skin and hair follicles, making it possible to safely and effectively treat melanin-rich skin.
According to Dr. Charles, laser hair removal is “incredibly effective” for people with darker complexions when performed with a laser that provides a 1064 nanometer laser wavelength of light. Lasers such as the Nd:YAG have a 1064 nanometer wavelength, and this long wavelength bypasses the melanin found in the skin and solely targets the melanin, or pigment, of the hair follicle.
“This particular wavelength is safest for skin of color because the wavelength penetrates the skin deeply enough to destroy the hair follicles without destroying the surrounding melanocytes [which are the cells in your skin that produce pigment],” says DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist located in Dallas, TX. This is important because the destruction of the melanocytes can lead to pigmentary alterations such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, she adds.
According to Dr. Charles, laser hair removal is very safe with minimal side effects, “assuming that the person doing it is using the right laser and understands the mechanics of treating darker skin,” he says.
The biggest issue when performing laser hair removal on dark skin comes from the heat that the lasers produce, says Dr. Charles. The intensity of the heat can potentially heat up melanin and harm the skin, leading to pigment changes like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. This is why it’s imperative to use a laser that will solely target the pigmentation of the hair follicle and not your skin, and get services from people who have experience working with skin of color.
When looking for a provider, “The brand of the laser is not as important as the specific wavelength of the laser,” says Dr. Davis. Instead of simply booking a session at the location your favorite celebs frequent or your friends swear by, make sure first and foremost they have a laser that’s safe for your skin.
Good candidates for laser hair removal
Before you invest in laser hair removal it’s important to find out if you’re a good candidate to receive treatment. According to Dr. Charles, no matter the amount of melanin in your skin or how light or dark your complexion is, you can get laser hair removal. “But the people that tend to do the best have coarse, thick hair and darker hair, and that’s because the light source in the laser tends to see that hair the best, so it picks up the hair and it really zaps it,” he says.
People with dark brown or black hair tend to see the best results with laser, adds Dr. Davis. If you have light brown, grey, or white hair, unfortunately, you aren’t considered a good candidate for laser hair removal as the laser won’t be able to detect the melanin of the hair follicles.
Most people will see success with laser hair removal, but there are areas, such as the upper lip, which are harder to treat because that hair tends to be finer. Most professionals will still treat this spot, but because it tends to be resistant to treatment (and because excess hair growth in the area can sometimes be caused by hormones), you may not see drastic results and will likely need to do multiple sessions to see any results at all.
Things to keep in mind before your first laser hair removal treatment
There are a few things you’ll want to be aware of before you book your initial session. First, you’ll want to take stock of your skin-care routine and consult your dermatologist or laser provider. If you use products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide on areas you plan on getting treated, professionals may recommend you stop using them altogether, or at least press pause on them for a few days before and after your treatment. According to Dr. Davis, this is because they can cause increased sensitivity of the skin and in conjunction with laser hair removal, you run the risk of irritation or more serious issues such as your skin peeling off and scarring.
Dr. Charles doesn’t stop his patients from using topicals on treatment areas, but he doesn’t recommend using retinol or retinoids immediately after getting treated. “That said, it is ok to start your skin-care regimen a couple of days after treatment assuming that all went well with the treatment,” he says. For those on Accutane, Dr. Charles doesn’t recommend getting treatment, as the skin can respond unpredictably.
And if you’re pregnant, it’s also advised that you hold off on treatment, as studies haven’t evaluated the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy.
How to prepare for a laser hair removal session
“Before your laser hair removal appointment, you will want to have a consultation with your board-certified dermatologist to review your medical history and discuss goals you want to achieve so you can be fully educated on exactly how the treatments will work,” says Dr. Davis.
Before purchasing any sessions, I highly recommend setting up an appointment to spot test the areas you want to get laser on. First, you’ll be able to get a feel for the practice and whether or not you like it and your provider, and most importantly, you’ll be able to find out if you’ll have any adverse effects to the treatment. My biggest fear was getting burned on my vagina and having permanent scars (and wasting my money), so in my opinion, it’s worth the caution and extra appointment.
“Avoid waxing, avoid plucking, avoid electrolysis to the area [being treated] for at least three or four weeks” prior to your sessions, adds Dr. Charles. But if you’re adamant about removing hair in between sessions, “shaving is the best thing to do,” he says.
You’ll want to avoid waxing, as it removes the entire hair follicle, and in order for the laser to work, you need a little bit of hair as the laser detects the pigment of the hair follicle. Most providers recommend shaving a day or two before your session for best results, but this varies by technician and location, so make sure to speak with your provider to find out their specific recommendations and guidelines.
In my experience, shaving two days prior to your session is the best, especially if you always miss patches of hair. I find that the first shave gets most of the hair and the second shave allows you to go over any spots you initially missed. Worst case scenario, your provider will shave any missed areas before the fun begins.
What to expect during your laser hair removal session
For those who have begun their research, you’ve probably heard laser hair removal providers or friends who have gone through with it say that it’s painless. And to that, I call BS, respectfully. While we all have different pain tolerance levels, I think it’s safe to say that laser removal is uncomfortable. In my opinion, it feels like heated rubber bands getting snapped against your skin. I know that description sounds horrible, but the silver lining is that the discomfort only lasts for a split second.
I haven’t gotten laser all over my body, but can attest that there are definitely areas that are way more sensitive than others. For example, the vulva. There are no words to describe what that feels like, and I recommend going to your happy place, taking deep breaths, and squeezing the shit out of the stress balls.
To help manage the discomfort of getting a full Brazilian, I like to use numbing cream ($17). I apply it about an hour before I need to leave home, let it stay on for at least 20 minutes (the longer the better), and it drastically reduces any discomfort. That said, I recommend speaking with your provider to see what products they do and don’t recommend.
At the end of the day, you will more than likely experience some level of discomfort, and instead of abiding by the “suck it up” mentality, let your provider know so that they can give you a break or decrease the intensity of the laser.
What to expect after a laser hair removal session
After your session, you may experience minor bumps on your skin due to inflammation of the hair follicles, “but those typically go away within a day or so,” says Dr. Charles. He adds that redness is also common, and he tends to give people a mild topical steroid to use for a few days following the session in order to reduce it. Speaking from personal experience, providers typically offer aloe vera gel to soothe the skin immediately after performing treatment on each area.
You should avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF to prevent burning, as your skin will be more photosensitive than normal. This is because the laser has damaged the hair follicle which can initially cause redness and irritation to the treated area, similar to when you get a skin-care treatment on your face, making you more susceptible to damage from UV rays.
How long does it take to see results from laser hair removal
After feeling like you’ve been popped with thousands of rubber bands, you may be wondering how long it will take to see results. “You’ll typically see anywhere between a 50 percent and 90 percent reduction of hair with the first treatment,” says Dr. Charles, adding that it usually takes around five sessions to see major differences.
I didn’t believe this was true until I started experiencing moments where 20 to 30 pieces of “dead” hair would fall out onto my washcloth as I washed my body and into my hands as I applied lotion. This may seem odd at first, but it’s a good indicator that your sessions are working and aren’t being done in vain.
You should also expect to see less hair growth after a few sessions. At times, it may look patchy, because your hair grows in different phases and some areas tend to be more stubborn than others. “It is important to adhere to a consistent, monthly routine when starting laser hair removal,” says Dr. Charles. This is because your hair typically grows in three phases: the growth phase, the resting phase, and the regression phase.
“Different portions of the hair will enter a growth phase at different time points after the laser hair removal treatment, while other areas will be in a resting or regression phase. Therefore, it is crucial for the success of the treatments to follow up with monthly treatments to capture new areas undergoing growth,” says Dr. Charles. And although this is anecdotal, I’ve found from my own experience that being consistent with your sessions reduces the level of pain from treatment to treatment.
It’s worth mentioning again that though laser treatments can make a big difference in the amount of hair on your body, it’s not considered permanent hair removal. Because factors like hormones can continue to impact your hair growth, you’ll still need to go in for maintenance sessions even after you’re “done.”
With all of that said, laser hair removal is definitely a time, emotional, and financial commitment, so before you book a session, make sure that you’re confident in the provider and ready to commit to at least six months of consistent treatment.
At Home Ipl For Rosacea
When used to treat blood vessels, the results tend to last 3 to 5 years. Treated blood vessels don’t reappear, but new ones can form. Thickening skin tends to return after treatment
Rosacea is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by skin flare-ups that cause flushing of the facial skin, irritation and pus-filled bumps. It is caused by dilated and broken blood vessels beneath the skin. Symptoms are cyclical, but without treatment are likely to progress with time.
Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) for rosacea is a treatment that can effectively destroy these blood vessels using high intensity light sources to eliminate unwanted redness.
What Is IPL?
IPL is a noninvasive broad spectrum light therapy used to treat a wide range of skin concerns such as wrinkles, dark spots, age spots and unwanted body hair. It can also treat birthmarks, varicose veins and rosacea. Once treated, skin has improved color and texture.
Using a handheld device, light energy is converted into heat energy that penetrates the upper levels of skin where it is absorbed by melanin, pigmented cells that are both at the skin’s surface and within deeper tissue.
The technician can precisely apply the therapy by controlling not only the wavelength but pulse duration and sequences, as well as pulse delay time. These features allow for control, precision and versatility when providing treatment.
The energy produced by the light waves breaks down pigmented skin cells, and constricts and destroys superficial blood vessels which are then slowly flushed out of the body. It also effectively reduces hair growth by destroying targeted hair follicles.
In contrast, traditional laser treatments use a single wavelength of concentrated light which penetrates deep within the skin and requires some downtime as opposed to broad spectrum IPL which addresses concerns at the surface level.
How Does IPL Work to Treat Rosacea?
While rosacea can not be completely cured, it can be effectively controlled with IPL. The intense pulses of light increases the temperature of oxyhemoglobin in the blood which destroys damaged capillaries near the surface of the skin. It also causes visible blood vessels to constrict and shrink.
Both actions work together to reduce the appearance of redness and irritation caused by rosacea. This in turn reduces pimples and bumps, and calms the irritation and itchiness which often accompanies this skin disorder.
How does it feel?
Your technician will put a layer of gel over your face and provide you with eye protectors. During the treatment, they will pass a handheld device over your entire face, delivering short pulses of light to the treatment area. Typically, they will make three passes to ensure full coverage is achieved.
With each pulse, you will notice a short burst of intense red light, some warmth and a sensation similar to being snapped lightly with a rubber band. The pulse of light is not continuous, but measured, as your technician monitors your skin and methodically treats your entire face.
The entire session should take no longer than 30 minutes. Afterward, it is important to moisturize your skin well, twice a day, as your skin will likely dry out and peel slightly as it heals.
After each treatment and between treatments it is essential to protect your skin from the sun; wear a zinc broad-based SPF50 and a hat or cap.
How long does it take to work?
IPL is a very effective treatment for rosacea. You should notice an improvement in just a few days after the first treatment but optimal results will be seen with 3–6 treatments scheduled about 1 month apart.
One study demonstrated that after an average of 7.2 treatments, 80% of patients saw a reduction in redness; 78% had less flushing and an improvement in skin texture; 72% saw an improvement in acne breakouts.
Is there a recovery period?
You can expect several days of social downtime following treatment due to redness and swelling, and possible bruising. Your skin may feel itchy and dry. You may also notice a darkening of age spots or freckles which will develop a crust, dry up and slowly flake off.
These are expected and temporary side effects that will all resolve within 1 week.
You may apply makeup immediately after a treatment but you must forgo exfoliative products and topicals that contain retinol or glycolic acid for 1 week; this is to allow your skin sufficient time to recover.
Using IPL for Rosacea at Home
At-home devices are primarily geared toward removing hair from the face and body, and will most likely be ineffective for treating rosacea. While they seem a more cost-effective option in comparison to professional treatments, they are less powerful and carry a greater risk. Improper or overuse of these devices can also lead to painful burns and blisters.
If you do purchase a device for home use, the steps for treatment are as follows:
- Ensure your skin is clean and dry before using the IPL device
- Set your intensity level
- Place the device onto your skin, applying gentle pressure
- Pass the device across your entire face once, pressing the flash button as you go
- Repeat one more pass
Follow with a soothing or cooling gel moisturizer. Do not use the device more than once per week, as this may exacerbate your symptoms.
Cost of IPL for Rosacea
The cost of IPL for rosacea will depend on a number of factors including your location, the severity of your skin and provider’s fees. With that being said, the average cost of a single treatment is about $450.
With 3–6 sessions recommended for optimal results, an entire course of IPL is likely to cost between $1,350–$2,700 in total.
When discussing your treatment with your provider, they will determine the number of sessions you would benefit from for optimal results. They may have a discounted price if you commit to a number of sessions and may offer financing as well.
At-home machines can cost anywhere between $100–$800, depending on the brand and model.
Here, Karavolas and Young break down what to look for, how to prepare, and the perfect lasers for all people of color, including multiracial and albino individuals.
What to look for in your laser hair removal provider:
People of color should look for a certain laser called the Nd:YAG. “For women or men of color interested in doing laser hair removal, the most important thing is to make sure they are getting treatments with a YAG laser,” says Young. Karavolas explains that the laser operates differently to make it safe for people of color. “Nd:YAG lasers have a long pulse wavelength and bypasses the epidermis. Since it bypasses the epidermis, it does not hurt the epidermis, meaning it does not burn the skin,” explains Karavolas. “With that laser you are able to effectively disable the reproductive cycle of the hair within the follicle meaning you can effectively remove hair without hurting the skin.”
A good specialist will test your skin tone:
When in doubt, get tested. Because skin tones can differ from person to person, it’s important that the setting is chosen specifically for your skin tone. Karavolas at Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal uses the Fitzpatrick skin typing test to determine the patient’s skin color and the appropriate laser. The patient will receive a score from one to thirty-six to determine what wavelength laser to use.
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The results of the Fitzpatrick skin test decide which laser to use, but it’s also important to notice the settings. “Once you decide which laser to use, obviously the darker the person you have to make the settings a little gentler to not burn the skin,” says Karavolas.
Prepare your body for laser:
Just like any treatment or procedure it’s important to prep the area that’s about to get blasted. “Make sure the area that will be lasered has not been waxed, threaded, plucked or used any other method of hair removal that pulls out the root for at least 8 weeks,” Young notes. “Abstain from using any harsh products on the area to be lasered for at least two weeks before getting lasered and subsequently after the treatments. These include retinols, alpha, beta and glycolic acids, or topical acne medications.”
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What about albino and multiracial individuals, are they candidates?
“On albinos, on somebody who has discoloration or hyperpigmentation, light therapy like an IPL treatment are recommended to bring the pigment up,” explains Karavolas. “We do treat albino clients but we do test patches and wait a few days to make sure they react well.”
A special process also exists for multi-racial candidates. “We have a lot of biracial clients who have mixed parents, Italian mother, African American father from Kenya, Uganda,” Karavolas says. “The cooling of the skin is very important because if you don’t cool the skin, no matter what the energy is, you might give somebody a temporary burn which would resolve itself but it’s best to avoid that and take precautions like we do.”