Laser Hair Removal and Skin Treatment

Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, who graduated from Harvard Medical School, developed a system of classifying skin types which he called the Fitzpatrick skin type scale which can be very useful when dealing with laser skin treatments including laser hair removal. This scale is based on the individuals' skin complexion and how their skin reacts to sun exposure. For successful laser skin treatments, it is important to know where you fall in this skin typing classification system.

According to Fitzpatrick, there are 6 basic skin types:

Skin Type I: Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair. This person always burns when out in the sun and never tans.

Skin Type II: Fair skin, blue eyes. Burns easily and tans poorly. This person does not hold a tan for very long.

Skin Type III: Average Caucasian with white unexposed skin. Burns moderately but gains an average tan.

Skin Type IV: Light brown skin. Burns minimally and tans easily. (Asians, Hispanics, and Mediterranean's)

Skin Type V: Brown skin. Rarely burns. Tans very easily and holds the tan for a long time. (East Indians, Hispanics, etc..)

Skin Type VI: Dark brown or black skin. Never burns and tans profusely.

Generally, skin types I - IV require fewer laser skin treatments of laser hair removal than skin types V - VI for permanent results.

Laser hair removal and electrolysis are both permanent methods of treating unwanted hair. Electrolysis is an older method of getting rid of unwanted hair in comparison to laser hair removal.

Electrolysis may be described as a hair thin metal probe or stylus which is situated into a hair follicle. This stylus then delivers a current of electricity to damage the hair follicle. The challenge of electrolysis is the stylus must be accurately situated into the hair follicle without puncturing the surrounding skin. The drawbacks of electrolysis are many clients do experience textural damage of the skin from the stylus and the client must let the hair grow in between sessions as a guide to the hair follicle opening. Treatments are spaced 1-2 weeks apart and sessions are long and tedious for even the smallest of areas. Since many treatments are required (many more than with laser) overall the price of treating even a small area may be costly. Electrolysis also tends to be a little painful. Electrolysis is still the best treatment for white or blond hair since this method is colour blind to the hair.

Laser hair removal is a much more efficient and effective means of getting rid of the hair. Laser light attracts the pigmented hair follicle. This laser light energy is converted into heat, which damages the root of the hair. Treatments are spaced 6-8 weeks apart for the body and 4-6 weeks apart for the face. Normally 5-7 treatments are required in order to achieve a permanent outcome. Laser hair removal is not extremely painful. You will feel some discomfort depending on the treatment area. Normally there is little hair in between sessions. If necessary, shaving is an option in between sessions. In the long run, laser hair removal is very cost effective. Laser hair removal is not a good treatment option for white or blond hair.

bellairlaserclinic.ca Laser Hair Removal and Skin Treatments