How to choose the best type of laser for permanent hair removal depending on your skin type?

Permanent hair removal is a great way to get rid of the worry of unwanted hair and enjoy smooth, velvety skin all year round [1]. However, if you want great results, it's important to opt for the right type of laser. We invite you to discover how to make this choice and prepare for your treatment below!

Find out about the main types of lasers and their particularities

An important first step in choosing the right laser for permanent hair removal is to inform yourself about the options available. In specialized clinics, there are several types of lasers, each with a number of specific features:

• Alexandrite laser - It operates at a wavelength of 755 nm and is ideal for fair skin and dark hair. The main advantage of this type of laser is its high operating speed, which ensures high efficiency and allows large areas of skin to be covered in a short time;
• diode laser - operates at a wavelength of 808-810 nm and is effective on all skin types, but works best on medium skin. This type of laser is particularly effective for thick and dense hair;
• Nd:YAG laser - works at the highest wavelength, 1064 nm, making it suitable for all skin types, including dark or tanned skin. This laser penetrates deep into the skin and successfully removes hairs deeper down [2].

Thanks to technological developments in the field of aesthetic medicine, advanced systems combining several types of lasers are now available. One of these is Primelase Excellence laseravailable from Cronos Med. This equipment integrates several different types of lasers, namely Alexandrite, Diode, Nd:YAG and Mix lasers to treat different skin and hair types. Thus, hair removal can be applied to all people, with increased efficiency and excellent results!

Know your skin type

To discover which type of laser is best for your needs, you need to know your skin type. According to the Fitzpatrick scale, skin is divided into six phototypes, from the lightest (type I) to the darkest (type VI), as follows:

• type I - very fair skin that turns slightly red in the sun and does not tan;
• type II - skin that is fair in color, susceptible to sunburn and difficult to tan;
• type III - medium-colored skin that may develop sunburn, but tans gradually;
• type IV - olive skin that rarely reddens in the sun and tans slightly;
• type V - dark skin that rarely reddens and tans lightly;
• type VI - very dark skin that is not prone to sunburn and tans very easily [2].

So each skin type has unique characteristics and reacts differently to UV rays and laser treatments. Determining your skin type will help you choose the most suitable laser for you and get the best results. For example, if you have fair skin (type I or II) and dark hair, the Alexandrite laser may be the best option. On the other hand, if you have darker skin, the Nd:YAG laser might give you better results. Cronos Med also offers Motus AX system, which can remove all hair types, even light-colored hair from phototypes I-IV.

Talk to a specialist

Once you have an idea of what type of laser might be right for you, the next step is to talk to a laser hair removal specialist. A qualified person can accurately assess your skin and hair type and recommend the most appropriate treatment. In a consultation, you will be able to discuss:

• your medical history - It is important to mention any medical conditions, allergies or medication you are taking;
• the expectations you have - be clear about the results you want to achieve so you can find out if they are possible with the right laser;
• number of sessions - The specialist will determine how many epilation sessions are necessary to achieve the desired results. Usually between 2 and 6 sessions are recommended [3].

Prepare properly for each session

In order to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing risks, it's important to prepare properly for each laser hair removal session at Cronos Med. Here are some useful tips:

• avoid waxing or tweezing - at least six weeks before treatment, avoid hair removal methods that remove the hair root. Laser works best on intact roots;
• shave the treated area - before each session, shave the area to be treated to allow the laser to work as effectively as possible on the follicles;
• avoid exposure to sun or the sun - Five days before and after treatment it is recommended not to expose yourself to UV rays to prevent irritation and hyperpigmentation [4].

Follow the treatment plan and care recommendations

Once you have started the treatment, it is important to follow the plan set by your specialist and follow all the care recommendations. Each session will bring visible results, and following the instructions will help you achieve smooth, velvety skin in the long term. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:

• respect the intervals between sessions - epilation sessions are scheduled at regular intervals to catch all actively growing hairs;
• moisturizes and exfoliates the skin - use moisturizers regularly to keep skin soft and healthy. Laser hair removal helps to prevent ingrown hairs under the skinBut until the process is complete, it's also helpful to exfoliate your skin regularly;
• apply formulas with SPF - If you have waxing sessions during the warm season, protect your skin from UV rays with SPF products. It is recommended that the SPF value is as high as possible, preferably at least 30. Also, wear long, loose-fitting clothing that provides effective protection while allowing your skin to breathe [4].

Laser hair removal is an important investment in your comfort and appearance. You will definitely be able to enjoy optimal results and long-term smooth skin with the right laser. If you want to start on the road to smooth skin without unwanted hair, Cronos Med is waiting for you with the most advanced hair removal technology! Schedule a consultation now and find out which solution is perfect for you!

Sources of information:

[1] "Laser Hair Removal - Mayo Clinic." Mayoclinic.org, 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555. Accessed on July 8, 2024.

[2] Vaidya, Tanvi, et al. "Laser Hair Removal." Nih.govStatPearls Publishing, 25 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/. Accessed on July 8, 2024.

[3] "Laser Hair Removal: FAQs." Aad.org, 2024, www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs. Accessed on July 8, 2024.

[4] Mary Anne Dunkin. "Laser Hair Removal." WebMDWebMD, Jan 5, 2010, www.webmd.com/beauty/laser-hair-removal. Accessed on July 8, 2024.