Laser treatments for hair removal have become a relatively common practice, with millions of procedures performed every year, and it’s not hard to see why. After all, it’s a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that patients generally have a better chance of finding long-term hair management and removal compared to other methods like waxing or shavings.
However, you need to ensure that your skin type is compatible before you commit to the treatment. When you get down to it, hair removal laser procedures have fewer complications and are generally more efficient when using the right laser with the appropriate type of skin.
Interaction between laser removal and skin type
Most dermatologists often use Fitzpatrick Scales when classifying skin types based on the tanning ability, overall skin pigment, and tanning ability. The classification levels it includes are the following:
- Type 1. Redheads and albinos are classified into the type 1 category. Due to their white and pale skin color, their skin can burn easily and won’t tan.
- Type 2. Northern Europeans generally fall into this category. Their pale white complexion often peels and burns but rarely tans.
- Type 3. Mediterranean people and middle eastern people are considered as type 3 on the Fitzpatrick Scale. Their light brown or beige skin colors can burn sometimes and tends to tan gradually.
- Type 4. Pakistanis, Indians, and many East Asians are categorized as type 4. With their light or olive brown skin, they rarely burn. However, they tan easily.
- Type 5. Most Africans, Latin Americans, and South Eastern Asians are classified as type 5. They generally have dark brown-colored skin that can tan easily.
- Type 6. Lastly, type 6 refers to dark-skinned Asians and some Africans with deep brown skin that never tans and rarely burns.
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Reason to establish skin type
Before undergoing any laser removal type, it’s crucial to first establish your skin type. Color tends to attract the lasers that are used in these procedures, and it may damage the skin if the wrong one is used. Some of the complications that may arise are the following.
- Burning of the skin. Due to the level of heat generated during laser treatment procedures, those with lighter skin may experience burns when the laser used is too strong, as it can burn skin pigment away. As a result, it can cause skin irritation, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration.
- Skiing infection. If the wrong laser is used on your skin, the point of exit for the follicles may become infected, resulting in potential skin complications that require considerable post-operative care. For this reason, it’s best to determine and use only the appropriate laser for the treatment.
- Decreased or increased hair growth. In rare cases, the growth of hair around laser-treated areas may return quicker or become thicker. Moreover, since laser treatments damage the follicles, their intensity can also impact the surrounding area, causing visual changes and negatively affecting growth.
Conclusion
Skin type plays a crucial role in laser treatments, as it determines the appropriate laser and settings to use. Without careful consideration, the method may cause more harm than good. Therefore, it’s crucial that you determine your skin type first before you opt for the hair removal type.
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