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- Is laser hair removal safe?
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- Laser hair removal
- Laser hair removal for men
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Home Treatments Is laser hair removal safe?
Is laser hair removal safe?
“Laser hair removal is the safest and most effective method of removing unwanted body and facial hair. Side effects are minimal, usually mild and temporary; most people will experience some redness and sensitivity after treatment, which usually dissipates after a couple of days – at most. As part of our aftercare plan, we offer a cooling spray and aloe vera gel to cool and soothe the skin, and sunscreen to protect delicate skin from sun exposure after treatment”
“There are a number of things to consider before booking laser hair removal to ensure you stay safe during treatment and get the best results. Read on for our top considerations when choosing a provider for laser hair removal”
Helen Green, Nurse Prescriber and Non-Surgical Lead at sk:n
Why choose sk:n for laser hair removal?
All of our laser practitioners are rigorously and clinically trained who will always test patch the skin for suitability, and we’ve created industry-leading health and safety protocols to ensure we deliver the best and safest services. We’re also regulated by the Care Quality Commission, the safe body that regulates the NHS, Health Improvement Scotland and Health Inspectorate Wales, so our clients can trust we’re the safest place for treatment.
Unregulated providers
By choosing a provider or clinic that is regulated by the Care Quality Commission or other relevant regulatory body, you can trust that the practitioner carrying out the treatment has met the very minimum training requirements and that the clinic meets the appropriate health, safety and hygiene standards. Never trust an unregulated or unregistered provider to deliver laser hair removal treatment – lasers used are powerful and should only be handled by a qualified, skilled professional.
Medication and laser hair removal
Some drugs can cause light sensitivity of the skin, increasing the likelihood of you burning during laser hair removal treatment, or leaving you with pigmentation (dark patches on the skin). These include some antibiotics, anti inflammatories, acne medication, and some types of medication prescribed for cancer and diabetes. For this reason, it’s important to provide your practitioner with information on all the medication you are currently taking before your treatment begins – even if you don’t believe it’s relevant.
Sun exposure, tanning and laser hair removal
After treatment, your skin will be sensitive and will need time to heal. Exposure to UV rays at this point could risk damage to your skin, so we strongly advise that you avoid sunbathing and tanning beds for two weeks. If the area is exposed to the sun, you must apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. We also recommend covering up with a hat and long sleeves or trousers for around a week after treatment.
If you do happen to experience some sunburn in the weeks running up to your treatment, you’ll need to tell us as lasers can aggravate burned skin.
If you have a tan, we will advise you to wait around 2 weeks until the tan has faded before we treat you. This is because tanning essentially changes the pigment in your skin, so the laser may have difficulty distinguishing between the change in skin colour and hair, putting you at risk of burning as the skin could absorb the light energy. The same applies to fake tan – make sure your skin is free of fake tan at least 2 days before treatment.
Who is unsuitable for laser hair removal?
Selected peoplelaser hair removal treatment
– Pregnancy: laser hair removal is not recommended for people who are pregnant. This is because there have not been any scientific studies carried out that prove it is safe. You should wait until after you have given birth and your hormones have returned to normal before having the treatment. See below for more information.
– Light sensitivity: anyone who is hypersensitive to light shouldn’t have laser hair removal. Certain medications will increase light sensitivity, for instance, some antidepressants, anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s important to discuss with your practitioner if you are taking any medication.
– Keloid scarring: people with keloid scars, or have skin healing problems, like hypertrophic scarring, may need to avoid laser hair removal in that area. Your practitioner will be able to advise you.
– Those with lighter hair: any clients with blonde, white, grey or red hair are unsuitable for laser hair removal. That’s because there’s not enough pigment in the hair to attract the laser and it is very unlikely they will see results.
When you book at sk:n, you will always have a proper consultation with a specialist practitioner, where you can discuss any concerns you may have.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and laser hair removal
During pregnancy, there is an increase in hormone production in the body, leading to high levels of estrogen and androgen. This hormonal surge, especially in the third trimester, can cause hair to grow in new places and alter the hair growth cycle, often delaying the ‘falling out’ phase and resulting in thicker hair. However, within 3 to 6 months after giving birth, and once you are no longer breastfeeding, your hormones will rebalance, and your hair growth will return to normal.
Laser hair removal is not recommended for people who are pregnant. While laser treatments have been safely used for certain medical issues, such as kidney stones, during pregnancy, there have been no studies to confirm the safety of laser hair removal for pregnant women. Due to the potential risks to mothers and babies, it is unlikely that such studies will be conducted. Consequently, doctors and dermatologists generally consider laser hair removal to be safe but advise pregnant women to avoid it due to the lack of data confirming its safety during pregnancy.
At sk:n, we follow this precautionary principle and do not treat anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, regardless of the procedure. Our advice is to wait until after you have had your baby, are no longer breastfeeding, and your hair growth has returned to normal before considering laser hair removal.
Misconceptions about the safety of laser hair removal
You may have heard some frightening things about the safety of laser hair removal. These are usually unfounded myths.
– It causes skin cancer: this myth is untrue.
The lasers are scientifically designed to pass through skin cells, only targeting hair follicles. Although they do emit a very small amount of radiation, this is not thought to be harmful and there is no evidence to show that laser hair removal causes skin cancer.
– It causes infertility: as the lasers only penetrate the skin and don’t reach or affect any other organs, it’s not possible for the laser to affect fertility, even when used in the pubic area.
Possible side effects of laser hair removal
There are a few common side effects that can appear after laser hair removal. Most of these effects are minor and temporary, but include:
– Redness or skin irritation: as laser hair removal works by damaging the hair follicle of the targeted hairs, many people will experience short-lived tingling, redness or skin irritation. The skin may appear to swell slightly. Irritation like this should ease within a few hours of the treatment.
– Crusting: some people may experience crusting on the treated area, another minor effect that should pass off quickly. By taking care of the area afterwards, using a moisturiser, you can prevent any scabbing which could lead to scarring.
– Changes to skin colour: some people can experience hyper or hypopigmentation, which means the skin in the targeted area might get darker or lighter. Again these changes will fade over time and the normal skin colour will return.
These are the common side effects and tend to be minor and temporary. If any of these symptoms persist, it’s important to consult a dermatologist.
Like any other method of cosmetic hair removal, there is always a risk of infection. If you experience any signs or symptoms of infection, contact your dermatologist straight away or see your GP.
As the process uses powerful lasers, you might be concerned about the side effects of laser hair removal on the face and other sensitive areas of your body. There is potentially a risk of eye injury when a practitioner is working near the eyes, so you must wear protective eye equipment when the procedure is carried out, (this is applicable for any procedure utilising our lasers). Otherwise, the process is safe for the face and body, carrying only the normal, smaller risks of the side effects mentioned above.
Severe side effects are rare and the risk of them increases if you don’t choose to have the treatment administered by a trained and certified professional. These can include excessive hair growth in the targeted area; changes to your skin texture; scarring or blisters. If you have any concerns about these side effects, you can discuss them in your consultation with our expert practitioner. At sk:n we have a safe environment with strict medical protocols.
How do I book laser hair removal at sk:n?
Step1
Book your consultation. You can book online, call us directly or request a consultation. To secure a laser hair removal appointment, we will require a refundable deposit of £50. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.
Visit your local sk:n clinic for a consultation with one of our medical laser hair removal practitioners. During this consultation the practitioner will:
- Assess the area you would like to be treated and discuss the results you’re likely to see.
- Explain the procedure for laser hair removal, the cost and your recommended aftercare.
- Give you a quick patch test to assess suitability for treatment.
- Answer any questions you have regarding laser hair removal.
Step 3
Start treatment with the UK’s leading laser hair removal specialists.
Laser hair removal prices
sk:n is a leading laser, dermatology and aesthetic group in the UK, and pride ourselves on excellence. We have industry-leading training, safety and care protocols, and we’re regulated by the Care Quality Commission and General Medical Councils, so you can trust you’re in the best and safest hands.
Find your nearest clinic here.
To secure a laser hair removal appointment, we will require a refundable deposit of £50. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.
