Laser Hair Removal

One of the most sought after treatments in medical spas and laser centers is laser hair removal. Recently, I completed a series of sessions at a laser center and had I known then what I know now about lasers, I would have done some things a little bit differently, and done a little research on the type of laser that was used. Hopefully, if you are making the decision to go under the laser, this information may help you in your search for a great laser clinic!
How It Works
A laser is a device that produces light in a single wavelength, or color. The light it produces travels in one direction, and can travel very far distances, so safety when operating a device is always important.
Lasers target a chromophore, or more simply, a dark spot on the skin, and that spot absorbs the light of the laser. In the case of laser hair removal, the laser targets the melanin, or color, in the hair shaft, and causes damage to the follicle. Therefore, lighter skinned people with darker hair are ideal candidates for Laser Hair Removal.
Laser hair removal is actually considered "permanent hair reduction", rather than "permanent hair removal", which can only be achieved with electrolysis. Each person's results will vary, and there is a likelihood that you will need to come back several years later for maintenance on the area.
Lasers used for Hair Removal
There are three classifications of lasers used for laser hair removal, and their classifications are based on the depth and color of light. You will most likely only run across the two most popular, Diode and ND:YAG. Within these classifications, there are several brands of lasers manufactured. I would recommend asking the laser clinic you are interested in what laser they use, and research to make sure it is right for your skin type.

What to Expect
As with any laser procedure, there is pain associated with the treatment. The most common description is the feeling of a rubber band snap, or a slap. Depending upon the area being treated and your pain threshold, it will be different. Areas of more hair follicles will be more painful, and as your hair growth in the area decreases, the pain per treatment will as well.
Depending on the laser center, they may use different techniques to minimize the heat to the area so that a higher amount of energy can be used, thus making it a more effective treatment each time. Some lasers have cooling tips on the end, while others use refrigerated ultra sound gel or an air compressor with cold air.
For best results, 6-8 treatments is recommended.
Cautions for Laser Hair Removal
When going in for a treatment, make sure the area being treated is completely shaved, and without lotion, numbing creme, cosmetics or any other products you might apply to the treatment area. Not only will it reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, but can produce a fire hazard.
Don't wear any reflective jewelry, since scatter from the laser can reflect off of jewelry.
If you have a tattoo near the area, make sure it is covered by a white towel so the laser is not attracted to the pigment of the tattoo. Be advised that if you do have a tattoo near the area, there is a chance that pigment in your blood stream can be picked up by the laser, and zap your tattoo.
Discontinue tanning and self tanners two weeks before the procedure, so the laser is not attracted the the pigment of your skin.

Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal
As with any treatment, there are some reasons that you may not be a candidate. People who are pregnant can not have laser treatments.
If you have Herpes Simplex I or II, you must be taking your antiviral medication for at least a week before and after treatment.
If you are on any medication that makes you sensitive to the sun, you should discontinue medication 6 weeks before treatment. This included any Vitamin A topical, such as Retin-A or Renova. Accutane should be discontinued for 6 months before receiving a treatment.
Treatment areas with metal plating or screws in the area may not be treated, depending on your technicians discression. However, it is not recommended.
People with darker skin should note that there are serious risks of burns with receiving laser treatments, and many centers will not treat a patient with darker skin.

Post-treatment: aftercare
After your treatment, you skin will be slightly irritated and red. The technician will likely apply a creme or spray to help reduce any discomfort. Avoid sun exposure and tanning for a week, and apply sunscreen of spf 30 or higher. Avoid saunas, hot baths, and steam for 24 hours, to lessen irritation, and avoid shaving for 24 hours as well. Also avoid cremes, lotions and cosmetics with dyes and fragrance for 24-48 hours to avoid irritation.

And finally, some great places to check out for Laser Hair Removal...
Yamashiro Laser Center
The 7 Club
Wade Laser Clinic

Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful week!
XOXO
Haleigh

Favorite Products? Yes Please!

Being an instructor, I am asked frequently what my favorite products are. Trust me, I have quite a few. Starting next Monday, I will share my favorite products in makeup, skincare, lash extensions, or other nifty things I may have found along the way. And who knows? If we get enough people following this blog, I might start giving stuff away! Everyone likes free product, right?

Keep your eyes peeled for next week's post, and don't forget to share this blog with your friends! And stay tuned for more announcements about atbskincare.com. The site is still under construction, but soon we will have a treatment menu and product info for you.

XOXO

Haleigh

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to A Thing of Beauty Skincare! My name is Haleigh, and I'm a Master Esthetician in Salt Lake City, Utah. I currently work as an instructor at Skinworks School for Advanced Skincare, and was previously at Shirodhara Day Spa, which was voted Best of Salt Lake City 2009-2011 in their Spa category. I'm now beginning my own skincare business, A Thing of Beauty Skincare, in addition to teaching.

I began my journey into esthetics after moving back to Utah from Los Angeles. I had a job that I didn't like and didn't afford me the time to take off for auditions (acting is my first passion), and I was unhappy. My boyfriend suggested several times that I go back to school, but I was hesitant to add to my already enormous amount of student debt just to go to school for a waste of a degree. And I really, really, REALLY didn't want to take another math class for the rest of my life, if I could help it. My mother had a friend who frequented a med spa and encouraged me to come along one night to a ladies night out that the spa was holding. After talking to the estheticians there, I decided to look into schools in the area, and after making several calls to other spas in the valley to see which schools they preferred to hire from, I enrolled at Skinworks.

According to a Forbes.com article posted in 2007, Salt Lake City was labeled "The Vainest of Them All" based on the number of plastic surgeons per capita. As such, Utah is a great place for estheticians to work. The state's Master Esthetician license requires 1200 hours of schooling, and 2 tests, which allows us to perform a myriad of treatments, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Lash extensions, body wraps and waxing. Lasers for the removal of tattoos and hair, and IPL machines are all in our scope of practice as well.

This blog is to serve as an extension of atbskincare.com, and to answer any questions that you may have regarding skincare, products, new treatments, and to relay my own experiences in the skincare world to those who may be interested in a career. So, with that said, I hope you all enjoy my blog, and please don't hesitate to email me any questions at info@atbskincare.com.

XOXO

Haleigh