There are all sorts of myths and legends surrounding laser hair removal, suggesting all manner of risks and dangers associated with the procedure. We at laser centre At Body Aesthetics, we’ve rounded up the three most popular myths to show you how science and practice debunk them. As a bonus, we’ve added two more, just to put your mind completely at ease. The truth is that there’s nothing dangerous about laser hair removal, and the benefits are countless. Let’s start with the most common myth.
Laser hair removal has been available worldwide as a method of removing unwanted hair for more than 20 years. To date, there isn't any a reported case of skin cancer following laser hair removal treatment. Laser energy has generally been used in medicine for around 50 years and has proven to be completely harmless.
Skin cancer is caused by a mutation in certain cells. It is believed that the sun’s UV rays are one of the possible causes of this type of cancer. These rays fall within the short wavelength spectrum of light, whilst the wavelength of the pulses emitted by hair removal lasers falls within the long wavelength spectrum – ranging from 755 nm to 1064 nm. In other words, it is a completely different type of light. The laser pulse is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair. There, the pulsed light is converted into heat and destroys the hair follicle, but does not affect the surrounding tissues.
Skin cancer is caused by abnormalities in moles. When treating moles with a laser, they must be marked out with a white pencil. This ensures that the scattered light from the laser cannot affect them in any way. This provides additional protection for problem areas of the skin, such as moles.
That is absolutely impossible. The pulse is so small that the deepest point it can penetrate is around 7 mm to 1 cm into the hair. The technology is designed so that light is converted into heat, and it is actually this heat that reaches and destroys the hair follicle. It is impossible for the impulse to reach any internal organ.
Laser hair removal, as well as all sorts of other treatments, is not recommended for pregnant women simply because there have been no clinical studies conducted on pregnant women. However, before becoming pregnant, there is no problem with having the treatment laser hair removal on any part of the body.
There is only one truth. There is no evidence worldwide to suggest that laser hair removal can directly or indirectly cause infertility, given the nature of the technology. As the pulse is extremely weak, it cannot affect the ovaries in any way. The same applies to the womb or any other internal organ.
On the contrary, it is one of the key components of successful laser hair removal. One of the main indicators of high quality is the price. The best machines cost as much as a luxury car, and consequently, the treatment at the salons that own them is more expensive. The second indicator of quality is origin – If the product is manufactured in the US, Spain or France, you’re more likely to be satisfied. If the devices are made in China or another Asian country, be more sceptical and do some further research to be on the safe side. If you’d like to find out more, here’s how to choose the right one laser hair removal device.
Yet another claim that has been proven neither by science nor by practice. The facts show that the best medical lasers for hair removal – ours being at the top of the list – actually visibly rejuvenate the skin. It becomes softer and smoother to the touch, which is also the secret behind the flawless skin of countless international celebrities. You can see a list of just a few of their names, led by Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian, HERE.
We hope you are now convinced that there are no realistic reasons to give in to the fears being peddled about laser hair removal. Myths and legends surrounding any kind of procedure will always exist. The important thing is to approach the matter sensibly and analytically so that you can choose a safe and reliable beauty salon.
If you need further answers, please do not hesitate to consult the medical experts at Body Aesthetics. Book an appointment for a free and detailed consultation, after which you can make the most informed decision. Laser hair removal should reveal your skin at its most beautiful, not the most visible signs of your fears. Come and visit us at our laser centre for the first and most important step.
The material The top 3 myths about laser hair removal that have been debunked by science was first published on Body Aesthetics.
