8 side effects and risks of laser hair removal that you should know!

Who doesn't want a hairless body surface? Certainly all of us! For this reason, there are numerous methods that have been developed to get rid of annoying body hair for a long period of time or even permanently.

Laser hair removal is one of the most effective procedures that allows you to enjoy a hair-free body for months or even years without having to endure pain or struggle with the tedious task of hair removal every day. The advantages are many, but we should take a close look at laser hair removal and any possible side effects before making a decision.

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive method of getting rid of unwanted body and facial hair. This procedure involves applying a laser to the skin without cutting it to remove the unwanted hair from the desired area. The laser targets the melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. As the laser penetrates the skin, its energy turns into heat. This heat reaches the hair follicles and destroys them. To achieve the best results, several sessions may be necessary because hair growth has a complete cycle and the follicles must be treated during their growth phase.

Laser hair removal does not provide permanent results, but long-lasting results can be achieved after completing the recommended sessions.

Side effects and risks of laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is safe and less painful than traditional methods such as waxing, plucking and epilation. But is it really safe? There are some side effects that can occasionally occur.

Skin irritation

If you experience skin irritation after laser hair removal and are wondering if this is normal, rest assured. Skin irritation is one of the most common side effects of laser hair removal, but it is only temporary. The heat that reaches and destroys the hair follicles can trigger a tingling sensation on the skin and cause itching. A cool ice pack on the treated area can soothe the skin.

Pigmentary changes

Laser hair removal can cause temporary or even permanent pigment changes. During laser treatment, the top layer of skin is broken down, which can lead to inflammation. This inflammation increases the production of melanin, which can accumulate in the damaged area and cause hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can increase this effect. Laser hair removal can also cause the treated area to lighten.

Redness and inflammation

The heat from the laser device may cause small red bumps on the skin, similar to a minor burn. This is normal and shows that the heat is being absorbed by the hair follicles. Damaged hair follicles can lead to histamine reactions, causing inflammation and redness.

Scarring

Although rare, laser hair removal can cause scarring, especially if errors occur on the part of the practitioner or if the skin is not cared for properly after treatment. They are also more common in people with sensitive skin or in people who do not take good care of their skin after laser hair removal.

Formation of bubbles

The formation of blisters during laser hair removal can be compared to the development of burns that occur when one touches a hot pan. When heat comes into contact with the skin and affects both the top layer of skin and the hair follicles, fluid can become trapped in a confined space.

This buildup of fluid can cause blistering. However, it is a rare side effect that can only occur if you get severe burns during the hair removal treatment. So, there is no need to worry as long as you are accompanied by an experienced professional. Your safety is paramount.

Increased risk of infection

The outermost layer of our skin serves an important protective function against sun rays, microbes and foreign bodies. But what happens when this first line of defense is breached? When this happens, it becomes easier for bacteria and other microorganisms to enter the body and cause infections. Therefore, it is crucial to take good care of your skin during the healing process to minimize any risks.

In addition, there is an increased risk of infection if the hair removal device is not cleaned properly. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to cleaning to avoid possible infections. Your skin health is the focus, and preventive measures play an essential role in this.

Eye injury

You've probably noticed that hair removal specialists wear protective shields while performing the procedure. There's a reason for this: the lasers used for the skin are not intended for the eyes. Direct contact with the laser used for hair removal can cause damage to the eyes and affect the delicate structures. This can lead to corneal scarring, eye inflammation and similar problems.

It is important to stress that prolonged exposure to the laser can even cause cataracts. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to take the necessary protective measures to preserve your eyes during hair removal. The health of your eyes should never be put at risk.

Increased hair growth

Laser treatments are usually intended to reduce hair growth, but in some cases a paradoxical effect can occur: increased hair growth. This phenomenon is called "paradoxical hypertrichosis" and results in thicker and darker hair growing in the treated areas. This is more common in people with dark skin or in certain syndromes such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Although the chances of excessive hair growth are low, this possibility cannot be completely ruled out. However , people with PCOS should not worry as there are effective hair removal methods to achieve silky smooth skin. It is important to work with an experienced professional to find the best course of action for your individual needs and skin type. Your goal of having flawless skin can be achieved without fear of unpleasant side effects.

Is it true or is it a myth?

There are indeed some side effects of laser hair removal, but also a number of myths that have been created without thorough research. Here are some of these myths and the facts behind them:

Laser hair removal can cause cancer

This common myth says that laser hair removal can cause cancer. In reality, however, lasers simply target and destroy hair follicles. They do not use UV radiation and their energy levels are low, meaning they cannot significantly affect your genetic material. To date, there is no scientific evidence linking laser hair removal to cancer.

Laser hair removal is not safe during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may experience increased hair growth, which many people would like to reduce. However, there is no evidence that laser hair removal is unsafe during pregnancy. In fact, excessive hair often falls out on its own over time, so you don't need to worry about it. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before undergoing any type of medical treatment during pregnancy.

Laser hair removal can cause infertility

Although the laser penetrates the skin, it does not reach the deeper organs in the body to affect their functioning. Similar to the myth about cancer and lasers, there is no solid basis to suggest that laser hair removal causes infertility. This claim is on shaky scientific ground and there is insufficient evidence to support this claim.

3 Safe Methods for Hair Removal

Laser hair removal may work for some people, but not for others. There are several methods you can safely try to remove unwanted body hair, and some of these methods can even provide long-lasting results.

IPL hair removal

IPL hair removal is one of the less painful and safer methods of removing unwanted hair. This method offers long-lasting results. It uses pulsed light to attack the melanin in the hair follicle and destroy it.

A safe IPL device for home use is the Ulike Saphir Air3 , which delivers results in just three weeks. Thanks to its ice cooling technology, it minimizes tingling and is comfortable to hold.

electrolysis

If you're looking for a long-lasting hair removal solution, electrolysis is an excellent choice. This technique uses a controlled electrical current to destroy hair follicles. A fine needle pulse penetrates the skin and permanently affects the follicles.

You may experience some mild discomfort during this procedure, but remember that this temporary effect is negligible compared to the permanent results. The prospect of long-lasting smooth skin undoubtedly outweighs any temporary discomfort.

Grow

Alternatively, there is the tried and tested method of waxing. Waxing removes the hair including the roots, which results in longer lasting smoothness compared to shaving. An additional advantage is that regrowing hair is usually finer and less strong.

However, if you have concerns about laser treatments or electrical devices, waxing is an excellent alternative. This method is particularly gentle, but still produces remarkably smooth results.

Conclusion

In summary, laser hair removal is a proven and safe method for achieving long-lasting smooth skin. However, it should not be forgotten that this technique is not without minor risks. When the laser penetrates the skin, there is a minimal risk of temporary skin irritation, slight redness, occasional inflammation and pigment changes. However, when used expertly, these side effects are extremely rare.

It should be noted that the risk of these side effects is almost negligible as long as the treatment is carried out by qualified professionals. This does not apply to people with sunburn, very dark skin or pregnant women. In these cases, special care should be taken.