Laser hair removal burns: causes, prevention and treatment

Laser hair removal is an affordable and permanent solution for removing unwanted hair. If you're reading this blog, you may have thought about it before or are currently considering it. The procedure is non-invasive and safe, but like any medical procedure, there may be side effects in some cases, usually burns. Rest assured that burns from laser hair removal are rare and there are many ways to avoid them. In this blog, we'll explain what laser burns are, how they occur, and what steps you can take to prevent and treat them if they do occur. Read on and we'll make sure you're fully prepared for your next treatment appointment (1).

What are laser burns?

A laser burn is an injury to the skin caused by a high-energy laser beam. Such burns usually appear as mild redness and swelling. More severe cases of burns can result in crusting, hyperpigmentation, peeling, and changes in skin color. The severity of the burn depends on several factors, such as the type of laser used, the energy level of the laser, the training and experience of the technician, and the sensitivity of the skin (2).

How do laser burns occur during hair removal?

In laser hair removal, the laser beam targets the melanin - a pigment that gives hair its color - in the hair follicle. The laser energy heats the hair follicle, damaging it and preventing hair growth. However, if the treatment is not performed properly, the laser beam can also heat the surrounding skin, causing skin burns.

Although laser burns are rare, they can occur in the following situations:

•   The device or the technician does not allow enough time for it to cool down.
•   The device is an older model that does not have all the safety features of the latest IPL hair removal devices.
•   The gel is not compatible with the device or is not dried before starting the procedure.
•   The laser device is not correctly calibrated.
•   The technician uses an inappropriate laser on dark or tanned skin because the laser energy is more strongly absorbed due to the higher melanin content (3).

How to avoid laser burns during hair removal?

As mentioned above, although burns are rare, they can be prevented for optimal results. If you want to avoid burns during laser hair removal, here are some of the most important precautions to keep in mind:

•   Choose a reliable provider: This is a crucial step to ensure safe and effective hair removal. Make sure the provider you choose is licensed and experienced in laser hair removal. It's important to research the provider's qualifications and experience and read reviews from previous clients. Ask about the type of equipment used (the more modern the technology and equipment, the better) and make sure you get a proper consultation and skin evaluation before starting treatment.
•   Avoid sun exposure: You should avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your laser hair removal appointment. Sun exposure can increase the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation. You should also avoid self-tanning products and tanning beds.
•   Take a break from your retinol: Avoid using any retinol products on your skin for at least a week before your appointment. You probably shouldn't have any facials done either. The extremely sensitive skin after treatment can increase the risk of burning.
•   Shave before your appointment: Shave the area to be treated before your appointment. This will reduce the risk of burns because there will be fewer hairs for the laser to target.
•   Avoid other hair removal methods: Avoid other methods that may stress or damage the skin, such as waxing, plucking or chemical hair removal.
•   Communicate with your technician: Tell your technician if you have any skin conditions, allergies, or heat sensitivity. They can adjust the laser settings to minimize the risk of burns.
•   Avoid certain medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, can increase the risk of burns. During your consultation, tell your technician about all medications you are taking before starting treatment.
•   Follow post-treatment instructions: After treatment, your doctor will give you a set of instructions to help your skin heal and minimize the risk of burns and infections. These instructions include avoiding hot water, using cooling products, staying out of the sun, and using a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF (4).

How do you treat laser burns?

If a laser burn does occur in mild cases, there are some steps you can take to treat it. Here's what you can do:

•   Cool the area: Apply a cold compress or run cool water over the affected area to lower the temperature and reduce inflammation. Be sure to avoid hot water or baths.
•   Use aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area to soothe and moisturize the skin. Aloe vera can also reduce redness and inflammation.
•   Avoid sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure until the burn has healed. Sun exposure can worsen the burn and increase the risk of hyperpigmentation. Also, use sunscreen with SPF.
•   Consult a dermatologist: If the burn is severe or does not heal, you should see a dermatologist. They may recommend prescription creams or ointments to speed healing and prevent scarring (5).

In summary, laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure for a reason, as it offers a permanent solution to unwanted hair. Although the procedure carries some risk of laser burns, these risks can easily be avoided and minimized by preparing well, choosing a qualified doctor, and following post-treatment care instructions. When performed by a trained professional and with the proper precautions, laser hair removal is a low-risk procedure that can produce excellent results. When considering laser hair removal, always remember: research is the first step. With proper preparation and aftercare, you can enjoy smooth and hair-free skin with minimal risk of side effects. Trust the science behind the technology and the skills of your doctor to get the results you want.

Credentials:

1. Raulin C, Greve B, Grema H. ​​IPL technology: a review. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;32(2):78-87. doi:10.1002/lsm.10124. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lsm.10124

2. Adatto M, Halachmi S, Lapidoth M. Laser hair removal: an update. Dermatol Clin. 2014;32(2):253-261. doi:10.1016/j.det.2013.11.001. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0733863513001285

3. Dierickx CC, Grossman MC, Farinelli W, Anderson RR. Damage to hair follicles by normal-mode ruby ​​laser pulses. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996;35(6):889-894. doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(96)90334-5. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962296903345

4. Kilmer SL, Anderson RR. Clinical uses of lasers in dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993;28(2 Pt 1):163-177. doi:10.1016/0190-9622(93)70022-V. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/019096229370022V

5. Waibel J, Wulkan AJ, Rudnick A. The safety and efficacy of black skin-specific laser hair removal using a novel 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2013;15(3):146-149. doi:10.3109/14764172.2013.794721. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/14764172.2013.794721