Debunking 5 Popular Myths of Laser Hair Removal for Teenagers
Hair removal brings up memories of methods like waxing, shaving threading and creams, which is mostly painful and a task. Once opted for any of these methods, a lifelong cycle of painstaking manual shaving followed by uneven regrowth begins, demanding more and more frequent shaving rituals. But, there is a silver lining.
“Laser hair removal” is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for eliminating unwanted hair growth with exposure to pulses of hair follicle-destroying laser light energy. Despite speculations, it is a dermatologically-recommended hair removal procedure, especially suitable for young adults.
Opt for laser hair removal in Bangalore for your skin and discover first-hand how popular myths around the subject bust!
Myth 1: Cancer Scare
Does laser cause cancer? There are no studies or cases to support such a claim, therefore-entirely speculative. If you have heard of such concerns from a neighbourhood aunt, it is entirely speculative. Laser hair removal is a machine which uses no harmful rays but just light strobes which destroy hair follicle.
Come to think of it, you will be safer from cancerous exposure with laser hair removal than spending an afternoon out in the sun!
Myth 2: It Burns
Now, that’s a valid fear. Since laser hair removal works by intensely concentrating heat pointedly upon pigmented hairs, you would be risking chances of burn. However, laser burn, if there is any, is superficial and if treated early and correctly, it heals very well without leaving any scars.
Professional skin clinics offering laser hair removal in Bangalore adopt a suite of preventive measures to ensure minimal skin flares. A modulation of lasers, using concentration of laser energy as suitable to a given hair thickness, and application of cooling restorative gels on the area before treatment, are some common practices followed by any derma clinic with experienced dermatologists. Latest laser hair removal machines are equipped with advanced, in-built cooling to ensure zero skin burns.
Additionally, the treatment-receiver may also need to follow certain measures for a week prior and after the procedures. These directives may include – avoidance of direct sun exposure, cleaning the area with gentle cleansers, application of barrier repair creams, and avoidance of sweat-inducing make up.
Related Read : Laser Hair Removal – Pre & Post Treatment Care Tips
Trust experienced dermatologists to use the right amount of laser-energy to reduce hair and take enough care in the process to give you damage-free results. Since the fear of lasers is valid, you may also try a trial of one to two shots and check if they affect you, and come back for more later once you are confident.
On the flip side of some nanoscopic anxiety, there lies a long life free of icky, unwanted hair!
Myth 3: Skin Damage
Laser hair removal stories may scare a few. Although not very common, hair removal by lasers in some cases can cause the treated skin area to blister, crust, and even scar.
Often, in the case of unskilled laser treatment delivery, usage of wrong energy or exposure to sun, scrubbing etc. can lead to first-degree burns.
Before you get super-anxious and back out of the treatment fearing ghastly skin damage, remember, it is perfectly natural to experience a slight swell and redness post-treatment. But any lasting damage is unlikely.
Myth 4: Hurts Like Hell
No, it doesn’t. Otherwise, so many people would not be undergoing it! If you have survived the jab of multiple COVID vaccine shots, you would survive post-treatment prickles of laser hair removal too! According to credible surveys by dermatological experts, 48% of those undergoing laser treatment for hair removal experience mild pain, while 36% feel moderate soreness.
At any top-grade professional skin clinic, the application area will be pre-treated with coolant gels and antibacterial ointments. This shall reduce the intensity of the prick-like sensations on your skin as the hairs uproot. That being said, you might need to account for the tenderness of young skin and prepare your teenage ward mentally before they enter the laser room.
Myth 5: Costs an Arm and a Leg
The cutting-edge technology of laser hair removal is a procedure thoroughly tested for safety and maximum effectivity, and that cannot come very cheap.
If you compare the costs of waxing or threading to the costs of a one-off laser treatment, the latter actually saves you a lump sum. The service may seem like an extravagance at first, but not so much when you account for the long-term, big picture.
Rest assured, by undergoing laser hair removal in your early teens pre-18 years of age, you will be significantly reducing expenses revolving around excess hair for a lifetime.
“All things considered, laser treatment for the removal of excess hair is an investment. Not an expenditure!”
Dr.Tina Ramachander is one of the best dermatologist in Bangalore and Medical Director at Dr.Tina’s Skin Solutionz, a skin care clinic in Bangalore. She completed her master’s in dermatology from the well acclaimed JJM Medical college in Karnataka and is now a practicising dermatosurgeon and Medical Cosmetologist in Bangalore.