Laser Hair Removal Technologies

While many people are aware of laser hair removal in general, most do not know that different types of lasers can be used for different types of skin problems. In the 1990's, when this form of treatment became available to the general public, the antiquated lasers used could only achieve favorable results on very light skinned individuals. Today's technology, however, offers relief for persons with all tones of skin. The fact remains, though, that darker skinned patients will experience the best removal results.

The laser hair removal procedure involves transmitting a beam of light under the surface of the skin. Once there, this light turns into heat and targets the base of the follicle, disabling it immediately. The follicles that are in the process of growth at the time of the procedure are the ones that will be deactivated by the beam. It is important for the beams to be able to travel through the skin to the melanin for proper treatment. Melanin is the compound that gives both skin and hair its color and is what the laser is actually aiming for during the procedure.

Various types of lasers for the hair removal process include:

1) Ruby lasers - These beams have been around since the dawn of laser hair technology and are used primarily for very light skinned persons. They possess a short 694nm wavelength and can actually lighten or darken skin if used on a patient with darker or even a remotely tanned complexion. Most practitioners presently use more up-to-date and effective lasers.

2) Alexandrite lasers - These lasers, along with the ruby beam, have been around since the beginning. They have an 855nm wavelength and have a tendency to change skin tone if utilized by persons with anything other than very light skin. They aren't recommended for patients with dark complexions and are, in general, not a popular choice of equipment.

3) Diode lasers - This new form of technology was crafted with the darker skinned patient in mind and offers exciting and favorable results. Although treatment with this laser has not been available for long, practitioners find that the longer 800 nm wavelength allows the beam to travel deeper into the skin and targets the melanin found in the hair instead of hitting the melanin found in the surrounding skin.

4) Nd:YAG lasers - With a wavelength of 1064, this new type of laser offers relief to those patients with dark skin who were previously unable to get optimal laser removal results. The downside, however, is that the effects may not be as long-lasting. Good news exists, however, as research is being performed in the hopes that this technology will soon offer an enduring hair-free outcome.

5) Intense Pulsed Light - Often referred to as IPL, this system treats any and all color of skin and type of hair. Because it boasts wavelengths ranging from 515nm to 1200nm it is not considered a laser beam in the traditional sense of the term. This is the most popular options offered at removal clinics today and is usually offered along with many other of the "real" previously mentioned lasers.

All of the lasers listed above are advertised by clinics using various brand names. Be sure to discuss the types of lasers available when meeting with your dermatologist as you'll want to only use a clinic that offers the best range of technology that's available for your particular skin.