Laser Hair Removal Increasingly Popular Option
by Karl Swanson MD

A little more than 10 years ago, it was almost entirely unheard of for a medical doctor to carry a laser in his office capable of removing superfluous and unwanted hair. In a recent study conducted by the ASAPS, laser hair removal ranks among the top nonsurgical cosmetic enhancement procedures performed in the past year, trailing closely behind Botox and injectable fillers.

Unsightly body hair is a common inconvenience. Despite the shaving, plucking, tweezing, and waxing, it is common knowledge that the hair will simply grow back, making the process even more grueling and time consuming. On top of the annoyance of popular ways of removing hair, the irritation caused and rough scale-like feeling can be a serious blow to ones confidence.

The way it works is relatively simple. The wavelength of the laser attacks pigments. The laser is inherently attracted to dark pigment, and therefore works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but newer lasers are now able to target dark black hair even in patients with dark skin.

The procedure is relatively quick, about the time it takes the shave, and yet is performed over the period of months rather than days. Ideally, we attack the root just in just a few treatments and never see it again.

However the size and thickness of the skin and hair definitely play a role, and therefore it can take longer to absolve the hair from the area. It is still a major convenience; having a procedure done every few months is much easier than shaving twice a week. Let me help you find your ultimate image.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal systems emit a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The hair absorbs it, the energy from the laser is transformed into heat and the hair follicle is disabled.

How does laser hair removal compare with electrolysis?

Electrolysis can be a tedious, painful process destroying each hair follicle one at a time. This can sometimes require treatment over years at regular intervals.

Laser hair removal on the other hand can treat hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously so the process is much quicker.

Is laser hair removal for anyone?

Coolglide Technology

With CoolGlide’s unique design, there is now the flexibility to treat all skin types with laser hair removal. Before CoolGlide, tanned patients and persons with darker skin could not expect good results from laser hair removal treatment.

A CoolGlide device has a longer wavelength which allows it to treat all skin tones. While patients with fair skin still respond the best, medical studies indicated that patients with tanned or dark skin can now achieve hair reduction equal to fair skinned patients without undesireable side effects.

Other Laser Hair Removal Devices

With some laser hair removal equipment, an absolute requirement is that the hair must be darker than the surrounding skin.

White skin with dark hair responds best. Persons with dark, coarse hair are the easiest to treat as dark hair contains melanin, a dark pigment which attracts the laser light so more laser energy is absorbed. Fewer sessions are needed.

Light colored hair is more difficult to treat and blonde and red hair are very difficult to treat requiring multiple laser hair removal sessions with varied results.

Anyone on a diet high in beta-carotene will need to change eating habits if they want best results from laser hair removal. Beta-carotene, found in vitamin A, carrots, squash and other vegetables produces a yellow or orange color in the skin which absorbs the laser energy and interferes with it reaching the hair follicle.

As beta-carotene can remain in the body for months, an adjustment in diet may be needed well in advance of laser hair removal treatment for optimum results.

Persons with light skin are the easiest to treat, requiring less laser hair removal sessions as the results are faster.

Persons with dark skin or sun tanned skin take longer to get results because melanin, the dark pigment in hair, is also present in skin. Melanin absorbs some of the laser light.

There is the danger of dark skin being burned in these instances so a laser beam with a lower energy level is used. For this reason also a higher level of expertise is required on the part of the laser hair removal clinic.

How long does laser hair removal treatment take?

The time involved with laser hair removal treatment varies from person to person with skin, hair coloring and coarseness of hair all affecting the time.

Here are some estimates which can give an approximate guide.

Back 1½ -3 hours

Shoulders 10-20 minutes

Underarms 1-2 minutes

Bikini Line 8-10 minutes

Upper lip less than 1 minute

Chin 2-3 minutes

Legs 1½ -3 hours

At least 2 or 3 treatments are necessary, and hair that has been waxed or removed with tweezers could need from 5 to 8 treatments.

Why are repeated laser hair removal sessions necessary?

Hair goes through cycles. Anagen refers to the growth stage of hair. Laser hair removal treatment works best on hair that is in the anagen stage.

While one laser hair removal treatment may have long lasting effects, repeated treatments are necessary for best results to catch all the hairs as they enter the anagen stage.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Yes. The laser uses a wavelength of light which passes through the skin. Unlike x-rays, there is no residual left in the body.

Skin may appear pink or red after treatment. This disappears - in some cases after some minutes, in other cases after a few hours, or in still other cases, a few days. Use of cold packs will speed up the recovery time.

Is laser hair removal painful?

This varies from person to person depending on their sensitivity. Some have described the sensation of laser hair removal to a slight sting on the skin. Others say it feels like a pinch on the skin.

When can I expect to see results from laser hair removal?

After the first treatment hair will gradually fall out over the next two months. Repeated laser hair removal treatments are necessary to catch all the hairs in their various stages of growth.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

This depends on the size of the area needing laser hair removal treatment. A consumer guide on laser hair removal treatment gives $500 per treatment session as a reasonable average with 3 to 4 sessions often necessary.

The whole area on the back or the legs can cost considerably more while smaller areas such as the upper lip can cost less. Individual consultations are necessary to establish accurate laser hair removal pricing.

Is Photo-Epilation the same as laser laser hair removal treatment?

Photo-Epilation or pulsed light devices use the same principle as lasers but they are not lasers. An intense pulsed light is used to disable hair follicles with minimal side effects.

It can be effective in hair removal but requires a higher level of skill in operating as it is more difficult to adjust than lasers.

Due to it’s larger spot size, large areas of the body such as the back or legs can be treated rapidly. One study showed a 50 to 60 percent clearance of hair in 12 weeks.

Can results be guaranteed with laser hair removal?

No. Due to the variables involved it is impossible to predict exactly what the results will be for any individual with laser hair removal. Many reputable laser hair removal clinics avoid giving guarantees for this reason.

Must Read tips on Laser Hair Removal

Lazer hair removal technology is developed for zapping the unwanted hairs. Today’s people are very tired of shaving, waxing and plucking of body hair. Mostly people uses laser hair removal. This system uses pulsating beam of light for removing unwanted hairs. If you want long term result then laser hair removal is best option for you. There is common treatment for the locations whether your hairs are on face, upper lips, chin and bikini line,armspits and legs. Laser hair removal doesn’t remove hairs permanently. Long term hair removal period is possible by another treatment.Preparation for Laser Hair RemovalIt is used for people who are intrested to remove unwanted hairs by laser hair removal. successful laser hair removal treatment is depends on hair color and skin type. Mostly it is successful on the people having dark color of hair and light skin. But people also takes a treatment who have dark skin type.You have to meet with your doctor to take the advice that this treatment is useful for you or not. Doctor will ask you questions about your health condition, like are you taking medicines of any type. You have to give the photographs of area where you want to take the treatment. This photographs are used for long term re-views. Ask each and every question to your doctor clearly. doctor will tell you losses and benifits of this treatment. Work Laser Hair RemovalDoctor uses hand-held laser instrument on your skin. Depending upon laser a cooling device or gel is user to give protection to your skin. When doctor starts the laser it will passes the light on your face where hair growth is originated.Necessary Treatments for Hair Removal Three to six treatments are require for removal of long lasting hair. There is 4 to 12 week interval between the treatments. Treatment is done as per hair color hair type and location where to treat.Complications of Laser Hair Removal There is not much complications in laser hair removal treatment if you concerned to any skilled physician. There is a certain degree of pain, sweeling and redness around the treatment session.Bactarial infection is occured when superficial skin is injured.Scarring is also occured.

To enjoy the summer without burning here are a few simple rules. 

Rule one: know your UV limitations.  Every person’s skin responds differently to UV rays (sunlight).  In 1975 Thomas Fitzpatrick a Harvard PhD devised the Fitzpatrick skin test to help define these boundaries.  The Fitzpatrick test asks a series of questions that look at genetics, previous experience and lifestyle.  The questions yield a raw score and neatly categorize skin types into 6 distinct categories ranging from light to dark skin. 

 On one end of the spectrum you have people with little or no tolerance to UV and burn easily (type I).  On the other end of the spectrum you have people with dark skin that do not burn easily (type VI).  If you would like to take the Fitzpatrick test and determine your specific skin type please visit www.sunsauce.com. Understanding your burn threshold can make your time outdoors more enjoyable and safer. 

 Rule two: use an SPF lotion.  SPF’s (sun protection factor) or sun blocks can easily and effectively reduce your risk of burning.  SPF’s use a number system to identify their ability to block or repel burning rays.   As an example, assume you normally redden or burn in 10 minutes of direct sunlight.  When you apply an SPF 15, it increases the time it takes to redden or burn up to 150 minutes or 15 times as long.    SPF’s with a higher number generally provide a longer duration of protection.  It is important to liberally apply the sunscreen to all exposed areas or you will regret any oversights.  Additionally, sweat, water, or rubbing off can remove SPF, so make sure to liberally reapply as needed. Sunscreens are a great preventative measure, but if you think you are burning, get out of the sun.   Sunburns or overexposure are key factors in premature aging.      

 Rule three: where sunglasses.  Overexposure to UV rays can cause eye damage.  Your eyes are fragile and UV’s invisible rays can penetrate the eyes even in cloud cover.  UV blocking sunglasses are more then a fashion statement; they are your eyes first defense against burning.  Use them regularly. 

 With these 3 simple rules, you can enjoy a prolonged and satisfying outdoor experience.   Your skin and eyes will thank you.  If your outdoor pursuits are tanning induced, then this is the perfect time for you to consider sunless tanning products.  New DHA (dihydroxyacetone) sunless tanners provide an authentic result without the sun.  DHA is a natural fruit sugar that works with the skin to delivers rapid tanning naturally. 

 If you are looking for a truly health conscious approach to having your cake and eating it too, sunless tanning combined with an SPF outdoor program is an intelligent way to enjoy the sun. Get the look and feel without the burn and peel. 

Common Fashion tips and mistakes

Most of the time you have to face the dilemma in mens fashion coordination. coordnation in color of shirts and pants, coordination of checks with stripes. There are two factors for color coordination one is coordinating men clothing against our complexion and other is creating color harmony. Mixxing pattern is coordination of same design and pattern of different design. The ultimate challenge is to mix three or four pattern togetherly. Style is the way you put together cloths, not the cloths themselves. Following are some style tipsWhen you will go to shopping for your basic wordrobe stay away from overly trendy pieces. Do not purchase everything you have seen in magazine. Pick up what looks and feels better on you. your wordrobe must show your personality. Woman FashionWoman fashion is not just about their clothing. It is something that you can associate with yourself. Your fashion statement is depends upon your body frame, skin tone, comfort level and personal attitude. Urban woman fashion style should go in consistency and fashion way.Fashion Tips for women : Body Frame : A women having plumps should avoid sleeveless. Select dark color rather than lighter shade. If you like to wear lighter shade then prefers dull color. Choose dull bliue rather than sky blue. Smaller prints and vertical prints gives you slimmer look. Heavy built should avoid cotton and kotta sarees. Select chiffon and georgette sarees. Entire range of beautiful shades are suitable for thin women.Sleevless, deep cut and strapped blouse can also worn. Skin Tone:Gold with blend of copper will suitable for women having fair complexion. mixed shades are choosen by medium or whitysh skin tone women. Dark skin toned wrap up with goldnish copper shade. Personal attitude and comfortness: Your comfort feeling is important for deciding your style. If you are not comfotable with western look but you want cosmopolitan look then go for indo western outfit. If you are shy in nature then saree is better option with boat necked or squre necked blouse.If you are person of bold personality then choose western outfit.

A Look at Scar Removal

Most people are no stranger to scars. The majority of us carry around souvenirs of childhood wounds in various places on our bodies. While some people are very prone to scarring and result in scars from minor wounds, others may experience little to no scarring at all. This is due to biological factors and can vary greatly from person to person. Though some scars are small and blend in with the skin, others are a nightmare to live with. Extremely bad scarring can be enough to cause a real problem with day to day life. The laser removal of scars is now a realistic everyday option for sufferers. Living with scar tissue can be a painful reminder of an unfortunate accident or other unwanted memory. Scars can be caused by anything from cuts to acne and the reasons to remove it differ among patients. Consulting with a practitioner skilled in laser removal will make a world of difference when it comes to making such a committed decision. Rushing into any form of surgical procedure whether invasive or not is never recommended. It’s essential to be informed about all aspects and details associated with the treatment for your own well being. As unfortunate as it is, not everyone can successfully utilize the laser treatment. People with dark skin pigment are not usually considered prime candidates for laser scar removal. Also those who experience dermatological problems such as psoriasis or eczema often cannot undergo the procedure. Of course this is exactly why a consultation is so necessary. Everyone’s skin varies greatly and it’s impossible to guess what may or may not work for you. Never take unnecessary risks when it comes to something as precious as your skin. It’s the only set you’ve got and all measures should be taken to ensure its health and vitality. Depending upon the type of treatment required different lasers will be used. For example, a procedure to reduce severe acne scarring would employ a C02 laser whereas the PDL laser is used in cases that treat keloid scars. The licensed practitioner of your choice will evaluate your scar and decide which laser would be most beneficial to your particular situation. The length of the procedure depends greatly on the scar being removed. As little as a few minutes or as much as an hour or two can be required to effectively treat the scarred area. It’s considered to be out patient surgery due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure and often only a local anaesthetic is used. Following a laser surgery the doctor will provide you with all of the post treatment information that you will need. Some patients may be prescribed antibiotics or topical cream to aid in the prevention of infection and assist healing though it’s rarely required. It’s extremely important to follow all instructions closely to avoid any delay in the skin’s healing. Avoiding direct exposure to the sun is often a key component of healing within the first few days as the sun can alter the skin’s pigment. Take care of your skin and always have full knowledge of what you are doing to it.

Detailed Information on Melanoma

Melanoma is the most risky type of skin cancer. Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye. It is due to wild growth of pigment cells, called melanocytes. Melanin also protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV). Melanoma is most common in white skinned individuals, but it may rarely develop in those with dark skin as well. About one in fifteen white skinned New Zealanders are expected to develop melanoma in their lifetime. Melanoma can occur in adults of any age but is very rare in children.Melanoma can also include the colored area of the eye. Malignant melanoma accounts for 75 percent of all deaths linked with skin cancer. There are four main types of melanoma. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most frequent type of melanoma. It is usually flat and irregular in shape and color, with varying shades of black and brown. Nodular melanoma usually starts as a raised area that is dark blackish-blue or bluish-red, although some are without color. Lentigo maligna melanoma usually occurs in the elderly. It is most common in sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and arms. Acral lentiginous melanoma is the least common form of melanoma. It generally occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails and is more familiar in African Americans. Melanoma can extend very quickly. Melanoma may show on normal skin, or it may begin at a mole or other area that has changed in appearance. Some moles present at birth may develop into melanomas. The development of melanoma is related to sun exposure, particularly to sunburns during childhood, and is most common among people with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and red or blond hair. Melanomas are removed surgically. The level of surgery depends on the thickness of the melanoma and its site. Most thin melanomas do not require widespread surgery. They are generally removed using a local anaesthetic, and the fault stitched up. A small area of normal skin around the melanoma is also excised to make sure that all the melanoma cells have been removed. Radiation therapy is frequently used after surgical resection for patients with locally or regionally advanced melanoma. High risk melanomas may require adjuvant treatment. Various chemotherapy agents are used, including dacarbazine; immunotherapies as well as local perfusion are used.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal systems emit a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The hair absorbs it, the energy from the laser is transformed into heat and the hair follicle is disabled.

How does laser hair removal compare with electrolysis?

Electrolysis can be a tedious, painful process destroying each hair follicle one at a time. This can sometimes require treatment over years at regular intervals.

Laser hair removal on the other hand can treat hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously so the process is much quicker.

Is laser hair removal for anyone?

Coolglide Technology

With CoolGlide’s unique design, there is now the flexibility to treat all skin types with laser hair removal. Before CoolGlide, tanned patients and persons with darker skin could not expect good results from laser hair removal treatment.

A CoolGlide device has a longer wavelength which allows it to treat all skin tones. While patients with fair skin still respond the best, medical studies indicated that patients with tanned or dark skin can now achieve hair reduction equal to fair skinned patients without undesireable side effects.

Other Laser Hair Removal Devices

With some laser hair removal equipment, an absolute requirement is that the hair must be darker than the surrounding skin.

White skin with dark hair responds best. Persons with dark, coarse hair are the easiest to treat as dark hair contains melanin, a dark pigment which attracts the laser light so more laser energy is absorbed. Fewer sessions are needed.

Light colored hair is more difficult to treat and blonde and red hair are very difficult to treat requiring multiple laser hair removal sessions with varied results.

Anyone on a diet high in beta-carotene will need to change eating habits if they want best results from laser hair removal. Beta-carotene, found in vitamin A, carrots, squash and other vegetables produces a yellow or orange color in the skin which absorbs the laser energy and interferes with it reaching the hair follicle.

As beta-carotene can remain in the body for months, an adjustment in diet may be needed well in advance of laser hair removal treatment for optimum results.

Persons with light skin are the easiest to treat, requiring less laser hair removal sessions as the results are faster.

Persons with dark skin or sun tanned skin take longer to get results because melanin, the dark pigment in hair, is also present in skin. Melanin absorbs some of the laser light.

There is the danger of dark skin being burned in these instances so a laser beam with a lower energy level is used. For this reason also a higher level of expertise is required on the part of the laser hair removal clinic.

How long does laser hair removal treatment take?

The time involved with laser hair removal treatment varies from person to person with skin, hair coloring and coarseness of hair all affecting the time.

Here are some estimates which can give an approximate guide.

Back 1½ -3 hours

Shoulders 10-20 minutes

Underarms 1-2 minutes

Bikini Line 8-10 minutes

Upper lip less than 1 minute

Chin 2-3 minutes

Legs 1½ -3 hours

At least 2 or 3 treatments are necessary, and hair that has been waxed or removed with tweezers could need from 5 to 8 treatments.

Why are repeated laser hair removal sessions necessary?

Hair goes through cycles. Anagen refers to the growth stage of hair. Laser hair removal treatment works best on hair that is in the anagen stage.

While one laser hair removal treatment may have long lasting effects, repeated treatments are necessary for best results to catch all the hairs as they enter the anagen stage.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Yes. The laser uses a wavelength of light which passes through the skin. Unlike x-rays, there is no residual left in the body.

Skin may appear pink or red after treatment. This disappears - in some cases after some minutes, in other cases after a few hours, or in still other cases, a few days. Use of cold packs will speed up the recovery time.

Is laser hair removal painful?

This varies from person to person depending on their sensitivity. Some have described the sensation of laser hair removal to a slight sting on the skin. Others say it feels like a pinch on the skin.

When can I expect to see results from laser hair removal?

After the first treatment hair will gradually fall out over the next two months. Repeated laser hair removal treatments are necessary to catch all the hairs in their various stages of growth.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

This depends on the size of the area needing laser hair removal treatment. A consumer guide on laser hair removal treatment gives $500 per treatment session as a reasonable average with 3 to 4 sessions often necessary.

The whole area on the back or the legs can cost considerably more while smaller areas such as the upper lip can cost less. Individual consultations are necessary to establish accurate laser hair removal pricing.

Is Photo-Epilation the same as laser laser hair removal treatment?

Photo-Epilation or pulsed light devices use the same principle as lasers but they are not lasers. An intense pulsed light is used to disable hair follicles with minimal side effects.

It can be effective in hair removal but requires a higher level of skill in operating as it is more difficult to adjust than lasers.

Due to it’s larger spot size, large areas of the body such as the back or legs can be treated rapidly. One study showed a 50 to 60 percent clearance of hair in 12 weeks.

Can results be guaranteed with laser hair removal?

No. Due to the variables involved it is impossible to predict exactly what the results will be for any individual with laser hair removal. Many reputable laser hair removal clinics avoid giving guarantees for this reason.

Acne is an acute problem for the black as well as white skinned population. However, treating acne and having clear black skin post treatment is always helpful.

Acne is a serious skin disease, which occurs to anyone irrespective of his or her age, sex or race. This acute skin condition can consist blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and even deeper boil-like lesions called nodules or cysts. Thing is that, acne is something, which your skin dreads of .In fact, black men and women find it hard to deal with their problem of acne. Now, keeping that in mind let’s find out how to have clear black skin after acne treatment.

People from Africa, Native Australians, African-Americans, Caribbean and other islands have dark skin because the melanin content in the skin is quite high. Melanin actually protects the skin from the strong rays of the sun. Despite that their skin still is susceptible to acne. It is not surprising that many black skinned people suffer from this skin ailment.

Tips For Treating Acne On Black Skin

Acne treatments are not categorized for black or white skins. There are a number of remedies that you can rely on irrespective whether you are black skinned or white skinned. As first things first, the best that you can do for your black skin is follow good hygiene. Make sure that you religiously clean your face with a cleanser or soap at least once or twice daily. This ensures clean and oil-free skin. Try not to indulge i

n frequent washing. This would surely expose your skin to the harmful environment. Consider the products that you would apply on your skin before buying.

Homemade remedies are ideal for acne treatments. Cucumber, lemon, lime, tea tree oil, honey, oats, tomatoes, orange and turmeric can be the reason for your cure. The least you should do is apply it as a paste and leave it on for 15-30 minutes before washing it off. It not only destroys bacteria but also pulls out the excess oil making your skin ever so fresh and supple.

You may even trawl around for some non-prescription products in the market. Something like Benzoyl Peroxide or is it Salicylic Acid that can help you dispose of that agonizing skin problem.

When everything fails as acne treatment for your black skin, make sure that you seek the help of a doctor. Mind you, the option is suitable to those who have severe acne problems. Your doctor will see to it that you get more effective acne treatment for your skin. Azelaic acid, a good alternative to Benzoyl Peroxide, Antibiotic lotions and Oral antibiotics are all that is required to do away with acne. And if that doesn’t work then a laser treatment may be your ultimate resort.

There couldn’t have been any better tips as above to relief your black skin from acne.

Article Source: http://www.BestToRead.com/

When it comes to acne treatment for black skin, the impact of acne is different from that of white skinned people.

Black men and women find acne treatment for black skin rather difficult. Acne is a skin problem which is common and consists of blackheads, whiteheads and also some big boil-like nodules or cysts.

Teenagers are by far the most affected by the disease which also affects women in their thirties. In puberty acne occurs due to the changes in the hormone levels. With time and patience, acne will heal itself in most cases..

Acne affects the hair follicles and also the oil secreting glands in the skin. It usually occurs on the face, chest, arms and back. They have different types of spots, like whiteheads, pustules, blackheads and nodules.

Acne affects people of all skin colors. The causes of acne are the same for people of different skin colors, but the impact of acne is altered according to the pigmentation of the skin. People from Africa, native Australians, African-Americans and other islands are darker than their Northern European friends due to the increased amount of the dark pigment melanin in the skin.

Melanin protects the skin from sunlight and also keeps the black skinned people appearing younger than the white skinned people. With age, dark people show irregularly pigmented skin, which appear as dark patches on their skin. If an area of their skin gets inf

lamed, it can be irregularly pigmented.

Acne in black skin

Though the treatment for acne is the same among black and white people, there are some exceptions. Some treatments may result in temporarily lightening of dark skin. Very dark skin is not as well moisturized as white skin, so it is preferable to seek the advice of a dermatologist before using products that have a drying effect on the skin.

The part where the skin was inflamed due to acne among black people usually are in danger of excessive skin darkening. Severe inflammatory acne among black people may cause dark spots. However, a dermatologist may help in making the spots less apparent before they resolve. Chemical peeling of acne scars may result in temporary lightening or darkening of the dark skin in the acne affected areas.

There are no acne treatments formulated for the use of only dark-skinned people. Acne treatments are as harmless on black skin as they would be on dark skin.

Home Treatments

Fruits and vegetables are effective for the cure of acne. People with black skin can apply a paste of cucumber, lime, honey, oats, lemon, tea tree oil, tomatoes, orange, oats and turmeric. They can wash it off after 15-30 minutes for the eradication of excess oil and the killing of bacteria causing acne.

Article Source: http://www.BestToRead.com/