Epilation with alexandrite laser

There are many ways to remove unwanted hair, and one of them is laser hair removal. The principle of this method is designed in such a way that under the action of a laser beam, light energy, penetrating deep into the hair shaft, turns into heat, and under the action of this heat, the hair follicle is destroyed. After the destruction of the hair follicle, further hair growth is impossible. But the method has a drawback - the laser beam detects only those hairs in which there is a content of melanin, gray and light hairs cannot be eliminated with the help of a laser.

The effectiveness of laser hair removal largely depends on the device with which the procedure is performed. There is a diode and alexandrite type of laser - they have a common principle of operation, but differ from each other in some nuances.

There are 2 main types of devices used for laser hair removal - diode and alexandrite. All other laser devices with various marketing names are their counterparts, since science has not yet developed other technologies besides these two. Laser hair removal is a procedure that helps remove hair from the body and face. The principle of operation of a laser device is based on the length of the light wave - the larger it is, the deeper it penetrates deep into the surface of the skin.

A diode laser differs from alexandrite laser in that it is less sensitive to melanin, but more actively performs cauterization of the vessels that feed the hair follicle. The developers of the diode laser set the task of achieving the effect of heating the hair shaft and cauterizing the vessels feeding it, but according to the results of the study, it turned out that the effect on the vessels is not very pronounced.

Any laser device is designed so that the laser beam absorbs the melanin contained in the hair structure. However, it is worth noting that melanin is also present in the tissues of the skin, especially if it has a tan or is dark-skinned for genetic reasons. In order not to cause burns to the skin tissues, it is customary to use the laser only on light skin, but at the same time, the laser beam does not notice light or gray hair and does not have the desired effect on them. In diode devices, the laser beam has a long length and low power when compared with the alexandrite analogue. For this reason, a larger number of epilation sessions will have to be done on the diode apparatus in order to remove all hair from the skin surface. Due to the low power, diode lasers can be used for dark-skinned people, without fear of causing skin burns during the procedure.

In devices of alexandrite type, despite the fact that their light wave is shorter, the power is quite high, which means that the effectiveness of the procedure is much higher than that of a diode analogue. To work with dark skin, modern models of devices are equipped with an automatic cooling system, which ensures a comfortable procedure and prevents burns.

According to the norms of physiology, the skin of men and women is covered with protective hair growth. Moreover, in men, the density and intensity of the hairline is higher than in women. Striving for the ideal, women try to get rid of unwanted body hair, and in this case they are shown laser hair removal as an effective and efficient method. But there are pathological disorders in the body, in which hair growth increases, in this case, the result of hair removal may be short-term, since in order to solve the problem it is necessary to eliminate its cause.

Laser hair removal is indicated in the following cases:

• hirsutism - the presence of male hair growth in women, that is, dark and coarse hair grows on the face, abdomen, chest or back;
• hypertrichosis - increased hair growth in those areas where they should be physiologically;
• increased requirements for appearancerelated to sports, work at the catering unit, and so on;
• increased skin sensitivity to other methods of hair removal, their ineffectiveness, complications in the form of ingrown hairs.

In addition to indications, laser hair removal also has contraindications to the procedure. Sessions should not be given to people suffering from the following diseases:

• diseases of the nervous system, epilepsy, mental illness;
• diabetes;
• skin diseases, hypersensitivity, photodermatitis;
• malignant and benign skin neoplasms;
• tuberculosis, HIV, herpes;
• infectious diseases, acute viral diseases;
• blood clotting disorders and systemic diseases of the circulatory system;
• oncological diseases;
• diseases of the thyroid gland.

In addition to diseases and pathological conditions, the laser hair removal procedure is not recommended in the following cases:

• taking antibacterial drugs of the tetracycline series;
• taking medications that cause increased photosensitivity on the skin;
• pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding;
• the presence of a nevus on the skin;
• taking hormonal contraceptives and medicines.

Modern laser devices for hair removal are divided into alexandrite and diode. The difference between these devices exists and is as follows.

The construction element of the device is a natural mineral called alexandrite. This stone tends to quickly heat up and retain heat. Exposure to the laser beam has a destructive effect on the hair follicle, after which the hair stops growing. The efficiency of the device is high, as proven by scientific research.

The advantages of the alexandrite laser are the high efficiency of the procedures with their minimum number. It will take 4 to 5 sessions to achieve nasty skin. After laser hair removal, a positive effect was noticed, which is expressed in skin tightening, elimination of pigmentation. After completing the full course of procedures, unwanted hair stops growing for several years, and in some cases, their appearance stops forever. The device has established itself as an effective tool that can remove dark hair against light skin, while minimizing the risk of injury or burns to the skin.

The alexandrite device has a number of disadvantages, the main one of which is a slight soreness that occurs during sessions. To remove light hair, the total cost of a course of procedures is quite high, since at least 8 or 10 procedures will need to be performed. Alexandrite laser cannot be used on all skin types, it is not suitable for dark-skinned people or for epilation of tanned skin.

Its principle of operation is to create a light beam, the flow of particles of which has a high degree of power. Under the influence of the laser beam, the hair follicle is gradually heated, and then destroyed by the high temperature. In this case, the hair shaft stops receiving nutrients, brightens, becomes thin and eventually dies. During the exposure to the light flux, the skin is not involved in the process and is not injured, since the effect of the laser on it is minimal. It is noticed that the effect of the laser beam makes the skin better - pigment spots are lightened, scars are smoothed.

The advantages of a diode laser are that its efficiency is 90%, that is, 90 out of 100 hairs disappear and no longer grow on the skin. To get such a result, you will need to perform from 4 to 7 procedures. Diode devices can be used not only on light skin, but also on dark skin, since the likelihood of getting burns, irritation, pigmentation is very low. This type of laser can effectively deal with both dark hair and hair with a low melanin content.

The disadvantages of a diode laser are the high total cost of the course, especially for those whose hairs contain a small amount of melamine, therefore, to obtain the effect of smooth skin, 6-8 procedures will be required.

Modern alexandrite and diode lasers are produced in various modifications, which differ from each other in the power of the laser beam and features in interaction with the skin of different phototypes. A laser device today can be used not only as an epilator, but also to improve the appearance of the skin. - with the help of these devices you can remove tattoos, age spots, scars. Laser work is based on the recognition of pigment and its destruction in the hair or skin structure.

The most famous laser devices of the latest generation are the following models.

It is used to eliminate hair on the body and face, as well as to cleanse the skin from pigmentation. The device operates at a pulse frequency not exceeding 10 hertz. This power allows you to significantly reduce the duration of the session, without losing efficiency. The laser flux, which is displayed on the skin as a light spot, can be adjusted by choosing sizes from 1.5 mm to 2.4 cm. Thanks to this possibility, you can take any hard-to-reach area for treatment and achieve high results of exposure in each treated area.

The device is equipped with protective sapphire crystals with a high degree of strength. The control of the device allows you to select the duration of the emitted stream of impulses, as well as to turn on the cryogen or the cooling air stream for a more comfortable procedure and reduce pain. The device provides a high result of unwanted hair removal and is quite simple and straightforward to operate.

The device is designed as a diode type and additionally has a vacuum amplification system built into the handle of the working attachment. With the help of the vacuum amplification option, the treated part of the skin is lifted by negative pressure and as close as possible to the laser beam, which increases the efficiency of the epilation procedure. Diode laser equipment is able to completely solve the issue of stopping unwanted hair growth in 5 sessions, while discomfort and painful sensations during the epilation procedure are minimized.

A distinctive feature of the device is a large area of ​​the light spot, which actively works on the skin area, therefore, the procedure requires a minimum amount of time. The device of the device provides for a contact cooling system, and its main work is based on the principles of selective photothermolysis, when the laser beam heats not the melanin contained in the hair, but the protein and liquid components of the cells of the hair follicle and skin.

An Israeli-made device with high functionality in a compact and ergonomic size. Such equipment has found wide application in cosmetology due to its effectiveness and versatility. The device has the ability to adjust to any phototype of the skin, so the epilation procedure can be performed at any time of the year, even despite the presence of a light tan. But its versatility is not limited to this - the device has the ability to work with all types of lasers: both alexandrite and diode. The device is equipped with a cooling system, so pain during skin treatment is minimized.

Before you go to the beauty salon for the epilation procedure, you should ask what kind of laser device the cosmetologist uses. Do not settle for epilation if the equipment is outdated and does not meet modern efficiency standards.

Hair removal with alexandrite laser can be done on regrown hair, but this procedure will require preliminary preparation, which is carried out in advance.

It is necessary to prepare for the laser hair removal procedure so that the device can recognize hairs and at the same time do not harm the skin. In order for the session to be effective, cosmetologists advise adhering to the following rules:

• 14-21 days before epilation, stop using depilation with wax or sugarning (only shaving is allowed, which will make the hairs darker and harder);
• 7-10 days before laser procedures, it is not advisable to use a solarium and sunbathe in the sun;
• 3 days before the session, lotions containing alcohol components cannot be used on the epilation site;
• the day before epilation, the treated area must be shaved, and the skin must be cleaned of all cosmetics.

When choosing the time for the procedure, cosmetologists recommend adjusting the session so that it takes place a few days before or after the start of menstruation. You should be aware that epilation is undesirable during menstruation.

To reduce pain, the beautician will treat the skin with a special cream for pain relief before starting the procedure. Alexandrite units have a built-in cooling system, so you won't feel pain during epilation. For additional skin protection, a special gel composition with aloe or chamomile is applied before the procedure. When the skin is prepared, you will be prompted to wear safety goggles to keep your eyes safe from the laser flashes. After that, the cosmetologist adjusts the laser device, choosing the wavelength of the light wave using a test for the sensitivity of your skin.

The next stage begins the epilation procedure itself, during which the device's sensor will be brought to the skin. In the process of flashes, light energy will be converted into heat and pass deep into the hair to the follicle, destroying it. Typically, 1 flash covers an area of ​​1.5 cm².

After the skin has been treated, the beautician removes the remaining protective gel from the skin, and then an antiseptic cream is applied to its surface. If the burning sensation persists, the beautician applies a cold compress to the skin.

The duration of the session lasts 20-60 minutes, depending on the area of ​​the treated surface. The hairs on the skin become charred and fall out on their own after 10-14 days. You do not need to pull them out with tweezers. The next procedure is carried out after 1-2 months.

After the laser hair removal procedure, it is necessary to carry out proper skin care within 1 month:

• treat the surface of the skin with anti-inflammatory compounds;
• you can not sunbathe and use a solarium;
• you cannot go to the pool, bathhouse, sauna;
• do not apply cosmetics to the treated area.

Laser treated skin needs careful and delicate handling. It is not recommended to depilate with wax or sugar paste between sessions, or mechanically epilate the hairs. To eliminate regrown hair, you can shave after the skin has returned to normal and irritation has gone away from its surface.

Depilation with alexandrite lasers has been used in modern cosmetology for at least 20 years. During this time, practicing specialists have gained a lot of experience in using these devices, while there is no such amount of accumulated practical experience with diode laser devices that have existed for no more than 10 years.