| Shaving is like brushing your teeth. | | | | Who benefits from laser hair removal? |
| It’s generally a hassle, but it needs | | | | |
| to be done, and the results are always | | | | Almost anybody, however, this process works |
| satisfying. That is, unless you have a fight | | | | well for light-skinned, dark-haired |
| with your shaver every day. Here are some | | | | individuals. There is no laser treatment yet |
| facts and tips to ensure your daily shave | | | | that is effective for white, blond or red |
| goes smoothly. | | | | hair. |
| | | | |
| Shaving 101 | | | | Be aware of some cautions if you go this |
| | | | route; such as dealing with existing |
| Your legs must be wet for at least two to | | | | bacterial or viral infections, psoriasis, or |
| three minutes before applying your cleanser | | | | if you are on certain medications such as |
| or scrub. That way the hair is soft and | | | | Accutane®. See your dermatologist for more |
| pliable, easier to cut. Don’t use | | | | details if you are considering laser hair |
| soap, it just dries out your legs and makes | | | | removal. |
| for a poor shave. | | | | |
| | | | Laser hair removal facts |
| Make sure you have the right tool. There are | | | | |
| various styles of shavers, but not all legs | | | | The process can be mild to moderately |
| or hair growth are the same. Triple blades | | | | uncomfortable. |
| work well, but no matter the blade type you | | | | |
| use, change it frequently – but be | | | | Most patients require three to six |
| careful with sharp edges – if not done | | | | treatments. Long-lasting results depend on |
| carefully, shaving can irritate the skin, the | | | | hair color, type of laser, and location |
| hair follicle, and the oil gland, which | | | | treated. |
| causes a rash. Ingrown hairs also pose a | | | | |
| chance of infection. See a dermatologist for | | | | Complications are rare if performed by an |
| the right solution. | | | | experienced physician. |
| | | | |
| Choose a shaving cream or gel that contains | | | | Expect some pain, swelling and redness around |
| emollients for a hydrating effect, and one | | | | the hair follicle after each treatment |
| that is fragrance free to avoid irritation to | | | | session. |
| your skin. So steer away from products that | | | | |
| contain irritants including alcohol, menthol | | | | Check with your dermatologist about |
| and peppermint. Find yourself out of shaving | | | | pre-operative care concerns. |
| cream? Hair conditioner or body cleanser | | | | |
| works just fine. | | | | Folliculitis alertShaving can also cause a |
| | | | condition called folliculitis, which is an |
| Apply even pressure and shave against the | | | | inflammation or infection of hair follicles. |
| growth of hair. Follow up with a moisturizer | | | | It most often appears in areas that become |
| to keep your skin moist and supple. (Read | | | | irritated by shaving, the rubbing of clothes, |
| about Skin Moisturizers), but avoid creams | | | | or where follicles and pores are blocked by |
| with AHAs because the glycolic acid can | | | | oils and dirt. Ask our dermatologist about |
| irritate freshly-shaven skin. | | | | solutions such as Bactroban© ointment to |
| | | | help heal these irritations. (Read more about |
| Are there shaving alternatives?Indeed there | | | | Bacterial Skin Infections) |
| are. While temporary hair removal can be done | | | | |
| by shaving, waxing or by epilation | | | | What to watch for: |
| (electrolysis and thermolysis) another method | | | | |
| is removing hair with a laser. | | | | a reddened rash |
| | | | |
| What is laser hair removal? | | | | raised, red, often pus-filled lesions around |
| | | | hair follicles (pimples) |
| Light energy produced by a laser is targeted | | | | |
| at the pigment in hair. This causes | | | | itching at the site of the rash and pimples |
| destruction of hair follicles while sparing | | | | |
| surrounding structures (i.e., the skin). | | | | How to prevent it: |
| Total temporary hair removal, which lasts for | | | | |
| several months, can be done in almost all | | | | shave with an electric razor instead of a |
| patients. However, total permanent laser hair | | | | blade razor |
| removal is not commonly done. Stable | | | | |
| permanent hair removal may be possible in | | | | keep skin clean |
| some cases and usually requires multiple | | | | |
| treatment sessions. You can read about Laser | | | | avoid clothing that rubs against the skin, |
| Hair Removal frequently asked questions | | | | damaging hair follicles |
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