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