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