Teen Laser Hair Removal: Everything You Need To Know
Today there is a great demand for safe, long-lasting and effective hair reduction through laser hair removal in adolescents. The choice of laser is the best option to reduce the amount of hair on the body in the long term, as it is one of the great annoyances of youth.
Skin types according to Fitzpatrick
Skin phototypes were constructed based on an individual’s skin color and its tendency to burn or tan when exposed to sunlight.
- I – White and pale skin, blue / green eyes, blonde / red hair; It is a skin that always turns red, it does not tan.
- II – Light skin, blue eyes; burns easily, tans poorly.
- III – Darker white skin; tans after the initial burn.
- IV – Light brown skin; burns minimally, tans easy.
- V – Brown skin; seldom burns, tans dark easily.
- VI – Brown or black skin; never burns, always tans dark.
Previous preparations of the laser hair removal session
Once it has been decided to start laser hair removal treatment, any method that involves plucking the hair follicle should be avoided. That is, in all sessions you should work on the same hair follicle by applying heat.
The ideal is to go to the sessions with clean skin, without applying creams, perfumes or any product that could interfere with the procedure.
It is usually expected until the age of 16 to perform this type of procedure, or after the first menstrual period has elapsed, so that the hormonal axis is already matured.
Varieties of laser equipment to choose according to skin type
Although there is always one that prevails more over the rest, there are several lasers that fulfill the function of reducing hair. Some of them are the following, according to their effectiveness based on hair and skin:
- Ruby laser : most effective for lighter skin types with dark hair (skin types I-III).
- Alexandrite : best for lighter hair (skin types I-III).
- Diode laser : offers less damage to the skin surface ; it is safer on darker skin types (skin types IV).
- Nd-YAG : has lower absorption of melanin (skin types I-IV).
Tips after the laser hair removal session in adolescents
It should be noted that lasers can remove hair, but the treatment does not provide a permanent answer for hair growth. After the entire treatment is completed, patients may need maintenance sessions once every 6 to 12 months, as some small hairs may grow back.
Laser treatments predispose the skin to greater sensitivity, making it vulnerable to external agents. Therefore, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of sunscreen greater than 50, with the renewal of it after 2 hours or directly avoiding ultraviolet rays.
Probable adverse effects
Common adverse effects of laser hair removal include erythema, burning, and pain after treatment. The most serious include:
- Blisters.
- Crusting.
- Purple.
- Depigmentation.
- Cicatrization.
Most of the complications are preventable by taking the correct precautions with fluence setting, spot size, wavelength, and the use of proper device cooling.
Therefore, it is important that the personnel who operate it are trained and have in-depth knowledge of the techniques, complications or mechanisms of this type of practice.
Factors affecting the result
Several sessions are necessary to treat all hair follicles in the proper growth stage. In most cases , 4-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart are required.
- The location of the hair (the armpits and the pubis are the areas that best respond).
- The type of laser of choice.
- The hormonal state, due to the high levels that stimulate hair growth.
- The hair growth stage (it responds much better in the anagen phase).
- The skin color and hair color (clear skin and dark hair gets the best results).
- Treatment plan and dependent operator.
Laser hair removal in adolescents and its effectiveness
Although laser treatment for body hair removal has great scientific evidence of effectiveness, one of the great pillars for obtaining effective results is the choice of the personnel who perform it.
According to each country, the personnel who are endorsed to use the laser and fulfill this function will vary. Therefore, the corresponding certificates must be requested to guarantee a procedure carried out correctly.
