Shaving Doesn’t Work: Why Laser Hair Removal Gets Better Results
Shaving has long been a ritual for both men and women looking to keep unwanted body hair at bay. But, as anyone who regularly shaves knows, these results are only temporary, and sometimes shaving ends up being more of a hassle than it’s worth. Fortunately, there is another way to remove your hair without the razor: laser hair removal.
You may have heard about laser hair removal in the past but shrugged it off. Indeed, the process can sound too good to be true. However, this technology is constantly improving and has delivered strong results to many patients. If you’re ready to shove shaving aside and try something new, here we’ll discuss why laser hair removal is the superior option.
The Shortcomings of Shaving
It might be an exaggeration to say that shaving entirely “doesn’t work.” After all, people have been shaving for a very long time, and some even enjoy it. Still, there’s no denying that shaving is merely a quick fix for getting rid of hair. If shaving really worked, you wouldn’t have to do it on a daily or weekly basis. Plus, rubbing a razor on your skin is bound to cause some irritation, and no one wants that.
Unless you can afford the highest quality razors and creams, and you have enough time to spend on a proper shave, you’ll likely end up with a few cuts and possibly a rash after the fact. Shaving regularly can even lead to ingrown hairs, cause acne flare-ups, and open the door for infection. It’s also commonplace to miss a spot or two when shaving, especially when targeting parts of your skin that are difficult to see or access, like behind the knees or under the neck.
Ultimately, then, even if you don’t mind shaving, it can become an expensive, time-consuming, inefficient, and even harmful pastime.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser treatments are becoming more and more prevalent in the realm of cosmetic dermatology, as light energy has many positive applications for skincare. As its name spells out, laser hair removal is a procedure that aims to eliminate unwanted body hair by exposing the follicles to a focused beam of light. As the laser pulses, the light energy is converted into heat energy, which impairs the targeted follicles to prevent or at least prolong impending hair growth. These lasers are now able to treat multiple follicles at once, spanning large areas of one’s skin where hair growth is not desired.
What Makes Laser Hair Removal a Better Option
When it comes to ousting unwanted hair, you want durable, reliable, efficient results. Laser hair removal treatments deliver on all these accounts. Indeed, after three to six treatments, some patients see an 80-90% reduction in their unwanted hair.
While laser hair removal can’t guarantee 100% permanent hair loss in the desired areas, it offers a much longer-lasting solution than shaving. Likewise, the upfront cost of laser hair removal should be weighed against the long-term cost of purchasing razors and other products related to shaving and the damage it can do to your skin.
In the end, by undergoing laser hair removal, you can save time and money, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t have to constantly shave, wax, or pluck those annoying intruding hairs.
Proper Preparation Is Important
With all the benefits out of the way, it must be noted that laser hair removal isn’t without its setbacks, too. For one thing, because these treatments fall under cosmetic dermatology services, most insurance providers will not cover any portion of them. Additionally, any laser treatment can lead to skin irritation or changes in pigmentation.
As such, it’s important to ask your dermatologist if laser hair removal is right for you and to properly prepare for treatments ahead of time. Some steps to take include staying out of the sun for too long a few weeks prior to treatment; avoiding plucking, waxing, or bleaching within four weeks of treatment; and not taking blood thinners right before the procedure. For more on preparing for your first hair removal treatment, read this.
If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of laser hair removal and want to know more about this procedure, Premier Dermatology Partners can give you more information and advice. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.