Choosing the best: comparison of types of lasers for hair removal

The ability of lasers to non-specifically damage hair follicles was noted about fifty years ago in the first studies of the effects of lasers on human skin. The concept of selectively affecting a specific chromophore based on its absorption spectra and size was not implemented in practice until the advent of the theory of selective photothermolysis, proposed by D. Perrish and R. Anderson from Harvard Medical School. The theory of selective photothermolysis makes it possible to selectively target pigmented hair follicles using hair shaft melanin as a chromophore. Melanin is a chromophore for light with wavelengths in the red and near infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, to achieve the effect of lifelong hair removal, the biological target must be follicular stem cells located in the dermal papilla. The effect of laser hair removal can be temporary if the stem cells of the follicle have not been completely destroyed during treatment, mainly due to the induction of a catagen-like state in the pigmented hair follicles. When using a lower energy flux, the temporary effect of laser hair removal is much easier to achieve than permanent hair removal. The long-term effect of epilation depends on the color of the hair and skin and the radiation energy transferred. A long-term removal effect can occur for about 15-30% of hair with each application of the procedure, provided that the processing parameters are optimally selected The effect of laser hair removal can be temporary if the stem cells of the follicle have not been completely destroyed during treatment, mainly due to the induction of a catagen-like state in the pigmented hair follicles. When using a lower energy flux, the temporary effect of laser hair removal is much easier to achieve than permanent hair removal. The long-term effect of epilation depends on the color of the hair and skin and the radiation energy transferred. A long-term removal effect can occur for about 15-30% of hair with each application of the procedure, provided that the processing parameters are optimally selected The effect of laser hair removal can be temporary if the stem cells of the follicle have not been completely destroyed during treatment, mainly due to the induction of a catagen-like state in the pigmented hair follicles. When using a lower energy flux, the temporary effect of laser hair removal is much easier to achieve than permanent hair removal. The long-term effect of epilation depends on the color of the hair and skin and the radiation energy transferred. A long-term removal effect can occur for about 15-30% of hair with each application of the procedure, provided that the processing parameters are optimally selected predominantly due to the induction of a catagen-like condition in the pigmented hair follicles. When using a lower energy flux, the temporary effect of laser hair removal is much easier to achieve than permanent hair removal. The long-term effect of epilation depends on the color of the hair and skin and the radiation energy transferred. A long-term removal effect can occur for about 15-30% of hair with each application of the procedure, provided that the processing parameters are optimally selected predominantly due to the induction of a catagen-like condition in the pigmented hair follicles. When using a lower energy flux, the temporary effect of laser hair removal is much easier to achieve than permanent hair removal. The long-term effect of epilation depends on the color of the hair and skin and the radiation energy transferred. A long-term removal effect can occur for about 15-30% of hair with each application of the procedure, provided that the processing parameters are optimally selected device for laser hair removal .

WHICH LASER IS BETTER - DIODE OR ALEXANDRITE

Let's consider the main types of lasers for hair removal. The first Long Pulse Laser on our list.

• The long-pulsed ruby ​​laser (694nm) was the first device used to selectively target hair follicles. Its use results in long term hair loss. This laser can safely treat Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I-III. But due to the number of side effects and the risk of skin burns, this laser is very rarely used.
• Alexandrite laser (755nm) from the moment of its appearance on the epilation market remains popular and is successfully used for hair removal on Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I-III. However, its use is not recommended for hair removal on dark and tanned skin due to the competitive absorption of melanin on the skin surface, leading to burns, hypopigmentation and scarring.
• Diode laser with 800-810nm wavelength is also widely used for laser hair removal. It can be used safely on patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I-V and is the only FDA-approved laser for adolescent hair removal. The efficacy of the diode laser for long-term hair removal has been demonstrated in two long-term randomized controlled trials that showed approximately 40% reduction in hair count after one or two treatments, when viewed twenty months later (9 mm light spot, 5-30 ms pulse duration, density energy flux 15-40 J / cm2) and by 84% after four procedures when examining one year later (light spot size 9 mm, pulse duration 5-30 ms, energy flux density 12-40 J / cm2).

By comparing the main types of lasers, you can choose the best laser for hair removal. Today it is the diode laser that is the "gold standard" of hair removal. It is the most popular laser system in the world.

The long-pulse neodymium-doped Yag (Nd: Yag) laser is believed to represent the best safety / efficacy ratio for patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototype VI. However, in terms of efficiency, the neodymium laser is significantly inferior to the diode and alexandrite because of the nonselective weak absorption by hair melanin and blood hemoglobin.

The main types of lasers used for hair removal in our time Conclusions

The use of various types of lasers for hair removal gives the cosmetologist unlimited possibilities in the fight against unwanted hair. Nowadays, laser hair removal is the most widely demanded cosmetic procedure in the world and is performed as a routine procedure by dermatologists, other doctors and non-medical personnel with varying effectiveness. The ideal patient for laser hair removal is a person with pale skin and dark terminal hair; however, today epilation can be successfully performed on all skin types. Also IPL light laser machine can be used for hair removal.

Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the hair follicle, correct patient selection and preoperative preparation, adherence to safety principles when working with laser equipment, familiarity with various laser / light devices and a complete understanding of the interaction of laser radiation with tissues are necessary to optimize the effectiveness of procedures while minimizing complications and side effects.