Warmer, longer spring days can put us in the mood for a spring refresh and many consider it one of the ideal seasons to consider laser hair removal. You may have heard about DIY laser devices and want to know, “Is at-home laser hair removal safe?” For our Toronto area patients who are curious about the safety and effectiveness of these products for zapping away unwanted hair, or how they compare to professional treatments, here are some important things to know.
At-Home vs. Professional Laser Hair Removal: How Do They Compare?
There are generally two types of at-home laser hair removal products – ones that are lasers and ones that use intense pulsed light (IPL). Both options are not as fast or powerful as the ones that are available from Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Martie Gidon at our office, so they might not be strong enough to make your skin completely hair-free. Additionally, the small at-home devices make it difficult to cover large areas such as an entire leg.
One of the major disadvantages of these DIY treatments is that they are only effective on a narrow range of hair and skin colours. There must be a contrast in colours for them to work, so they are best suited for those who have dark hair and fair skin. If you do decide on an at-home device, be sure to speak with a dermatologist and check that the product can be safely used on your skin tone and hair colour. Most at-home laser hair removal devices are not designed for use on darker skin or on individuals who have light-coloured hair, and there is a risk of burns on darker skin. In fact, most of these at-home devices are unsafe for skin tones that are deeper than light brown and hair colours that are lighter than medium brown.
The lasers that we use in-office are more sophisticated and capable of being safely used on a wider range of hair and skin tones. Since at-home laser devices have less power, it will also take longer for you to see results compared to professional laser procedures. Consider the cost of these at-home devices and the risk of damaging your skin; professional laser treatments generally provide better value and a greater return on investment.
Do you have questions such as, “Is at-home laser hair removal safe?” Our Toronto-based Gidon
Aesthetics & MediSpa team can explain more and help you decide whether in-office laser hair removal would be an appropriate treatment for you. Call us at 416-483-4541 or submit a contact
form to request a consultation.
