Are you one of the many individuals searching for an alternative to the endless shaving and waxing of unwanted hair? If you're looking for a procedure that produces long-lasting results, laser hair removal may be your best choice. Because this method, unlike other out-of-date practices, uses an innovative laser light to target hairs individually, you'll enjoy permanently smoother skin after just a few treatments.

This relatively pain-free procedure, performed by a qualified dermatologist, works to disable the follicle beneath the surface of the skin through the use of a hand held machine that delivers pulses of light straight through to the base of the hair. A cooling gel, applied by the practitioner, prevents any painful effects and a slight sting is usually the only sensation a patient feels as the light becomes heat when pressed up against their skin. This heat is absorbed into the dermis and works to immediately deaden the follicle and cease or slow future hair growth.

Although smooth skin and slowing or ending the long-term growth of the hair are the final goals of laser hair removal, the pigment-producing compound called melanin is the main target. Since thick dark brown and black hairs possess a higher concentration of melanin, the laser works more effectively on these particular follicles. This also means that lighter, finer hairs or "peach fuzz", may grow back after treatment as they have lower amounts of melanin.

In addition to working best on course, dark hairs, laser removal gets the best results when the skin is a lighter tone. Updates in laser science, however, are helping more recipients of effective laser removal. While fairer skinned candidates continue to get the most desirable results from laser treatments, those with medium or darker skin and slightly lighter hairs can now also enjoy success with the newest in laser technology.

As is the case with most modern day beauty treatments, laser hair removal requires repeat treatments for optimum results. Because the aim is to target actively growing follicles, a 4-6 week space between sessions is highly recommended. This time frame allows for treatment on hairs that were inactive during the previous appointment and takes into account the cyclical growth of the human hair. Repeat attention targets all stages of the growth process.

While many people opt for laser hair removal on their face or bikini area it is also a safe procedure for larger areas such as the back or legs. Smaller areas, like the upper lip or chin, usually take only 10 or 15 minutes to complete while larger areas can be completed in two hours.

In addition to proven effectiveness, comfort and safety are two of the many reasons laser hair removal has become one of the most popular cosmetic options available today but experience is paramount when measuring the safety of any laser treatment. On the whole, when a qualified and trained dermatologist is employed, red irritation and slight swelling remain the only usual side effects of laser hair removal.

Learn more about laser hair removal and discover how you can get all the same benefits of this hair removal treatment in the convenience of your own home with home laser hair removal.

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