Although it may cause a feeling of discomfort or annoyance in some, laser hair removal is not painful as long as the laser used is recent and of impeccable quality. However, by reading some testimonials from people who have received the treatment, you will surely find varied answers, because each person reacts differently to the treatment.
In this article, we'll explore the factors that might cause discomfort or pain during permanent laser hair removal, detail what these sensations feel like, and most importantly, reveal tips to minimize pain and make your experience as comfortable as possible.
When does laser hair removal hurt?
The feeling of discomfort or pain associated with laser hair removal depends on several factors, including skin type, the area of the body being treated, and the intensity of the laser used.
Skin type
Dark skin is more sensitive to pain than light skin, due to the amount of melanin it contains. When laser energy penetrates the epidermis, the laser, under the impact of melanin, deflects this energy on the skin, causing a sensation of intense heat and slight irritation.
Of course, this does not mean that laser hair removal for dark skin is impossible. You simply need to choose the appropriate laser device for your skin type, for example the 1064 nm laser, which is best suited to very dark to black skin.
The area of the body to be treated
Pain tolerance during laser hair removal depends on the area of the body being treated. Areas where pain is felt more are the face , the bikini line , gluteal cleft, scrotum and armpits. These are parts of the body with very thin skin, a large number of nerve endings and a high density of hair, making them much more sensitive compared to other areas.
The advantage is that these are small areas and it only takes a few minutes to treat them completely; a little patience and motivation and you're done!
The intensity of the laser device used
This factor is mainly related to the settings made by your technician and the type of laser used. The higher the intensity of the laser, the more intense the heat generated and the higher the risk of discomfort and adverse effects.
Of course, high laser energy is more effective in destroying unwanted hair at the root. However, the professional must take into account each person's skin type and sensitivity to ensure a comfortable and painless treatment.
What is the pain associated with laser hair removal like?
The pain felt during laser hair removal is generally well tolerated. Many describe it as a slight tingling sensation that is similar to small elastic bands on the skin and a slight sensation of heat. But since the flash is extremely short and fast, the pain is only felt for a fraction of a second and disappears instantly.
How to avoid pain during laser hair removal?
To avoid pain during laser hair removal, choose a permanent hair removal clinic with the most advanced laser technologies. The latest generation of laser devices have high-performance cooling systems that are used to diffuse jets of cold air to cool the skin during treatment, which helps to alleviate feelings of discomfort.
The second option is the application of an anesthetic gel or cream. The active ingredients present in the product make the area to be treated insensitive to the laser pulses. Discuss with your therapist your fears about the pain associated with laser hair removal and the most suitable solution for you.
The pain decreases over the sessions!
The first sessions may be less pleasant, especially since the skin is not used to these new sensations. However, the more you continue your sessions, the finer the hairs become and the skin adapts better to the treatment.
In addition, with the use of laser devices equipped with a cooling system, you will not feel any pain!
SSSKIN's tips for painless laser hair removal
Some people may be more sensitive due to certain internal factors such as body temperature and menstrual cycle.
We therefore recommend that you avoid:
- any intense sporting activity, sauna, very hot shower or any activity that would increase your body temperature, just before your laser hair removal session.
- to perform your session just before your period, since you are generally more sensitive during your period.
Our diode laser technology for painless and effective laser hair removal
Our laser hair removal center in Lausanne and Geneva is equipped with the latest Type 4 diode laser with three wavelengths and the best cooling system guaranteeing you an optimal and comfortable treatment. It is suitable for all skin tones, from the lightest to the darkest.
Still have questions about pain and laser hair removal? Schedule a free initial consultation today and let us know your concerns and questions.
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