In this article, I’ll take you through what to look for when choosing a laser hair removal kit for your skin tone. You’ll learn about some of the most popular brands and models on the market today, as well as some accessories that can make your experience even better.
Before we get started though, I want to make sure that you’re aware of the fact that not all lasers are created equal. Some products will work better than others depending on your skin tone, so it’s important not just that you find something that matches your skin color but also that it’s appropriate for removing hair from dark skin tones in general.
In this article we will provide the needed information on yag laser hair removal for dark skin at home and best home laser hair removal for indian skin
Best Home Laser Hair Removal For Black Skin Vegan
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Nearly a decade ago, Lisa Pegram walked into a Sephora with one of her girlfriends. While browsing the store’s sea of beauty products and tools, they eyed a laser hair removal device. But only Pegram’s friend, who was lighter in complexion than her, was able to go home with the product.
Back then, most lasers weren’t made with melanin in mind. According to the National Laser Institute, the ideal candidate for laser hair removal was someone with fair skin and dark hair. For individuals with deeper complexions, using lasers posed risks: Previous laser tools weren’t sophisticated enough to distinguish between hair follicles and melanin pigment. So, those with medium to dark skin had a high chance of burning, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Pegram’s experience shopping for the laser hair removal tool made her think about the countless people of color unable to safely experience at-home laser treatments. While laser technology has become more inclusive over the past ten years, Pegram realized an at-home laser specifically designed for Black and Brown skin still failed to exist. That’s when she decided to do something about it. Enter: Belle51, a line of at-home lasers and micro-needling tools made for darker skin tones.
I recently chatted with Pegram to better understand how she is working to create a safer laser experience for those with dark skin tones. Keep scrolling to learn more about Belle51.
How The Laser Works
By day, Pegram is a data scientist who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Columbia University. When she was in the research phase for Belle51, the founder collaborated with engineers at Columbia to determine what lasers work best for people of color. “We started delving into the research to find out which lasers actually worked and what we could do to improve upon existing devices,” Pegram said. “We found a manufacturer I could work with, and we sent them the prescription of exactly what I wanted inside the laser. They were able to manipulate that so that I could have the laser that I wanted.”
Their efforts culminated in Belle51’s signature product, The Solèy Laser. The brand’s premier product is a PiQo4 laser —the first FDA-cleared picosecond laser that removes dark spots, dark areas, melasma, stretch marks, and acne scars.
It stands out amongst competing lasers for a few other reasons, too. The PiQo4 laser uses four different wavelengths of light —1064nm, 532nm, 650nm, and 585nm —to treat pigment and tattoo coloring on the broadest range of skin types. It also delivers short, high-energy laser pulses that break up abnormal melanin deposits into small particles, which are eliminated by the body’s immune system. The PiQo4 laser can do this faster than similar tools on the market, which allows you to need fewer treatments. “What I usually see from customers is that within three to four uses, you can see a significant difference,” Pegram said. Adding to its efficiency, the PiQo4 laser can handle treatment areas up to 15mm—which is nearly four times larger than any other laser currently available—making it perfect for sizable trouble areas.
The Precautions
When it comes to using an at-home laser system, many people may face a bit of a learning curve. One of the most important aspects to consider is understanding which setting is recommended for your specific skin type. This is particularly crucial for individuals with darker complexions as using the wrong setting can lead to burning or discoloration.
According to experts, it is essential to only target dark areas with the laser to avoid causing light spots on the skin. Peggy Pegram, a skincare specialist, advises her customers to be cautious and precise when using an at-home laser system. By focusing only on the dark areas, users can minimize the risks of adverse effects such as discoloration or burning.
It is important to understand the potential risks associated with using an at-home laser system on darker skin tones. Darker skin contains more melanin, which can absorb more heat from the laser and increase the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation. By following the recommended settings and guidelines for their specific skin type, individuals can safely and effectively use an at-home laser system without causing harm to their skin.
Key Points to Remember:
- Use the recommended setting for your skin type
- Target only dark areas with the laser
- Avoid using the laser on light areas to prevent discoloration
- Be cautious and precise when using an at-home laser system
Overall, using an at-home laser system can be a safe and effective way to achieve smoother, hair-free skin. However, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and how to properly use the device to prevent any adverse effects, especially for individuals with darker complexions. By following the recommendations and guidelines for their specific skin type, users can enjoy the benefits of at-home laser hair removal with confidence.
To help customers get acclimated to the laser, Pegram often hosts one-on-one sessions and shares essential after-care tips. “Using SPF is really important. You also don’t want to wet the area for at least 72 hours,” Pegram said. “Don’t exfoliate and try to stay away from harsh chemicals like retinol. I also tell them to use hypoallergenic washes or natural deodorant if you’re treating dark spots on your underarms.”
Yag Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin At Home
As we said earlier, dark skin patients who are looking for the most effective hair removal machines should look no further than Nd:YAG machines, and in some cases, diode machines.
Simply put, Nd:YAG machines produce the Nd:YAG wavelength, the longest wavelength available, making it an absolutely foolproof solutions for dark skin tone patients. With the longer wavelength, it goes deeper through the epidermis than diode lasers, allowing it to bypass the initial layer of skin pigmentation.
Who can benefit from Nd:YAG devices? Any patient with dark skin tones, as well as patients with light skin tones who have recently tanned their skin. It is without a doubt the safest option available for dark skin tone patients, while also boasting higher success rates than other types of laser machines.
Does this mean that the diode – the other “long” wavelength, although not as long as Nd:YAG –has no place in clinics? This doesn’t seem to be the case. Some dermatologists and hair specialists claim that the diode solution is actually the least painful laser hair removal procedure. This is because the diode energy is delivered much slower than the Nd:YAG, giving the skin more time to cool down from the heat.
Diode devices also typically come equipped with a cooling device that instantly cools down the skin, preventing any risk of overheating or skin damage. One popular diode device is the Lumenis LightSheer device, which is equipped with a built-in suction mechanism that helps distract patient from the pain of the procedure.
Best Home Laser Hair Removal For Indian Skin
Patients with darker skin tones have very sensitive skin. As Indian skin tones range from lighter olive to darker shades, it’s especially crucial to identify the specific laser that can work safely and effectively for each patient. There are two types of laser that work for darker skin and dark hair: diode and Nd:YAG.
The diode laser is good at treating thicker, coarser hair compared to the Nd:YAG. Most diode lasers are less painful because they have an instant cooling function that protects the skin from overheating. However, the Nd:YAG is the safest option for Indian patients because it can bypass the melanin in your skin.
The Nd:YAG works at a higher wavelength than other lasers so it can pass through the epidermis and target the follicle directly. Since it no longer targets the color, the Nd:YAG is great at targeting resistant hairs and treating darker-skinned patients.
Do keep in mind that the Nd:YAG may be more painful than other lasers because it penetrates more deeply. It also hasn’t been around as long as other FDA-approved lasers so you may have trouble finding a provider who uses this type of laser.