Dear Diary

Months of lockdown, mask-wearing, anxiety and stress during the Covid-19 pandemic all had a negative effect on my skin. Wearing a mask caused my skin to become reactive: red and sensitive and it felt very rough. I also had uneven skin tone and new fine lines as I could not use all my normal active ingredients at that time. The worst of all was how fragile my skin felt with a compromised skin barrier and it was sagging too. I felt I had aged beyond my 62 years!

My skin is used to regular treatments but with lockdown and the clinic closed for a time, I had none of my usual treatments that keep my skin looking radiant and healthy: micro-needling with PRP and IPL.

This time, however, I felt that I needed a treatment that would go deep and that would take my skin from zero to hero long term. I opted for the Mosaic Fractional Laser.

This laser provides deep regeneration in the dermis, stimulating new collagen and elastin. The dermis of the skin can be likened to a mattress – when it starts to sag you need to fix the springs and this is what fractional laser technology does for the skin!

I had a mild chemical peel to help prep my skin two weeks before the Mosaic laser treatment and I applied a skin barrier cream with hydrating ingredients and lipids regularly to get my skin barrier functioning optimally. 

Thursday Day 1

Treatment day and I am excited! The Dermalaser therapist prepped my skin with a local anaesthetic product which stayed on the skin for half an hour before the treatment to numb the skin. She then first wiped off the excess local anaesthetic and placed special glasses over my eyes to protect them from the laser light and the treatment commenced.

Discomfort levels can vary from person to person with this treatment and I found that while I did not feel any pain, my forehead area was sensitive during treatment due to the underlying bone in this area. However, it was soon over and treatment commenced on the rest of my face and I was completely comfortable throughout the rest of the treatment… both cheeks, nose, upper lip and chin. The surrounding eye area was also treated – the laser was used as close as possible to the goggles but for safety reasons could not go right up to the eye, although they treated the laugh lines on the side of the eyes.

My skin became red and very warm during the treatment and there was a little sensitivity (again this varies per individual) but it was nothing I could not handle. To tell you the truth, I absolutely love the feeling of warmth and heat as I know it is this action that helps to stimulate the deep regeneration of collagen and elastin and which will continue to improve the wrinkles, firmness, clarity and smooth texture of the skin in the months ahead. After the treatment, a cooling cream and a sunscreen were applied before I left the clinic.

Friday Day 2 

My skin is still red today but not warm and I have a little swelling which I was told also depends on each individual’s skin. My skin feels a bit taut but not too dry. I applied an occlusive barrier cream to protect my skin from the surgical mask I have to wear at work today. It is not uncomfortable at all and I think to myself there can be no better time to have this treatment as I am not socializing outside of work and when I do have to go out to work or to the shops, the mask covers my face!

Saturday Day 3

The redness has started to break-up and is a bit more blotchy … I apply my barrier cream generously throughout the day and as I am at home I don’t need to wear a mask or make-up to cover my skin – this gives my skin a good chance to recover post-treatment. It is not quite as dry as I was expecting but regular applications of a rich barrier cream are helping this tremendously.

Sunday Day 4

The redness is only in the areas of my face that needed some extra anti-ageing attention – nose, upper lip and around the eyes. In all the other areas, my skin is a pale pink – hardly noticeable and calm. Today was the first day my skin felt very dry for some reason and a bit like sandpaper (this varies according to individuals) so I upped my application of barrier cream and water.  Another day at home and another day make-up/mask- free day!

Monday Day 5 

My skin has started to flake a little but mainly on the nose – years of sunburn as a child have taken their toll and I asked for a few extra passes in this area with the laser so hence the flaking! My skin is very comfortable and I love the feeling that I am reducing years of damage to my skin. It is a workday, so I apply an extra layer of rich barrier cream as I have to wear a mask but the trade-off is that no-one will see the flaking on my nose. The rest of my skin is starting to feel great and to normalize.

Tuesday Day 6

My nose is still flaking which means my laser therapist did a good job! The best part is that I can see that the large pores, also caused by sun damage, have shrunk on my nose and chin area and the ‘barcode’ lines around my mouth are softer and more smooth.

Today for the first time, I introduced some gentle active ingredients into my skincare routine as my skin feels comfortable enough to handle them. I had been told that I could not use any active ingredients until all redness and dryness had dissipated which they have. I applied a gentle exfoliating product as part of my cleansing routine and serum with mild Vitamin A and E plus my barrier cream. Today I showed my work colleagues my skin and they all commented on my healthy glow!

Wednesday Day 7

My skin feels great – my nose has a few very pale pink areas which is barely noticeable but once I apply my foundation, you cannot see that and the rest of my skin is smooth and the roughness has disappeared. My skin feels happy and I can see and feel the health benefits of this deep rejuvenating treatment.

Conclusion

For me, on a personal level, the pure magic of this treatment is that there is very little downtime and that I can feel the skin regenerating from the inside out and outside in …. my skin feels stronger and more resilient. I can almost feel the collagen and elastin fibres strengthening inside and I can see my skin has more clarity and a brighter skin tone, a smoother texture, reduced pores size and best of all a reduction of fine lines and a softening of the deeper wrinkles.

Another benefit of this treatment is that the collagen and dermal elastin fibres are constantly being regenerated post-treatment and continue to improve for months after, enhancing results long term.

This treatment that I have recorded was the second of my three Mosaic treatments. It is generally recommended that you have 3 to 4 treatments, spaced one month apart if you have never had this treatment before or not for a long time and have quite a lot of sun damage. The beauty is that after these initial couple of treatments, results can be maintained with a follow-up treatment once or maybe twice a year going forward.

There has never been a better time to have this fractional laser treatment than right now … because we are spending less time socializing and we have a mask to hide behind when necessary. Also, most of our skins are in need of renewal and rejuvenation after a long hard winter and just in time for the summer season!

Please note you will need a pre-treatment assessment to check that your skin is suitable for this treatment.

Sandy Webster
September 2020

Post-script:  I am now a month post-treatment after my second Mosaic and my skin is looking clear, healthy and radiant – it does take a little time to get here but it’s worth it and it will continue to improve with time! I cannot wait for my third treatment shortly.

or call us on +27 21 852 8709

Redensity 1, is a hyaluronic skin booster that contains a mix of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid and essential nutrients to promote skin densification and prevention of signs of skin ageing.

It is a natural, highly concentrated non-cross linked Hyaluronic acid that greatly improves hydration and elasticity of the skin. It is the same substance used in injectable fillers.

It is a unique patented formula of effective components:

• 8 Amino Acids (5 essential among them leucine, essential for the cell regeneration process)
• 3 Antioxidants (including glutathione) recognized for their ability to protect against free radicals.
• 2 Minerals Zinc & Copper required for the cell health and protection.
• Vitamin B6 which is involved in cell metabolism.

This is a very popular treatment for those seeking deep hydration, skin radiance and skin health. There is very little downtime and great client satisfaction.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

At Dermalaser, we use one of the most advanced medical micro-needling devices, Dermapen 4. When the tiny vertical needles are moved across the skin’s surface, it creates micro-channels into the skin. These micro-channels are able to carry up to 80% of any applied topical nutrients, into deep layers of the skin. The penetration and delivery system of actives into the deep layers enhances absorption, taking moisture and hydration to a new level and plumping the skin from within. This treatment is very popular due to the efficacy and uniqueness of this treatment.

• An anaesthetic cream is applied to the areas to be treated. It takes approximately 25min for these areas to become numb.
• The Dermapen 4, advanced micro-needling will commence creating micro-columns into the dermis (the deepest layer of the skin) for maximum penetration and absorption of the active ingredients.
• The Redensity 1 Booster serum is then applied to the skin which is delivered via the micro-columns, deep into the dermis. This helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and hydrate the skin.
• This treatment helps to plump the skin and provides an extra boost of hydration and for a healthy radiant glow. It also adds potent antioxidant protection.
• The duration of the treatment is 45min – 60min.
• Your therapist will then apply Lycogel, a breathable camouflage foundation with a build-in sunscreen that is both soothing and helps the healing rejuvenation process.
• Post treatment – your skin will be red and sensitive (similar to sunburn) but you will be able to return to work or your daily activities.
• The treatment is very popular as there is very little downtime but visible results. 

WHEN & WHERE SHOULD IT BE USED?

• This is a very popular treatment for ageing skin in need of a hydration boost
• Regularly as a core treatment to help prevent skin ageing
• When the skin is feeling dry, dull and dehydrated
• On specific chosen occasions to rehydrate and give a new glow to your skin (for example before/after prolonged sun exposure) or before a big celebration to give your skin a radiant boost.

 WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

• Hydration on a deep level in the skin
• Improvement in elastin and skin elasticity
• Fresh, radiant and healthy skin

 HOW OFTEN DO I NEED THIS TREATMENT?

For optimal results it is recommended to follow the complete prescribed number of treatments as this will extend the effects of the treatment and obtain long-lasting results:

• For an optimal treatment : 3 sessions at 3-4 week intervals for immediate cumulative results
• For a maintenance treatment of the results – as soon as the need is felt: 1 session usually 3-4 times a year.

For more information or a free skin assessment with one of our experienced therapists, please phone: .

or call us on +27 21 852 8709

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy takes advantage of the body’s own growth factors and is a completely natural way of regenerating the skin without any other active ingredients or chemicals.

Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood and provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to circulate through the body. Platelets contain proteins and growth factors.

When micro needled or injected into the skin, the platelet rich plasma stimulates a powerful regeneration process: new healthy collagen and an improvement in the skin texture and skin tone.

Traditionally micro needling is used to treat everything from sun damaged skin to scarring and certain forms of hyperpigmentation. PRP helps boost these effects, using your body’s own natural skin boosters to regenerate your skin on a whole new level. The added bonus is skin radiance. The term vampire facial or vampire lift is sometimes used to refer to micro needling or injectables when using PRP.

When the platelet rich plasma is micro needled or injected into the skin, the platelets release powerful growth factors – these are signalling messengers between cells that activate fibroblasts, which are responsible for making the extracellular matrix and collagen

This method of micro needling and using with  your own growth factors is a highly efficient way of reaching the deep layers of the skin where collagen is made. It is a very popular treatment  especially for those who prefer a more natural substance. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Dermapen 4 Advanced Micro Needling

We use one of the most advanced medical micro-needling devices, Dermapen 4. The device contains very fine, tiny vertical needles that are moved across the skin’s surface to create micro-channels into the skin.

These micro channels are able to carry up to 80% of any applied topical nutrients or in this case your body’s own natural platelets, rich with growth factors (it looks like liquid gold). This is micro needled deep into your dermis where collagen is made.

Topical Anaesthetic

An topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the areas to be treated. It takes approximately 25 minutes for these areas to become numb so your treatment will be comfortable.

Obtaining Platelet Rich Plasma

A small amount of blood (20mls) will be drawn from your arm near the elbow by our nursing sister while your face is numbing.

The blood is then put into a centrifuge where it is spun down to separate the platelet rich plasma from the red and white blood cells. This process takes about 5-10 minutes. Once completed the PRP is then completely separated and ready to use with the micro needling.

Procedure

Using the Dermapen 4, the micro needling will commence to create the micro columns into the skin – once this has been done your therapist will work in sections of the treatment area, gently micro-needing and massaging the platelet rich plasma into the skin. This process usually takes about 45-60 minutes.

 Post-Procedure

Once the treatment is complete, your therapist will not wash your face as this further enables the absorption of the PRP into the skin.

A breathable, camouflage foundation with a built-in sunscreen will be  applied to the skin. It is both soothing and healing and we recommend that you do not wash your face for at least 24 hours post-procedure and to sleep with the healing foundation the first night on to protect the skin. The next day your normal make-up can be applied. Avoid active ingredients until the redness has settled.

Your skin will be red and sensitive for about 24 hours  but you will be able to return to work or your daily activities.

You should avoid the sun completely for at least 5 days and always apply a good quality, high factor (SPF 50+), broad spectrum sunscreen daily every day as you can develop pigmentation on post-treatment skin that is not protected from the sun.

Your therapist will recommend a skin barrier cream to help with post-treatment hydration and for comfort.

Possible Side Effects:

Some swelling and redness can occur and this is normal. It usually settles within 24 hours.

Bruising can occur occasionally and will resolve within a few days. If there are any concerns it is best to contact your therapist so she can mitigate any possible problems should they occur.

Contra Indications

You would not be able to have this treatment if you have an open wound or injury, eczema or psoriasis,  if you are undergoing treatment for cancer, have a low platelet count, an autoimmune disease, a bleeding disorder or are pregnant. 

WHO SHOULD HAVE IT & WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

• Anti-ageing treatment for very sun-damaged skin
• Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
• Scarring on face & body
• Pigmentation
• Textural damage for dry, dehydrated skin
• Dull skin tone – promotes a radiant, healthy skin
• Can be alternated or combined with other skin rejuvenation treatments for enhanced results
• Regularly as a core treatment to help prevent skin ageing
• Treatment areas: Face, Neck, Décolletage, Hands 

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

• A faster healing process because of the growth factors – little downtime
• Deep collagen stimulation
• Fresh, radiant and healthy skin
• Deep cell regeneration & protection against oxidative stress
• Regeneration takes 1-2 weeks but the visible results about 4 weeks. 

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED THIS TREATMENT?

For optimal results it is recommended to follow the complete prescribed number of treatments as this will extend the effects of the treatment and obtain long-lasting results:

• For an optimal treatment : 3-4 sessions at 3-4week intervals for immediate cumulative results
• For a maintenance treatment of the results – as soon as the need is felt or 1 session every 3-4 months to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy.

For more information or a free skin assessment with one of our experienced therapists, please phone: .

or call us on +27 21 852 8709

WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that mostly affects the central face (cheeks, chin, nose and forehead) – it is usually in the area where people blush. 
Facial redness (the medical term is erythema) is the most common and sometimes the only symptom of rosacea.

While rosacea symptoms vary from one person to another, flushing and facial redness are the main symptoms but in more severe cases small broken veins and pimple-like bumps called papules and pustules appear on the face. At this stage, rosacea is often this is often mistaken for acne.

In some people with rosacea, facial flushing and redness may come and go frequently, often without warning. In others, the redness may be persistent and does not seem to fade away.

What triggers rosacea flushes and flares?

These are some of the common triggers that cause rosacea flushes and flares. The triggers are different for everyone – some may react to these triggers while may not:

• Hormone-induced flushing i.e menopause or peri-menopause
• Hot baths, showers or saunas 
• Sun Exposure
• Spicy Food
• Alcohol
• Hot drinks like tea & coffee
• Intense exercise leading to overheating in hot or cold temperatures
• Extreme hot or cold outdoor temperatures and harsh winds
• Stress and anxiety
• Skin products: excessive use of exfoliators, scrubs and also those containing fragrances and alcohol.
• Medication: some high blood pressure tablets and cortisone tablets, injections and topical products
• Genetic predisposition towards Rosacea

Treatment:
In more severe cases of rosacea i.e. persistent redness, broken veins, papules and pustules, it is best to consult a Dermatologist as they will assess you and prescribe the correct medication to help bring the condition under control. 

It has been shown that Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments make it easier to manage rosacea and we offer treatments for rosacea with our brand new Candela Nordlys Ellipse Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to help reduce redness and broken red veins caused by this condition.

Tips:
Keeping track of your flare-ups may help you figure out your triggers and help you to avoid them in the future ie.spicy foods, alcohol, hot baths etc.

Try and keep your body at an even temperature. Going from extreme temperatures can trigger flushing and redness – cold air-conditioners to hot central heating.

Plan your outdoor exercise:  in winter avoid chilly early mornings or in summer don’t exercise at midday.

It is best to try and remain in an environmental temperature of around 23 degrees Celcius.

For more information or a free skin assessment with one of our experienced therapists, please phone: .

or call us on +27 21 852 8709

Platelet rich plasma therapy harnesses the body’s ability to heal itself. Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood and provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to circulate through the body. Platelets contain proteins and growth factors that stimulate healing and regeneration. If injected into the skin, they naturally stimulate rejuvenation, improving skin texture and skin tone.

 Traditionally micro needling is used to treat everything from age spots and wrinkles to scarring and certain forms of hyper-pigmentation. PRP helps to boost these effects so that can achieve your desired results faster. The term vampire facial / lift is sometimes used to refer to micro-needling with PRP/

An additional boost can be achieved if the PRP is injected into the dermis directly. This is then followed by micro-needling with the PRP.

What to expect from your treatment:

Your face will be cleansed and topical anaesthetic will be applied.

A small amount of blood will be drawn from your arm while your face is numbing.

The blood is then put into a centrifuge, which separates the PRP from the red blood cells.

Micro needling creates multi small channels into the skin and the PRP is then needled and massaged into the skin.

This treatment takes about 40min, depending on the areas treated.

A soothing lotion and sunscreen is applied afterwards.

This may not be the treatment for you if you:

Are pregnant

Using Roaccutane for acne treatment

Scar easily

Have a history of poor wound healing

Untreated Eczema or Rosacea

Side Effects:

Redness and some swelling are to be expected and occasionally bruising – these are the most common side effects.

Most of the redness and swelling will disappear within 24-48 hours but this varies from person to person and sometimes it can take from 4-6 days to subside.

You definitely need to AVOID sun exposure and harsh skin treatments during this time.

You need to be meticulous about applying a sunscreen should have to be outdoors but try avoid the sun as much as possible in the weeks after the treatment.

It is important that you do not rub or pick at your face as this could cause post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).

If you have a history of cold sores, it is possible that you may have an outbreak from having this treatment done.

What to expect during recovery :

Recovery from this treatment is relatively minimal. You can go back to work the next day if you wish.

There may still be some redness and other signs of minor irritation, but you need to avoid applying too many products to your skin – your therapist will advise you.

Simply cleanse once a day and moisturize as needed. If desired, follow with a lightweight foundation or powder to minimize redness.

This treatment will add a whole new dimension to your skin making use of your own body’s own natural growth factors.

You can so this treatment in conjunction with your other treatments or as a stand-alone treatment. Chat to your therapist!

For more information or a free skin assessment with one of our experienced therapists, please phone: .

or call us on +27 21 852 8709

INTRODUCTION:

We took delivery of our brand new Nordlys Ellipse Intense Pulsed Light System (IPL) in December 2019. It is manufactured by Candela in the USA and is approved by the FDA in America for skin rejuvenation of sun-damaged skins and treatment of vascular and pigmented skin disorders. It offers the same benefits plus for as our previous IPL, the Ellipse I2PL.

Intense Pulsed Light in its simplest form is a way of saying short flashes of very bright light. The Nordlys Ellipse IPL uses short, safe bursts of carefully controlled filtered light which is emitted from a flash-lamp to treat specific skin conditions. For brown marks on the skin it targets melanin and for treatment of vascular problems it targets haemoglobin which causes the redness. In treating sun-damaged skin, both melanin and haemoglobin are treated.

The amount of light and the speed of its delivery to your specific skin condition are exact and precisely controlled by Nordlys’ built-in computer.  Unlike some other products on the market, this system carefully controls the pulse and the amount of energy delivered in the optimal waveband for the treatment. These factors explain why the best possible result is obtained. The Nordlys IPL has been clinically proven to be safe and effective.

CLINICAL INDICATIONS:

Pigmented Lesions

Uneven superficial pigmentation

Brown marks

Freckles and age spots

Vascular Lesions

Red spider veins,

Dilated Red Veins

Diffuse Redness

Rosacea

Sun Damaged Skin

Skin Rejuvenation

Improves Texture and Skin Tone

Improves Radiance

Skin laxity

Port Wine Stain (assessment by a doctor only)

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

How does the treatment work?

An intense pulsed light is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the haemoglobin of the abnormally dilated capillaries or the melanin of the pigmented lesion. The heat causes the lesion to fragment and the dilated capillaries to close, the body then begins its natural healing process. The Nordlys Ellipse IPL stimulates fibroblast activity encouraging the formation of new collagen and elastin thereby improving the appearance of the fine lines and an overall skin texture.

How long is each treatment?

Treatment varies from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area to be treated.

 How many treatments are needed?

The number of sessions recommended depends on the specific condition and the size of the area being treated. Your doctor or laser therapist will discuss this with you before treatments commence.  For optimal results multiple treatments are sometimes recommended depending on your individual skin condition.  Follow-up treatments may be recommended to maintain results.

Is it painful?

Pain is minimal and most patients describe the sensation as being similar to the snap of an elastic band with some sensation of heat. Your doctor or laser therapist will always make sure of your comfort levels as the treatment is being administered.

Are there possible side effects or risks involved?

The side-effects and risks are minimal if the treatment is performed by trained professionals who are experienced in this type of treatment.  Immediately after the treatment the skin may appear flushed rather like a sunburn, brown pigmented spots may appear darker and capillaries may be visible. Swelling is usually minimal but it depends on the individual being treated.

What results can I expect?

It helps to even out skin tone, improves the texture and gives the skin radiance

It helps to reverse the results of UV damage e.g. solar lentigines  (brown marks) and telangiectasia (red veins)

It provides skin rejuvenation on the treated areas and helps to soften wrinkles

It enhances elasticity, it helps to firm the skin and reduce enlarged pores

Is there anything I should avoid prior to treatment?

You cannot have this treatment if you have a tan so make sure your skin is as pale as possible for the best results.

If you are on Roaccutane or any other Isotretinoin’s you will need permission from your Dermatologist before treatment commences. You should always have an assessment with your doctor or laser therapist prior to treatment to see if you are a suitable candidate.

Which areas can be treated?

This treatment can be used for effectively treating and improving the appearance of the face, neck, décolleté and hands – however the neck and décolleté would require more treatments than the face.

Your Dermatologist or Therapist can provide you with more information on whether the Nordlys Ellipse IPL is the right treatment for you. If you suffer from chronic pigmentation or chronic redness you will need to consult your Dermatologist before commencing with this

Rosacea clients tend to have reduction in redness, less flare-ups and overall improvement of the skin.

For more information or a free skin assessment with one of our experienced therapists, please phone: .

or call us on +27 21 852 8709

Dermalaser Medical Skin & Laser Clinic is a leader in Laser Hair Removal for the following reasons:
 
Are all hair removal lasers created equal?
 
No, not all lasers that remove hair are created equal. There are a variety of lasers on the market and some are more efficient at hair removal than others, with some taking longer than others to destroy the hair follicles. In some cases, the hair follicle is only weakened and not entirely destroyed. This can lead to many more treatments than planned if the laser is not specifically designed for hair removal.
 
It is best to do your research and look for the best state-of-the-art hair removal lasers recommended by Dermatologists or medical doctors experienced with laser technology. The more sophisticated hair removal lasers have bigger spots sizes, provide more comfort and are faster and more efficient.
 
At Dermalaser Medical Skin & Laser Clinic, we have two different hair removal lasers on one platform and they are two of the best hair removal systems on the market:

Candela Alexandrite & Nd:YAG 

These two lasers are referred to as the Candela Gentle Max Pro System. The beauty of this system is that they can be used individually or in combination with each other while doing a hair removal treatment – some areas may require the Alexandrite while others may need the Nd:YAG
 
The major difference with our laser hair removal treatments is that both these lasers are monochromatic, in other words, a single wavelength of light, and they were created especially for hair removal making them more efficient than some other systems.
 
The Alexandrite laser is best for treating lighter skin types & the Nd:YAG is best for treating darker skin types. It is safer to use a hair removal laser that is designed specifically for light or dark skin types and having this choice is what really sets our hair removal laser treatments apart from many others. Many other hair removal laser systems are only able to reduce or remove dark hair on a pale skin.
 
It is also good to note that often the first 1-4 hair removal treatments may be comparable with other hair removal systems but from 4-8 treatments onwards, other lasers or systems like IPL can be less effective as the hair gets thinner but it takes longer to destroy the hair follicle. This can result in up to 15 treatments or more to get the same results as with our lasers. The Alexandrite & Nd:YAG may be more intense but they work deeply and generally destroy the hair follicle quicker, resulting in less treatments.
 
Is there anything else that is important to know when considering laser hair removal?
 
An important factor when considering laser hair removal options is the Absorption Curve of melanin – how effective the laser is at absorbing melanin. The relationship between hair removal lasers and melanin is very important because it affects the efficacy of the laser hair removal treatments. A hair removal laser targets pigment called melanin and this pigment is what gives hair its colour. The heat from the laser targets the melanin in the hair follicle causing damage which slows down or stops the hair growth, leading to permanent hair reduction. Our lasers have high absorption benefits compared to others.
 
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) uses broadband light and is not a single wavelength. It is used for hair removal but it is not a pure laser – it is intense pulsed light and it can take more treatments than a laser that has been designed specifically for hair removal such as the Alexandrite & Nd:YAG.
 
Grey, white, ginger and blonde hair cannot be removed with a hair removal laser as they contain no pigment – for this, we offer the very best in electrolysis hair removal, the Apilus XL Pur Electrolysis.
 
 Are laser hair removal treatments painful?
 
Candela’s Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal treatments use a patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™), which prepares the skin for treatment by spraying the upper layer with a cooling burst of cryogen in adjustable durations—milliseconds before the laser pulse. DCD helps ensure that the treatments are as comfortable as they are effective.
 
Some clinics advertise ‘pain-free’ treatments but this is often attained by using a lower energy setting on the laser to avoid discomfort so that the client will return and not be put off by any discomfort or pain. However, the downside of this is that generally more laser treatments are required as the energy settings are not as high as they should be and this then incurs extra costs as it takes longer for the desired outcome. Experienced laser therapists will use the correct energy settings in conjunction with a cooling system to minimize discomfort and in this way not have to perform more treatments that are necessary.
 
What are Candela’s Alexandrite & Nd:YAG Laser Hair Removal treatments like?
 
Laser energy is delivered through a small hand-piece operated by your laser therapist. The laser delivers an intense beam of light, which is absorbed by the pigment/melanin in the hair follicle. Thermal energy or heat is then absorbed by the pigment cells that are being targeted, while the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. Your skin may be slightly red and swollen immediately following the procedure. This typically lasts from a few minutes to several hours after the procedure. A cooling gel is applied immediately after the treatment to reduce any discomfort.
 
Are Candela’s Laser Hair Removal treatments safe and are there any side effects?
 
Laser and light-based treatments have been safely used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. It, however, is vitally important that your laser therapist is properly trained to use the laser and that she is experienced as this can impact on your safety. It is also important to have a pre-treatment assessment so that the laser therapist is aware of any potential risks due to medication or medical conditions especially pigmentary concerns.
 
Nearly any part of the body can be treated safely including the face, neck, legs, nipples, bikini line, underarms, arms, back, buttocks, chest and stomach on both men and women. Both these lasers help with some medical treatments including Pilonidal sinus, ingrown hairs and folliculitis including pseudofolliculitis barbae.
 
Side effects can include some redness and post-treatment swelling but this is usually only temporary. Another important safety precaution during the treatment is that both the client and the therapist wear special laser protection glasses.
 
How long do Candela’s Laser Hair Removal treatments take and how many treatments will I require?
 
Treatment times may vary depending on your specific needs. Hair growth is reduced after each treatment and the number of treatments required will be based on your hair colour and type, the size of the body area to be treated and the skin tone.
 
The Alexandrite is designed to destroy hair in 6-8 treatments but this can vary and is often more like 8-10 treatments. Each client is different in how their hair responds and there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration such as age and whether the client is still hormonally active. This can all have an effect on the length and efficacy of your treatment.
 
Laser hair removal treatments can take a few months as they should only be performed during the growth phase of the hair follicle when the melanin concentrations are high. The hair goes through 3 main stages:
 
Anagen –  Growth phase (it’s got the blood and nerve supply to the follicle at this stage)
Catagen – Intermediate or regression phase
Telogen – Resting or shedding phase
 
Not all hair follicles will be in a growth phase at one time, with some in the intermediate or resting phase. This is why multiple treatments are required in order target all hair follicles in their growth phase.
 
What precautions should I take when considering laser hair removal?
 
Avoid sun exposure at least four weeks before treatment. Do not bleach, pluck or wax 4 to 6 weeks before and after treatment. Wait for tanned skin (both natural tan and self-tan) to fade before beginning treatment.
 
Any word of expert advice when considering laser hair removal?
 
Besides making sure you choose a clinic with the correct and most efficient hair removal lasers, it is vitally important to check how experienced the laser therapist or operator is before having a treatment.
 
Many clinics have a high turnover of staff who may be trained on the technical side of the lasers but they lack the long-term experience of treating actual patients. This can impact on the number of treatments required as the laser therapist might turn the energy down on the laser for fear of causing pain or discomfort, or causing hyperpigmentation or damage to the surrounding skin. This then impacts on the number of treatments needed to remove the hair.
 
Experienced laser therapists, who have worked with their lasers over a long period of time, are a very valuable asset when it comes to a hair removal treatment. They know their lasers well: the energy settings and what they can and cannot do, with safety and efficacy a top priority when it comes to their clients.
 
Lastly, when clinics advertise big discounts on their hair removal treatments it might seem like a big saving upfront but if your treatments are going to take a lot longer to get the desired result, your discount will quickly disappear.
 
Be cautious of ‘dream sellers’ … permanent hair removal, pain-free … sometimes there is no permanent hair removal but rather permanent hair reduction and more often than not, there is some discomfort with this treatment – it is rarely completely ‘pain-free’ but experienced laser therapists know how to minimize any discomfort.
 
The best advice we can give is to be informed and do your homework before embarking on this very popular treatment.
 
For a free consultation and assessment for laser hair removal, please contact us:

021-852 8709