Laser hair removal is one of the best options to permanently reduce unwanted or superfluous hair on a woman’s and man’s toes, hands, legs, arms, chest, cleavage, neck, face, thighs, bikini area, pubic area, buttocks, abdomen, underarms, back, shoulders, ear lobes, chin and lip areas.  However, success is only as good as the skills of the laser machine operator and the type of laser used.  Note: not everyone benefits from laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal treatments target melanin (pheomelanin – red or blond hair color; eumelanin – black or brown hair color), a dark pigment that is found in skin and the hair follicle, which allows the laser light to be better absorbed with greater intensity and speed. The highest rate of success is found with coarse, darker hair, but those with light or fair colored hair are better choosing electrolysis, which is the only permanent hair removal method for all hair colors.

Three laser types are currently used, including Nd:YAG (dark skin), Pulsed Diode (light to medium skin) and Alexandrite (light skin).  Success is based on many factors, including the pulse width (shorter waves offer better hair removal), spot size (larger spaces covered offer more effective and faster hair removal), fluence (higher levels of energy best for killing and damaging hair follicles) and laser light pulse rate repetitions (correct pulses with delays in between to allow the hair follicle to be properly heated to damage or kill them).

Cooling the skin is vital to prevent side effects and lower the pain, especially for darker skinned people.  Four varieties of laser hair removal cooling can be used, including chilled gel, cryogen spraying of the skin before and after pulses, forced cooling of the air and cooling water on the skin.

The number of laser hair removal sessions varies according to the skin and hair color combination, sex of the patient, hair coarseness, stage of hair growth and area being treated.  Treatments are given every four to six weeks, but usually require from five to twelve sessions.  Coarser, darker hair on lighter skin has the highest success rate, but fine hair on dark skin takes longer to treat.  Facial hair takes longer to remove, but laser hair removal is ineffective on peach fuzz, extremely fine or light hair.

Laser hair removal treatments can have disadvantages over electrolysis.  Patients can suffer side effects, some of which are permanent, including purpura (bleeding rash just under the skin’s surface), scabbing, swelling, acne, white skin patches, skin discoloration, burning, discomfort and scarring.  Though cheaper in comparison to electrolysis per session and less painful, in the long-term, laser hair removal treatment may require far more treatments than electrolysis and far out way it cost-wise.

Laser hair removal is not for everyone and is better if you have coarse, darker hair and lighter skin.  It can be uncomfortable, have side effects and may or may not work for you.  However, before considering spending any money on laser hair removal, laser hair removal clinics do offer free consultations to see if laser hair removal is your best option.  Getting advice in advance and finding a reputable clinic with trained practitioners and qualified doctors is your safest, most affordable and best first step.

Chemical peels can be done on the face, the neck and the hands. Some sun damaged areas will be improved and surface lesions may be removed altogether.  Chemical peels will not help deep wrinkles or tighten the skin but will give a younger fresher look to the skin.

What happens during a peel?

The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove all traces of oil. A chemical solution, commonly glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid is brushed on to the skin. There will be a feeling of heat from the area treated and a stinging sensation as the peel does its work. Cold compresses are typically applied to alleviate discomfort. If you have a deeper peel you may need to have pain killing drugs as well and some doctors will prescribe an antibiotic to minimise the risk of any infection.

What to expect after a peel

There will be a range of reactions depending on the individual and on the depth of the peel.  You will experience a reaction that is very similar to a bad case of sunburn. The skin will be red initially and then begin to peel, usually taking between three to seven days to complete the process.
If you have a deeper chemical peel you may experience swelling as well and as in a severe case of sunburn – blisters may form. Depending on the individual the area treated with the peel will form a crust and peel off in a period of one to two weeks.  You will need to give yourself enough time to heal depending on how comfortable you are being back in the public eye.

Tips:

• Make sure a in depth consultation is given by the doctor you choose. Be clear about what you are trying to achieve and what will be involved in the treatment and the healing process.

• Choose a doctor that has had considerable experience in the process – don’t be afraid to ask for a referral.

• Let your doctor know if there is any history of pigmentation in you or your family.

• Inform your doctor of any history of unusual scarring or scar tissue formation as this can affect the results.

• Let your doctor know if you are subject to herpes outbreaks as medication can be taken to lessen the chance of an outbreak.

• New skin is very susceptible to sunburn – great care must be taken to use sun block every time you go outdoors.

• Use a skincare regime that is formulated for sensitive skins  with no ingredients that could irritate the new skin that will be revealed.

• XXX Skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser is ideal after treatment as it will help to calm and soothe and support the healing process.

Rosacea (which can be pronounced as ro-zay-sha)  is a skin disease that causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can come and go with people suffering from flare-ups. Tiny red veins can form on the face that look like a cobweb of red veins – these are permanent. People sometimes call rosacea “adult acne” because it can cause outbreaks that look like acne and often happens to us as we get older. Sometimes there can be an associated soreness of the eyes and the eyelids. Although rosacea should not affect your vision, it can cause eye problems and a doctor should be consulted if you experience any symptoms. Rosacea can cause a lot of embarrassment and discomfort for sufferers but there are things we can do to minimise flare-ups.

What causes rosacea?

There is some evidence that people with fair skin and who have a tendency to blush are more prone and that a family history can also predispose you to developing rosacea. In an attack of rosacea the blood vessels in the face expand, filling with blood and causing the face to redden. While there is no one cause for all people there are certain common triggers it would be best to avoid.  Some attacks may last minutes or in severe cases can last for days. If you can work out your own personal triggers it will help you manage your rosacea and some people find keeping a trigger diary helpful.

Some triggers include:

Exercise or heavy exertion
Exposure to the sun and wind
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Hot food and drink
Stress or anxiety
Emotional changes such as embarrassment or laughing
Hot baths and showers
Menopause
Some medications – ask your doctor

Medical help should be sought and exposure to triggers reduced as rosacea can worsen and turn into advanced rosacea where bumps on the nose and cheek area can form, giving the area a swollen, lumpy look. While there is no cure medical treatment includes antibiotic creams and drugs. Laser treatment can also help to reduce the size and number of the veins.

Prevention by avoiding triggers is an important part of learning to manage and lessen rosacea attacks.

• Cut down on food and drink that causes symptoms
• Try shorter work outs more frequently when exercising
• Have lukewarm showers and baths and keep them short
• Drink plenty of water in hot conditions
• Cool the face with a damp, cold washcloth if you become overheated.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum – it doesn’t cause rosacea but it can make it worse.
• Always hear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors
• Use a skin care regime that has products with no perfumes, colourings or fragrances that will help soothe and not irritate the skin such as skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser.
• XXX Skinsaviour Cream and Cleanser are specially formulated for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated.

Razor bumps can occur on the face after shaving but also in areas where the hair removed is coarse and the area sensitive such as genital area shaving. Curly hair also tends to curl inwards as it grows and can curl back into the skin causing inflammation and can also cause pimple like bumps. These papules or pustules that form can be red and sore especially if the area becomes infected.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is the medical term for ingrown hairs and these can be two gifferent types -   transfollicular and extrafollicular. The transfollicular hair never leaves the hair follicle and the extrafollicular hair is a hair that has exited the follicle and reentered the skin.

Tips for Prevention:

• Keep the face or area being shaved well lubricated.
• Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
• Use a sharp blade and avoid dull blades.
• Cleanse the face first to soften the hair growth.
• Shave lightly –don’t apply too much pressure.
• Use an aftershave that has no irritating ingredients and is an effective moisturiser. XXX Skinsaviour Cream was formulated for sensitive skins and is ideal for use after shaving.
• Avoid colognes and aftershaves on the affected area.
• Gentle exfoliation – lightly rub over with a washcloth the area after shaving to help prevent razor bumps forming. Ingrown hairs may be gently squeezed to release the hair.
• Severe chronic cases may need to let beards grow or investigate other forms of hair removal such as laser or electrolysis.
• Seek medical advice if the rash or bumps do not heal.

The actual process involves tiny crystals that are sprayed on the skin at very high pressure and must be performed by an experienced operator fully trained in the process. Dermabrasion is most effective at treating conditions that are on the surface of the skin such as acne scars, fine lines, age spots and other skin lesions but at the least leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother.

Microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types and produces no scarring or pigmentation with minimal risk involved. There are degrees of microdermabrasion and the mildest form leaves only a mild redness that quickly disappears. It can be done in the lunch hour and will leave the skin looking and feeling softer and smoother.

There are forms of dermabrading the skin which can have more dramatic results but will involve more discomfort and leave the skin having to go through a healing process – typically taking 7 to 10 days. The newly formed skin will take several weeks to lose the pinkness and return to normal. Sunlight must be avoided and sunscreen used at all times for at least 3-6 months otherwise darkening of the skin may occur.

During and after the healing process XXX Skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser is ideal to use as it is formulated for sensitive skins and contains calming and soothing plant ingredients with a mild antibacterial action. Avoid aspirin, alcohol and smoking for several days after the procedure has been done.

Make sure when you talk to a dermatologist or the person who is doing the procedure what your expectations are and what the healing process involves. A milder form is advisable before having a more intensive treatment to experience the process and see how our skin reacts. Done professionally microdermabrasion can have very pleasing results.

#2 – Use a sharp razor. A dull razor will only drag at and irritate the skin and can be the cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs.

#3 – Don’t rub at your face to dry it – it will dry just as well patted gently with a whole lot less irritation to your skin.

#4 – When you have finished shaving rinse the area thoroughly in lukewarm water. Residue of shaving soaps can cause the skin to be irritated and itchy.

#5 – Avoid the use of alcohol based and harsh astringent type aftershave lotions. These can often dry out the skin causing dry skin and itching in the area shaven. They are not really necessary  – if you want to close pores, cold water is just as effective and less drying.

#6 – If your hair is coarse or thick avoid disposable razors. They are seldom up to the job and may pull and drag at the hairs and the skin.

#7 – Multiple blades give a very clean shave and the less irritation there is to hair follicles the less chance of ingrown hairs, razor bumps and razor burn occurring.

#8 – Shaving twice against the grain or across the grain can give tougher hair growth a very close shave but may irritate the skin for some people.

#9 – Razor burn can be reduced by keeping the face moist during shaving and not creating too much drag on the skin. The less drag the less irritation there will be.

#10 – Shaving is hard on the skin and is both drying and damaging It is important to use a moisturiser after shaving that has no irritating ingredients such as perfumes and colours. XXX Skinsaviour Cream is ideal as it has ingredients that are calming and soothing and has a mild antibacterial action to help with shaving nicks and cuts.

Hirsutism – is defined as the excess conversion of vellus or very fine baby hair that has no pigment and therefore we can’t easily see to terminal hair that is more pigmented, mature hair that we can see quite easily.  An example of where this naturally occurs in us all is the conversion of underarm or pubic vellus hair of an undeveloped child to the terminal visible hairs of a sexually mature of an adult. Therefore it is not seen before puberty.

As women age they are again subject to an increase in Hirsutism as there is an increased production of androgens at menopause as oestrogen decreases. Terminal hairs can be mainly found in areas of the body that have sites dependant on androgen to testosterone such as the beard area, neck, chest, abdomen and the inner thigh area of the upper Excessive hair growth in non androgen dependent areas is called hypertrichosis.

Androgens such as testosterone are produced by the adrenal gland and the ovaries so it is important to investigate what the cause of the hirsutism may be. Some families do have a constitutional tendency for this to happen but it is best to consult a medical practitioner if severe to seek a diagnosis.

How can I treat the unwanted hair?

Shaving
Shaves is another quick and easy answer that shaves off the hair at skin level. Shaving will not last for long and can sometimes leave stubble that can be both seen and felt. Ingrown hairs can be a problem as can razor rash.

Depilatories
Chemical process – a cream is applied that dissolves the hair after a few minutes. Patch test on the wrist first to check for allergies and irritation.  Lasts somewhere between waxing and shaving.

Tweezing
Plucking out the hair is a quick, inexpensive convenient  solution for small areas and must be performed almost daily as new hair comes through.

Waxing
Removes the hair by literally pulling it out by the roots. Can be done at home but it is wise to seek a professional waxer – at least until you learn the process. The hair will have to grow to a certain length in order for the wax to grip the hair.

Bleaching
Bleaching can lighten the colour of the hair and thus make it less visible. This is usually done with a hydrogen peroxide solution applied to the area you want to bleach. Can be done at home or in a salon.

Electrolysis
Electric current applied through a pair of tweezers. Quick for small areas and lasts well but can be quite painful.

Epilatories
Rubber roller or coiled spring that catches the hair so it can be pulled out from the roots.  Not always an easy task to master.

Laser
Must be performed in a salon with an experienced operator in a series of treatment. Laser is painful for some and expensive but is semi permanent with only the occasional follow up treatment sometimes required.

Waxing

Waxing is a method of hair removal that involves a thin layer of heated wax being applied to the skin and smoothed down with a piece of cloth so the hair sticks to both the wax and the strip of cloth as it cools down. The cloth is then quickly pulled off the skin and the hair is pulled out by the roots.  As the roots are removed as well, this method of hair removal lasts several weeks. Most areas of the body can be waxed including areas of the face.

Shaving

Shaving is a popular method of hair removal as it is quick, cheap and can be done at home. With shaving the hair is cut off at the root at skin level so will only last a few days before the new hairs will reappear and will need to be shaved again for a smooth feel. Shaving is often a quick fix alternative.

Depilatories

A depilatory is a cream or a liquid that you apply to the area you want to remove hair from and it breaks down the protein in the hair, effectively causing them to break off slightly below the skin’s surface. You apply the cream and wait for a few minutes and then rinse the cream off. There are different depilatories for different areas of the skin.

Laser

There are many different types of laser on the market today but all are similar in that they emit a beam of light that passes through the skin to the follicle which is the base from which the hair grows. The melanin in the follicle absorbs the light which transforms into heat and effectively stops the hair follicle from being able to produce hair. Light skin and dark hair is the ideal combination for laser treatment, though newer lasers work well on darker skin.

Preparing for a wax

• Choose a therapist that is experienced or has been personally recommended.

• Arriving freshly showered will always be appreciated by anybody working closely with the body.

• Don’t use any moisturiser or body lotion after showering as the wax will not adhere properly to greasy skin.

• Wear loose clothing as the skin will be irritated for a while and tight clothing will only make it worse.

• Don’t shave or try other hair removal techniques before you go, the hair needs to be long enough – about ¼’ so the wax has something to grip to.

What should I expect?

• There will be discomfort and this will vary according to where the waxing is being done and your pain tolerance. Trying to relax is said to make the discomfort less – it does get easier as you know what to expect.

• Ask for a test wax strip on your leg if you are unsure about what it feels like or how your skin will react.

• You will be asked to remove your clothing, depending on the area being waxed. If you are having a bikini wax some salons give you the option of a disposable thong but will usually ask you remove underwear completely if you are having a Brazilian.

• Make sure you are clear on what you want and that your definitions, particularly in bikini waxing, are the same as your therapists!

• The therapist will clean the area to be waxed with an anti bacterial wipe.

• The therapist will remove the hair by applying wax in strips and pulling the strips and the hair away with it.

• After the waxing a cream may be applied to soothe the area.

Most people suffer from some degree of redness and irritation when they undergo waxing.  Waxing at its most basic is literally pulling the hairs out by the roots so the area waxed has undergone some trauma. We all react so individually, the degree of redness, soreness and irritation will vary widely from person to person.  If the area waxed remains sore and red and is still causing you discomfort after 24 hours, seek medical advice as you may have an allergy to the waxing products used.

What can I do about it?

•    Ensure the wax is not too hot before using.
•    Following correct procedure and ensuring the hair is removed in the direction of the hair growth.
•    Applying a cold compress, an ice pack or having a cold shower can all help to reduce the redness and swelling.
•    Clean the area with a cleanser with calming, soothing ingredients.
•    Follow with a moisturiser that is hydrating, calming and soothing to help minimise the redness.
•    Refrain from having hot showers afterwards for several hours.
•    Avoid sun exposure, even if you use sunscreen.
•    Don’t exfoliate for a few days before or after waxing.