Types of Lasers for Hair Removal
There are six types of lasers for hair removal machines. Which machine is best depends on what type of skin and hair a person has. The oldest machines, the Ruby, still works well but have been surpassed in efficiency by newer lasers. One popular method, intense pulsed light, technically isn't a laser at all, but a flashlamp. Laser can also cause side effects, including pigment changes in skin. Does this Spark an idea?
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Alexandrite
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This machine uses a short wavelength system and is a fast removal method. This machine can have side effects like a lightening or darkening of the skin. The Alexandrite works best on very white skin, especially those with dark hair.
Diode
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These work well on white skin but long-term results aren't clear because the machines are still fairly new. Diodes use a longer wavelength than the original Ruby machines and the Alexandrites. The longer wavelength lets the light penetrate the hair follicle more deeply. This allows it to avoid damaging the skins melanin. Because of this, the machine can be used on darker skin. Diodes are more efficient because they can treat large areas at one time.
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ND:YAG
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These machines are better for dark skin as they help prevent skin blistering. The lasers are using longer wavelengths than the original version and there is little data to show that long-term removal is possible; it's shown to be ineffective for light or fine hair. Patients have also reported that these treatments are painful, but this laser does work on large treatment areas and is quick.
Intense Pulsed Lights
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These aren't actually lasers. They are flashlamps. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machines rely on a wide range of light and the light's quality may vary depending on how long the pulses are. IPL may be used on different kinds of patients and provide good results. However, with this type of laser, results depend largely on the experience of the laser's operator.
Ruby
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This is the earliest type of laser used for hair removal. These machines only work on white skin. Long-term effects are is well documented so patients will have a good idea of what results they can expect. The biggest drawback is that the Ruby machines aren't as efficient as newer lasers, because they only cover a small area at a time.
Elecrical Optical Synergy
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Electrical Optical Synergy machines (ELOS) is new technology that works by using radio frequency and light together. This machine works well on darker skin and only effects areas being treated. Electrical Optical Synergy machines can be used on all skin colors and on all hair colors. The technology on them is still being perfected.
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