Laser/IPL Can Be Dangerous For Use

Laser and IPL hair removal are safe methods for long term hair removal. This means if the right candidate for IPL or laser hair removal uses the home device as instructed, the sessions would be safe and with very mild slide effects. The right candidate for a successful IPL or laser hair removal is a person who is healthy, with the right contrast of dark hair color and light skin tone. 

There are some cases as you may see below, that the home hair removal is not safe and the user would be in some risk for mild or severe side effects.

When Not To Use Home IPL Systems

For your own safety and well being, you should NOT use the Home IPL Systems if any of the following items apply to you. There are other ways to remove hair which will be covered below, and there is no need to risk severe side effects.

1. If your skin type is darker than skin type 4 (see picture of skin color chart), only the ‘Me my Elos’ hair removal  system is approved for treating dark medium dark skin (type 5).
2. If within the last three days you have had a long skin exposure to the sun, or if you have excessively tanned skin from
   sun, tanning beds or tanning creams within the last two weeks, as tanning may influence the safety of the treatment.
3. For ‘Me my Elos’ users only: If you have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator. The IPL+RF sends radio waves to complete the hair removal process!
4. If you have a history of any type of cancer, or pre-malignant moles. Laser or IPL do not cause skin cancer! But when the skin has a disorder, it is better to to interfere with the intense flashes. Moles and skin tags have high melanin, so heat would be intensified there and may cause skin burns.
5. If you suffer from severe conditions, such as cardiac disorders. Light pulses or laser are felt like hot zaps at the skin. This can cause a non controllable cramping of the muscles, especially when done on sensitive skin.
6. If you have moles, large freckles, darker pigmented areas, scars or birthmarks don’t treat over them. The melanin which makes them ‘dark’ will attract more of the light energy than the melanin in the hair, and the skin surface will overheat. The best thing can be either to treat around them, or to cover them with a white pencil for laser hair removal.
7. If you are pregnant or nursing. There is no direct risk from the laser light or the IPL to the pregnant women. There are no medical or clinical trials which say it is not safe, but there is no research to say it is safe. The main problem is the warm zapping which can cause cramps, especially when treating the lower abdominal and upper legs.
8. If you have any active condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema, burns, herpes simplex, wounds or a rash. The laser or IPL flash light can cause slight skin burns, blisters, redness, which may complicate any active condition. 
9. If you have a history of bleeding coagulopathies, or use of anticoagulants.
10. If you are using medications, herbs, food supplements, and vitamins known to induce photosensitivity to light exposure at the wavelength used, such as Isotretinoin (Accutane) and/or topical retinoids within the last six months, Tetracyclines, or St. John’s Wort within the last two weeks.
11. If you are using medications that may stimulate hair growth, such as Minoxidil.
12. If you have had any surgical procedure in the treatment area within the last three months or before complete healing.
13. If you have Epilepsy. The repetition of the light flashes can trigger unwanted effects.

The bottom line is – If your condition is not ‘healthy’ or if you are taking any medication, please consult with your doctor before using any home IPL or Laser hair removal system!

When Hair Removal Is Not Safe

Laser and IPL are the most convenient ways to remove unwanted hair for a long periods of time. After 6-8 sessions which spread over 2-3 month, most people will see a 50%-80% reduction in hair growth. Hair will grow in most cases, thiner and with light color tone. In case the hair removal cannot be treated by IPL or laser there are some alternatives which may be more suitable.

If you have any of the conditions mentioned in the list, consult your doctor before using any other method too!

Hair Removal Creams – They are smelly lotions that have cause chemical reaction, which breaks down the hair cells. After the depilatory cream is applied, the hair will drop off when rubbed with a cloth. This method is very effective, and easy to use, and the most important thing there is no ‘pain’ involved. Hair removal creams are not expensive, check this hair removal cream for men and for removal creams for women. The main con is the unpleasant odor and the fact that it is a short term solution.

Panasonic Close Curves Wet/Dry Ladies Shaver

Electric Shavers – They are also a nice easy way to remove hair. No pain involved too. The eclectic shavers today can do a very close shave! Some of them are wet/dry shavers so they can be used inside the shower for a comfortable shaving session. The main con, is that it is a short term solution too, and needs to be constantly maintained for a smooth feeling. Here is a recommended wet/dry shaver for women.

Epilator Systems – The Epilator systems do the same hair removal plucking like wax. The main difference is that waxing means a lot of hassle, wax warmer a sticky wax everywhere. And of course THE PAIN. Waxing hurts! The new epilator machines can rip the hairs from the roots nice and clean and in less discomfort. Here is the most recommended Epilator you can have.

As you see you have other options, which are safer than IPL or laser to have a smooth body.

Read These Related Posts On Laser Safety:

1. Laser Hair Removal Adverse Effects – Review
2. Laser Hair Removal Permanent Side Effects
3. Me elos Syneron Safety Review
4. Laser Hair Removal And Tattoos – Burn Risks

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