Does Laser Hair Removal Work on All Skin Types?

Thérapie Clinic has a number of different laser types, from the Alexandrite to the ND: Yag, designed to work on a variety of different colours of skin.

 

The reason a consultation is so important prior to embarking on a course of laser hair removal is to allow the therapist to confirm your skin and hair type and make sure that you can get a realistic expectation of the results; as well as to determine the best type of laser and number of treatments for you.

 

Many decisions on laser use are based on the Fitzpatrick System.

What Is The Fitzpatrick Skin Typing System?

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is a skin classification system first developed in 1975 by Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, of Harvard Medical School.

 

Most dermatologists and professionals who specialise in skin treatments of all kinds will be familiar with the Fitzpatrick Scale; it’s handy to use when determining what your genetic predisposition and reaction to sun exposure, as well as to some specific skin treatments like laser hair removal.
 

Skin Type Skin Colour Characteristics
I White; very fair; red or blond hair; blue eyes; freckles Always burns, never tans
II White; fair; red or blond hair; blue, hazel, or green eyes Usually burns, tans with difficulty
III Cream white; fair with any eye or hair colour; very common Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans
IV Brown; typical Mediterranean Caucasian skin Rarely burns, tans with ease
V Dark Brown; mid-eastern skin types very rarely burns, tans very easily
VI Black Never burns, tans very easily

 

Why Does My Skin Type Matter?

Laser works by finding the coloured pigment, melanin, in the hair follicle. The laser light energy converts to heat and in a process called selective thermolysis destroys the pigment.

 

The laser used needs to be able to differentiate between the colour of the hair and the colour of your skin, otherwise it has trouble ‘finding’ the hair and in less scrupulous clinics, the wrong choice of equipment would put you at risk of a burn.

What does Thérapie Clinic Do about my Skin Type?

Taking the time to consult with you correctly-even making that consultation free for you and having a test spot done on your skin-means that you are ensured the best, most suitable type of laser and length of treatments for your individual skin type, for optimal, safe results.

 

Call Thérapie Clinic today to book your free consultation on 1890 650 750