YAG Laser Hair Removal in Dark Skin
When it comes to laser hair removal in ethnic skin, there’s a very narrow spectrum
of treatment options and it has always been challenging due to the higher
competing epidermal melanocyte. The Aesthetic industry has been constantly
trying to develop an ideal platform to treat all skin types (Fitzpatrick 1-6), however
we are yet to find that ideal laser that would treat a skin type 1 and 6 with same
efficiency, also irrespective of thick or thin hair. The technologies to offer remains
the same for the last two decades, however, there has been modifications on
existing technology to suite various skin types, faster treatment and lesser
complication and better results, making it truly a swift lunch time procedure.
The principle behind hair removal is selective photo thermolysis (heat is being
absorbed by melanin, which eventually heats up the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the
surrounding area and the germinating layers in such a way that the melanin helps
in destroying the hair. The chromophore here is melanin, which is competing with
other chromophores that are oxyhemoglobin and water [1,5]. The spectrum of 600
nm to 1,100 nm wavelength is useful in destroying the hair follicle, but the more
specific we are, the lesser chance of complications. This brings us down to a few
technologies utilizing different wavelength, such as Pulsed Diode, Nd-Yag,
Alexandrite,Ruby, which are a little more specific when it comes to heating the
melanin which helps in destroying the hair.
During YAG laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the
pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which
damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin that produce hairs; this damage
inhibits or delays future hair growth. It works well because it has a weaker melanin
absorption rate than other lasers. Melanin absorption refers to the rate at which the
laser’s heat and light are absorbed by the melanin.
Is YAG laser good for dark skin?
Currently, the most effective and safest laser for darker skin tones uses Nd: YAG
laser technology. The wavelength of this laser goes deep into the skin, so it
effectively bypasses the pigmentation in the skin. The combination of technologies
allows our highly trained professionals to create a customized treatment plan to fit
the exact needs of each client’s skin tone and hair type.
Why IPL does not work on dark skin?
Darker skin contains more melanin than fair skin. If you use some IPL devices
onto melanin-rich, dark skin, the IPL could transfer heat energy onto the skin cells,
causing discoloration.
Which is better IPL or Nd YAG laser?
The ND:YAG laser is considered the “Gold Standard for skin types IV-VI and can
be used on tanned skin. The IPLs are not considered to be safe for treating dark or
tanned skin.
Is YAG better than IPL?
While both Nd:YAG laser treatments and IPL treatments have been proven to be
safe of use on all skin types, based on different clinical study results, YAG laser is
a clear leader in terms of efficacy in hair regrowth reduction and safety on darker
skins.
What are the side effects of YAG laser?
YAG laser capsulotomy is generally a very safe procedure. However, there are
some risks and side-effects which includes an increase in floaters, raised
intraocular pressure, inflammation, haloes/glare, lens damage, retinal
tear/detachment. Your glasses prescription may also change after the laser
treatment. The biggest issue when performing laser hair removal on dark skin
comes from the heat that the lasers produce. the intensity of the heat can potentially
heat up melanin and harm the skin, leading to pigment changes like post-
inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Risks of Laser Hair Removal on Dark Skin:
You will want to minimize the chances that you will develop the most common
laser-related side effects for dark or black skin: hyperpigmentation, or dark spots,
and hypopigmentation, in which the skin pigment lightens.
Why IPL does not work on dark skin?
Darker skin contains more melatonin than fair skin. If you use some IPL devices
onto melanin-rich, dark skin, the IPL could transfer heat energy onto the skin cells,
causing discoloration.
Does laser hair removal work on mixed race skin?
The YAG laser can safety pass through any amount of melanin in the skin and
destroy hair follicles successfully for any skin tones including Asin, Dark,
Oriental, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Black Caribbean, Black African and African
American skin types.
Certainly, understanding the skin is more important and also understanding the
technology behind a laser, because you know how this skin is going to react, and
you know what to do with the laser. Off course it would be a privilege to have all
types of lasers in your clinic if its financially viable and that would make any
practice versatile. When it comes to treating darker skin types, Diode laser still has
the edge when you consider the result-safety profile and it has been the gold
standard and it still remains to be.
