Thursday, February 23, 2012

How does laser hair removal work?

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

As laser hair removal becomes an increasingly popular procedure for all those "in-the-know," it's important to understand what, exactly, laser hair removal is. Basically, laser light and heat is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles - causing the follicle to enter the telogen phase of hair growth. The "permanent" aspect of laser hair removal comes from multiple consistent treatments; forcing the follicle to stay in the telogen phase each time it begins to "wake up" causes the follicle to stay in telogen phase for longer and longer periods of time. This is why any place that tells you laser hair removal is permanent just doesn't understand the science. Laser hair removal messes up your body's natural urges to produce hair - and nature doesn't give up easily.


Check out the graph above: our aim is to target the hair after the catagen phase of hair growth, and target it consistently to weaken the hair follicle and force it into the telogen phase for longer periods of time. Many factors can cause the hair follicle to leave the telogen phase - hormones is one of them. Puberty, pregnancy, and other hormonal-related occurrences can reawaken resting hair follicles, and cause hair to grow, even if you've had a ton of laser treatments before.

Laser hair removal is most effective on light-skinned people with darker hair - the laser light and heat is absorbed into the melanin of hair follicles more quickly and efficiently. It's important to maintain a delicate balance with laser hair removal, because the laser light has to stay on the hair follicle long enough to damage it, but not so long that the skin around the follicle is damaged as well. That's why you'll often hear stories of burns or ineffectiveness - it takes a few sessions to even find that delicate balance, and your hair follicles often adapt to the laser that is damaging it. Gradually, the intensity of the laser treatments has to be stronger to combat the most stubborn of hair follicles.

So what does this mean for people considering laser hair removal?

First, it's important to be realistic about your expectations and your candidacy. If you have very blonde or white hair, laser hair removal might not be the hair removal option for you. Even after 6 or 10 or 15 sessions, the hair in that area might still persist, because there is no melanin/pigment in that area to absorb the light and heat of the laser. Second, the finer your hair is, the less likely it will be for laser to find and target it. Third, it's important to be consistent with your laser treatments - follicles will respond the most to damage if it is done on a steady basis. When starting laser hair removal for the first time, make sure you space out your sessions four weeks apart. Eventually, your technician will advise you to wait longer periods of time, and your hair follicles will be dormant for longer. Fourth - give laser hair removal the best chance possible! Don't wax, pluck, or tweeze two weeks before your treatment; this keeps the follicle intact so that the lasers can do their most effective work. Being in the sun is a big no-no as well, since areas treated by laser are prone to micro- and macro-pigmentation (dark or white spots).

Everyone is different, so be wary of places that guarantee permanent removal in a definitive amount of sessions, or places that only provide one type of laser.

Good luck - and enjoy!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012



 Here at Skintology, we believe strongly in the individualization of all our treatments - whether it be a facial or laser hair removal, no two people are the same, and we make every effort to ensure that we don't treat you, or your concerns, that way!

However, at-home skincare regimen remains the first priority for beautiful and consistent skin care. While we advise visiting our Skintology experts for specialized facials on average once a month for below-the-surface cleansing, it is imperative that skin care at home is smoothly integrated into our treatments.

Rest assured though; Skintology's got you covered! Skintology's products are all specially designed and tailored for our treatments and elite clientele in-house by our resident chemist. Our products are built around all-natural ingredients like Japanese green tea, sugar cane, and various fruit extracts, so your skin is hydrated with the most organic of elements.

As with all our services & treatments here at Skintology, we're always searching for the newest and best technologies, ingredients, and methods - so our new line of Skintology products was launched earlier in the year (check it out in our Chelsea store!). It's also the perfect opportunity for you to try our existing line of Skintology products. Take 60% off selected Skintology products in stores (and coming soon online!) - we are confident in our ability to make you a true believer of the Skintology name.

Pictured above:
1. Skintology Skin Renewal Package - includes our Skin Renewal Cleanser with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, to be followed up with our base Skin Renewal Complex and topped off with our Skin Renewal Creme with SPF4; for all skin types.
2. Calming Chamomile Package - includes our Calming Chamomile Cleanser with tea extracts, a Calming Gel Masque, and our Calming Chamomile Day Lotion; for sensitive skin.

Call or visit us today!