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Is laser hair removal safe for someone with acne?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At January 9, 2018
Reviewed AtJuly 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 21-year-old man. I would like to ask your opinion about laser hair removal. I have read a lot in the last few days and almost everywhere it is said that it is not bad for your health and body and one of the best ways to deal with hair. I am thinking about doing laser removal of hairs in private parts and under the shoulders. I had a problem with acne when I was a teen on my face and back (not normal acne but a big one).

Now I am almost healed but some years ago when I tried wax hair removal under the shoulders and on the chest, I started having acne there also. So now I am a little scared to try it. What is your opinion and is it actually harmless?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The laser is a safe, painless, and permanent method to get rid ofunwanted hairs. It is called laser hair reduction to be more precise. Let me explain to you how this laser works.

When the laser is passed through the skin, it targets melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the hair follicles. It reduces the growth of hair follicles gradually but targets only pigmented hairs. If the hair has turned grey, the laser will not work. You will require at least four sittings to get rid of your unwanted hair. Since you are thinking of your shoulders and private part hair, you will have better results. Because these hairs are controlled by hormones to the least. Whereas facial hairs in a female are very stubborn to the laser. They may take eight sittings as they have a huge hormonal influence. I mentioned laser hair reduction instead of removal because laser not only removes the hair, but also it makes the hair thin and lightly pigmented eventually. So that it is not seen at all like fine hairs over the baby's face. Waxing takes out the hair from the root each time, irritating follicles that aggravate acne, but the laser does not have any effect on acne. There are two types of lasers available for hair reduction, one is diode laser - painless and very effective. The second one is the IPL laser, which has very minimal pain, equally effective. I personally prefer diode lasers after using both for my patients. The laser hair reduction process is not harmful to the body because it is a targeted treatment and it does not harm other cells of your body. The laser may seem a little costly but if you compare the benefits of lasers versus waxing/shaving, I feel this procedure is worth the money you are paying because it is permanent hair reduction.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy
Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Venereology

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