Understand How This Innovative Technology Removes Unwanted Hair with Less Discomfort
Are you looking to get rid of unwanted body hair, but dread the pain and side effects of traditional laser treatments? Cold laser hair removal offers a virtually pain-free alternative using advanced cooling techniques and low-level lasers.
At Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Soni provides customized cold laser hair removal treatments tailored to your unique skin and hair type. With a luxurious spa-like environment and the latest technology, you can achieve smooth, hair-free skin with minimal discomfort.
Read on to learn all about this innovative hair removal option and why it may be the perfect solution for you.
What is Cold Laser Hair Removal and How Does it Work?
Cold laser hair removal uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are set at a lower power output compared to traditional hot lasers used for hair removal.
The light waves emitted from the cold laser are absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair follicle beneath the skin’s surface. The non-thermal light helps damage the follicle to prevent future hair growth.
Devices used for cold laser hair removal also incorporate cooling techniques to protect the surface of the skin and improve comfort.
Methods like cryogenically cooled tips, cold air flow, and conductive cooling gel keep the skin’s surface cool while the laser targets the hair follicle below. This cooling effect helps minimize any pain or discomfort during and after treatment.
Cold Lasers vs Hot Lasers for Hair Removal
Hot lasers like diode, Alexandrite and Nd:YAG have long been used for laser hair removal. They work by targeting melanin in the hair follicle with a highly concentrated beam of light that gets converted to heat energy. This heat damages the follicle to hinder future hair growth.
Hot laser treatments are very effective for long-term hair reduction. However, the high-heat they generate can cause pain, redness, blistering and other side effects on the skin’s surface. Multiple treatments spaced weeks apart are usually required as well.
Cold lasers generate less concentrated heat in the hair follicle, so they typically require more sessions than hot laser treatments. But the advantage of cold laser hair removal is the increased comfort and minimal side effects.
The powerful cooling systems used alongside the low-level lasers allow the energy to penetrate below the skin’s surface while keeping the outer layers protected.
So while hot lasers may work faster, cold lasers provide a gentler, virtually painless experience that may be preferable for those with a low pain tolerance or sensitive skin prone to irritation.
Unveil the Science of Smoothness – Schedule a Consultation to Learn How Cold Laser Tech Works for You.
The Benefits of Cold Laser Technology
There are several advantages that make cold laser hair removal an appealing option:
Minimal pain and discomfort
With advanced cooling techniques, most patients report little to no pain during cold laser treatments. The discomfort is often described as similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin.
Low risk of side effects
The cooling systems help avoid burns, blisters and scarring that can sometimes occur with hot lasers. Any redness or swelling after treatment is minor.
Safe for all skin tones
Cold lasers are safe and effective even for those with darker skin tones who are at higher risk of pigmentation issues from hot lasers.
No downtime
You can return to normal activities right after your treatment. Some minor redness may occur but resolves quickly.
Doesn’t thin the skin
Cold lasers only target the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin structure. This helps avoid thinning of the skin over time.
Effective on all body areas
Cold laser hair removal safely treats small or sensitive areas like the face, neck and bikini line with precision cooling tips.
Who is a Good Candidate for Cold Laser Hair Removal?
If you have unwanted hair on your upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini line, legs, back or other areas, cold laser hair removal may be right for you. It works best for patients with:
| Characteristics |
| Dark, coarse hair that has enough pigment for the laser to target |
| Light to medium skin tones |
| A low pain tolerance or sensitive skin prone to irritation |
| Areas too small or delicate for hot lasers, like the face or bikini |
| Darker skin tones at risk of hyperpigmentation from hot lasers |
| The desire to avoid hair removal methods like shaving, waxing or electrolysis |
Cold laser hair removal is safe for all skin types when performed properly by an experienced provider like Dr. Soni. Schedule a consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate.
What to Expect During a Cold Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect when you arrive for your cold laser hair removal session:
- The treatment area will be cleaned and shaved if needed to allow the laser optimal access to each follicle.
- Cooling gel is applied to the skin’s surface based on the area being treated. For sensitive regions, specialized cooling devices may be used.
- Safety eye shields will be provided to protect your eyes from any reflected laser light.
- The handpiece of the cold laser device is placed directly against your skin and pulses of low-level laser light are delivered to each area. You may feel a slight pricking or rubber band snapping sensation.
- More gel or cooling will be reapplied as needed between pulses. The handpiece’s contact with your skin also provides conductive cooling.
- Once the full treatment is complete, aloe vera gel and other soothing creams may be applied. You can resume normal activities immediately.
You’ll need multiple treatments spaced 3-6 weeks apart to achieve the best results. Maintenance may be needed 1-2 times per year. Dr. Soni will advise on the optimal number and timing of sessions based on your individual hair growth cycle and goals.
Prepare for Radiance – Schedule Your Cold Laser Hair Removal Treatment for Smooth, Hair-Free Skin.
Caring for Your Skin After Treatment
Following these tips will help soothe your skin and optimize results after cold laser hair removal:
- Use cool compresses and avoid hot showers for 48 hours. The cold temperature will help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Hot water can further irritate the treated skin.
- Apply prescribed ointments to relieve tenderness. The technician may recommend antibiotic ointments, aloe vera gel, hydrocortisone cream or other soothing products to ease swelling, redness and sensitivity. Follow instructions carefully.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, and wear SPF 30+ daily. Sunlight can darken treated skin and potentially cause hyperpigmentation. Ultraviolet rays also reduce the efficacy of treatments. Use broad spectrum sunscreen.
- Exfoliate between sessions to aid the shedding of treated hairs. Gently scrubbing with a loofah or exfoliating wash helps remove dead hairs dislodged by the laser. Don’t over-exfoliate sensitive areas.
- Don’t pluck, wax or bleach hair during your course of treatments. This can disturb the hair follicle and interfere with the laser targeting the root. Leave hairs intact until they shed naturally.
- Contact the office if you experience excessive pain, blistering or scabbing. Some redness and swelling is normal, but severe reactions may indicate a burn. Seek medical attention to prevent scarring.
The Bottom Line
While no hair removal method is completely pain-free, cold laser technology offers a virtually painless experience and fewer side effects than hot laser treatments.
The advanced skin cooling systems allow the low-level laser to target hair follicles without causing discomfort on the surface. This makes it ideal for those with a low pain tolerance or sensitive skin.
To determine if cold laser hair removal is right for your needs, schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Soni at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. With a customized treatment plan in our luxurious, spa-like office, you can achieve smooth, hair-free skin with no downtime using the latest cold laser technology.
