Beauty Bash Discussion: Laser Hair Removal
As I mentioned earlier, Nancy and Kari both have experience with laser hair removal. Kari had it done a few years ago, and Nancy is currently undergoing treatment. Both are thrilled with the results. Kari even had a solution to one of the only downsides: the pain, which we’ve heard is substantial. Apparently, her office has just brought in a new device that freezes the area to be treated, thereby numbing it and dramatically reducing the pain. Brilliant! I’m just waiting until after the conception/birth of baby number two, and then I’m signing up.
One unusual question did come up. Someone mentioned that she has a friend who had laser hair removal under her arms, and now, whenever she works out and sweats, the smell that she emits is a strange burning smell, not body odor at all, and not treatable or preventable with antiperspirant or deodorant. She says it is so annoying to her that she wishes she’d never done it. In my opinion, this seems to be a fluke, and maybe her particular body chemistry didn’t respond well to treatment, as in all of my research I haven’t been able to find anyone else who mentioned having this issue.
I checked the Mayo Clinic website, and the possible risks they mentioned included hyper-and hypopigmentation, scarring, and blistering. They did not mention a permanent change in body odor. Has this happened to you or anyone you know? If so, I’d love to hear about it.
With the exception of the dude, God bless him, at yoni.com, who claims that armpit hair is a turn on, most men and women in Western cultures find superfluous hair a nuisance, and are eager to get rid of it. So here’s what you need to know.
Laser hair removal works by detecting the pigment in the hair, more or less. Not a scientific explanation, but essentially, if you have dark hair and light skin you are an ideal candidate, because the laser will target the darkness of the hair and zap it. However it also works on darker skin types, like me and my cousin Nancy. If you have a tan, you must wait for it to fade.
During treatment, you can expect some pain, which can be minimized with a freezing treatment like the one described above, or a topical anesthetic, and a strong burning odor. Afterwards, avoid the sun, poking at the treated skin, or removing any leftover hair from the treated area.
And, as with any treatment, find a reputable practitioner. Get references, if at all possible, and come armed with a list of questions. Good luck!
One unusual question did come up. Someone mentioned that she has a friend who had laser hair removal under her arms, and now, whenever she works out and sweats, the smell that she emits is a strange burning smell, not body odor at all, and not treatable or preventable with antiperspirant or deodorant. She says it is so annoying to her that she wishes she’d never done it. In my opinion, this seems to be a fluke, and maybe her particular body chemistry didn’t respond well to treatment, as in all of my research I haven’t been able to find anyone else who mentioned having this issue.
I checked the Mayo Clinic website, and the possible risks they mentioned included hyper-and hypopigmentation, scarring, and blistering. They did not mention a permanent change in body odor. Has this happened to you or anyone you know? If so, I’d love to hear about it.
With the exception of the dude, God bless him, at yoni.com, who claims that armpit hair is a turn on, most men and women in Western cultures find superfluous hair a nuisance, and are eager to get rid of it. So here’s what you need to know.
Laser hair removal works by detecting the pigment in the hair, more or less. Not a scientific explanation, but essentially, if you have dark hair and light skin you are an ideal candidate, because the laser will target the darkness of the hair and zap it. However it also works on darker skin types, like me and my cousin Nancy. If you have a tan, you must wait for it to fade.
During treatment, you can expect some pain, which can be minimized with a freezing treatment like the one described above, or a topical anesthetic, and a strong burning odor. Afterwards, avoid the sun, poking at the treated skin, or removing any leftover hair from the treated area.
And, as with any treatment, find a reputable practitioner. Get references, if at all possible, and come armed with a list of questions. Good luck!
posted by The Beauty Insider @ 8:12 PM
1 Comments:
At April 22, 2007 8:22 PM ,
Jessica81 said...
That is strange about the girl who smells burning when she works out. I've actually read a post about that on a forum. No one else had heard about it, I wonder if the post was the same person you've mentioned.
I'm having laser treatments now. I've had 4 of the 8 needed and about 50% of my hair is gone. I am using the Candela GentleLase, which I've heard is the best laser. Hopefully it works. I've kept a picture journal of my progress at http://www.laserhairremovaljournal.com/ if you are interested
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