Laser Hair removal and skin whitening soaps?

by Jenny
(California)

I am considering getting laser hair removal done on various areas on my body. I am assuming you have heard of this treatment before and can help me out with my decision. Laser hair removal is generally aimed at the more "lighter" skin tones who have dark hair.

I have dark hair, but unfortunately, I am African-American, and do not have light skin. :( I had recently purchased your body lightening soap in hope for a lighter complexion that will help me achieve a lighter skin tone that will reduce the risk of complications with the laser treatment.

Is there any side-effects, or risks to using your products AND THEN getting the laser hair removal? I am deeply worried that once I get my skin to the complexion I want, the laser hair removal treatment won't be a good idea to have since my skin could be sensitive from the products.

But, at the same time I am not comfortable getting the treatment done while my skin is so dark. I have found a few offices that can do the treatment on darker skin without problems, but I figured lightening my skin a bit will further reduce risks. :(

Please help!

Answer:

Hi Jenny, although light skin and dark hair are an ideal situation for laser hair removal, new lasers are now able to treat hair removal in patients with dark skin with success. And I guess you are already aware of that.

However, lightening with skin whitening products prior to a laser hair removal session, or any laser treatment for that matter, will involve exfoliation or mild skin peeling.

What does this mean? When skin peels, fresh lighter skin is exposed and is sensitive to burning from sun or any heat source, where laser is one of them.

What you can do is after your skin has achieved a lighter tone, there is a waiting time of at least 2-3 weeks before a laser session, to give time for fresh exfoliated skin to heal and become less sensitive to heat. Then you can go ahead and schedule laser hair removal.

Be also aware that whether skin is exfoliated or not, lasers always have the risk of scarring. We have had a few men and women coming to us for help in lightening discolorations caused by a previous laser treatment.

I do hope everything works out well for you. :)

Maria