Skin phototypes and laser hair removal: what's the connection

Relationship between skin phototype and laser hair removal

Skin phototypes are closely related to laser hair removal, since depending on your skin type, the specialist must use one method or another not only to achieve the expected results, but also to guarantee all the security that your epidermis needs. ...

Not all hair removal treatments are suitable for all skin types. Note that the laser is effective against skin, preferably lighter if the hair is dark. Although, thanks to the latest technology, laser hair removal devices have been improved and achieve greater precision on dark or tanned skin.

Examination of the skin in connection with hair removal.

Dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick has established a phototype scale that today helps us to perform all aesthetic laser hair removal procedures. Although some adjustments were made to its initial scale, thanks to this we better understand what type of phototype it is.

The phototype explains how the epidermis reacts to direct UV exposure. Thus, we can detect completely different behaviors between white and brown skin.

Through melanocytes, which are a type of cell found in our epidermis, we are able to produce melanin, which manifests itself in a change in skin tone when we tan.

Melanin is a pigmentation of the epidermis that reacts to sunlight to protect the body from burns. This avoids or prevents serious injury, although as you well know, burns become visible and irreversible when exposed for too long.

By using a laser, tanned or brown skin can reduce its effectiveness against the hair root, precisely because it acts as a shield against hair removal. For this reason, your specialist may recommend that you do not sunbathe before your waxing session to achieve optimal results.

Although darker skinned people shouldn't worry if they want to undergo laser hair removal. There are already many specialized devices, such as pulsed light, suitable for any skin phototype, with which the patient should not fear possible burns from prolonged exposure to the laser, as could happen with older devices.

A specialist will examine your case and take into account your skin tone, hair color, epidermal response to sunburn and the level of tan that you usually achieve. Then he will determine the optimal hair remover for the areas he wants. You will have to follow all the recommendations that I give you so that you are satisfied.

What are skin phototypes?

The skin is a fundamental organ because it is designed to protect you from external factors. Therefore, it is important to keep it hydrated and protect it from UV rays.

Perhaps your hair is uncomfortable, either because you do not find it aesthetically pleasing or because it makes your daily work difficult. Fortunately, you have access to laser hair removal that allows you to forget about the traditional hair removal methods that are so harsh on your skin.

 If you are going to undergo this type of aesthetic treatment, the specialist needs to know what type of skin you have, depending on your pigmentation; that is, the phototype. Consequently, we are going to tell you about the different ranges described so that you can recognize yours.

7 Fitzpatrick phototypes

This is a classification made by Harvard dermatologist Fitzpatrick:

- Phototype 0. Although this is the least common phenomenon, we must take it into account in this classification. People with this phototype never sunbathe, and even exposure to the sun can be dangerous for them. Its extremely white or yellowish appearance. We are talking about albinos.

I'm phototyping. This group generally includes redheads who have very fair skin, sometimes freckles, and should not be out in the sun for fear of severe burns.

Phototype II. In this group are blonde people, also with light skin, but who know how to tan slightly. Brief exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause burns.

Phototype III. People with fair or slightly tanned skin. They usually have light eyes, they can be light or brown. Although they tan more easily than the previous phototype, they also suffer more aging of the epidermis if they are exposed to too much sun.

Phototype IV. This section introduces darker people who also have dark hair. They tan very quickly and generally have no regrets about getting big sunburns.

Phototype V. This group includes people with darker skin, belonging to the Mediterranean or tropical environment. They are even less tolerant of sunburn and tan faster.

Phototype VI. These are people with black skin, in whom the protection of the epidermis against the sun is maximum compared to other phototypes.