Does Laser Hair Removal Increase the Risk of Cancer?

Smooth, soft skin without body hair is a dream come true. Unfortunately, hair removal methods, such as wax strips and tweezers, can cause painful side effects: burns, cuts, and ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal treatment is a more permanent solution to get rid of body hair. Many people have a common question about laser hair removal procedures whether they can cause cancer. In fact, laser hair removal procedures are among the most popular cosmetic treatments today because they’re safe and effective.

Let’s explore laser hair removal and see the four main reasons it’s safe for you.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

A laser beam kills hair follicles in laser hair removal. It does this by directly treating hair pigments. By reducing the danger of infection, a reputable laser hair removal clinic can make the experience safer and more bearable. 

The face, chest, legs, and back may be treated with laser hair removal. The initial procedure reduces hair growth, although the hair may get darker and coarser before vanishing. Each person’s hair growth cycle and skin type requires different treatments.

4 Main Reasons Laser Hair Removal Is Safe for You

There are four main things to think about when you want to know if laser hair removal is safe:

1. It Doesn’t Irritate Your Immune System

When you visit a reputed laser hair removal clinic, the medical staff will talk to you about the possible risks and benefits before the procedure. You’ll be asked about your medical history and be closely monitored while in the clinic and a few days later to ensure that you’re in good condition.

The procedure is considered safe because it involves no chemicals or dyes. The process doesn’t irritate the immune system and only involves laser light targeting hair follicles.

2. It’s Considered Safe for Most People

As long as the laser is focused on the hair follicles beneath the skin, laser hair removal is safe for most skin tones. However, some people aren’t always compatible with this cosmetic procedure. Some people worry that laser hair removal increases the risk of cancer, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. Read the NHS advice.

Those with skin conditions, such as lupus, should speak to a dermatologist before undergoing the procedure to ensure that they won’t have an adverse reaction. For this reason, it’s necessary to be transparent about your medical history before receiving this treatment.

3. It Doesn’t Affect Hair Regrowth or Other Hair

Once the hair follicle has been destroyed by the laser, it has no effect on future hair growth. The hair that grows after the treatment will not be affected by the laser again. The laser destroys the follicle and does not resurface or affect hair growth.

Keep in mind that laser hair removal treatments aren’t miracle cures. You’ll need to take more than one visit to the clinic to complete it. To ensure that all hair follicles in your body are destroyed, you’ll require several sessions. 

4. It Doesn’t Cause Scarring

The laser removes the hair without damaging the skin surrounding it, so you don’t have to worry about any scars. Some laser hair removal clinics use the follicular unit extraction method to remove only the hair follicle.

4 Possible Risks from Laser Hair Removal

While a laser hair removal treatment has promising effects, it’s not without its drawbacks. As mentioned above, different medical conditions can make you unfit for it. Additionally, here are four possible risks from laser hair removal and how to avoid them:

1. Change in Skin Tone

During the treatment, you may notice a change in the colour of your skin. This is because the laser light may leave a pigmentation in the skin. Ensure you have a thorough consultation before undergoing laser hair removal and search for a facility that employs the latest technology and guidelines.

How to Avoid It: Skin pigmentation can be avoided by going to a reputed laser hair removal clinic and wearing SPF every day to protect the skin.

2. Acne

In some individuals, acne may occur because of laser hair removal. The acne is usually caused due to the pores getting clogged by dead skin cells. Laser therapy can open the skin pores and clear them of dead skin cells.

How to Avoid It: Keeping the skin clean after laser hair removal is the best way to avoid acne.

3. Epidermal Burns

When you undergo laser hair removal, you may suffer from superficial burns. They’re called “epidermal burns” caused by the laser beam targeting pigment or melanin. In contrast, “dermal burns” sit under the skin’s surface and are caused by heat from the laser. They’re more severe and require more treatment to heal.

How to Avoid It: Before you opt for laser hair removal, it’s essential to receive a consultation at a laser hair removal clinic and make sure the clinic is using qualified staff. The laser treatment has to be adjusted for every individual. If you have dark skin, the laser power will have to be decreased, so the clinic needs to know about your skin type.

4. Hair Growth After the Procedure

The hair may still grow after the procedure. Since hair grows in cycles, the laser may not treat all of them. Laser hair removal can treat only one hair cycle, so the hair that grows after the treatment will be the same colour and coarseness as the previous hair. The hair will grow at the same rate as it previously grew.

Laser hair removal is generally a safe, effective, and painless process. However, you must always have a consultation before any procedure to ensure you get the proper treatment according to your skin type. You should also go for laser hair removal only from a reputed clinic so that you can get the best results.

How to Avoid It: Again, it’s crucial to have a consultation before undergoing treatment. You should also go for laser hair removal only from a reputed clinic so that you can get the best results.

Conclusion – Does Laser Hair Removal Increase Cancer Risks?

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive and very efficient way of removing unwanted hair from the body. It’s definitely not cancerous or toxic to the body. As long as you go to a trusted facility and with qualified staffe, you won’t have to worry about any adverse effects. So, if you want to enjoy the silky smooth, hair-free skin you’ve always desired, try laser hair removal today.

The Laser Lounge is the go-to clinic if you want a safe and effective laser hair removal. We’re a ​5-star rated, groundbreaking medispa located in MediaCityUK’s stunning, up-and-coming metropolis of Salford Quays. We help you reclaim your confidence with smoother, softer, and clearer skin. Book your consultation today!