Isn't laser hair removal dangerous to the skin?

If you are making a list with various methods of hair removal, then you should consider and laser hair removal. Basically, this method involves zapping the hair roots with a laser beam, after which they die and the bits of hair still in the follicle will shuffle out. Because the laser works by zapping the pigment in the hair, it also only works on active follicles, and tends not to work as well on light-haired people (although I think there's been progress made).



Isn't laser hair removal dangerous of causing cancer or something to the skin?

I think I've heard of this...



I have never heard any such thing; I can't imagine how it would be any likelier to cause skin cancer than standing next to a stove or using a hair dryer; and the only actual connection I know of is that lasers can occasionally be used to diagnose and treat skin cancer.



The lasers that are used for tattoo, hair and wrinkle removal are usually, but not always, either Erbium doped crystal lasers or CO2 lasers (medical lasers). These emit mid infrared light, which is readily absorbed by water (skin). The effects are that it will burn you. The burn is no different than a normal heat burn. These lasers are ideal in the medical field because they cut and cauterize at the same time, with minimal damage.



valerian D is a freelance writer interested in items such as lase hair removal