Photoepilation. Contraindications and consequences, whether harmful. How to do on the face and body

Despite the contraindications and consequences, photoepilation is very popular among women. The procedure allows you to safely and permanently remove unwanted hairs in any area of the body. The spread of this method was facilitated by the appearance of photoepilators, which can be used independently at home.

What is photoepilation The principle of the photoepilator

Photoepilation is a technology that allows you to remove hair using a light flash emitted by a special device – a photoepilator. The principle of its action is based on the ability of melanin (the pigment contained in the hair) to absorb light radiation and transmit them in the form of thermal impulses to the hair follicles.

The result is a sharp rise in temperature to 80 ^° C, causing the death of the bulb, ensuring the viability of the hair shaft. An additional factor is blood clotting, leading to a cut in the supply of nutrients to the hair follicle. To get rid of unwanted hair, you need to go through several procedures.

In some cases, the follicle is not completely destroyed, but the irreversible processes occurring in it slow down hair growth, reduce its thickness and degree of pigmentation.

A light flash affects only the follicles in the active phase. On average, their number is not more than 30% of the total. After 3-5 weeks, the next 15-25% of the follicles “wake up”, which is expressed in the appearance of a new portion of hair. Thus, in order to free one zone from the “vegetation”, it is necessary to carry out from 3 to 5 sessions of photoepilation.

Comparison of photoepilation with other types of hair removal

Photoepilation, the contraindications and consequences of which in some cases do not allow this procedure, has several alternative procedures.

Laser hair removal

The principle of laser hair removal is based on the removal of hair through the destruction of hair follicles with a laser beam. As with photoepilation, light wave is absorbed by melanin, heating and destruction of the hair matrix, its blood and lymph vessels, as well as the sebaceous glands.

The most effective is a diode laser operating at a wavelength of 800 nm. It penetrates deep into the skin and acts more precisely compared to the ruby and alexandrite counterparts. The main difference between photoepilation and laser is the ability to use light waves having different lengths.

Influencing the hair in the phase of active growth, in one session the laser destroys only 10 – 25% of their volume. Therefore, the full course is from 6 to 10 procedures with an interval of 3-6 weeks. The number of sessions and a break between them depends on the intensity of hair growth and the degree of their pigmentation.

You can select the radiation power in accordance with:

• thick hairs;
• melanin level;
• pigmentation of the integument;
• impact zone;
• individual sensitivity.

Electrolysis

The principle of electrolysis is based on the destruction of the hair follicle by a short discharge of electric current. Deprived of hair nutrition becomes unviable and immediately falls out. For 1 session, only hairs in the phase of active growth are removed. Therefore, such 5-6 procedures are necessary.

Advantages of this method over photoepilation:

• removal of all types of hair (gray, bleached, fluffy);
• instant result (the rod drops out immediately after exposure to current);
• decrease in the duration of each subsequent session;
• preservation of effect up to 5 years.

The disadvantages of electrolysis:

• soreness;
• the duration of the procedure is 2-3 hours;
• multiple contraindications;
• high probability of burns;
• the risk of scarring at the site of coarse hair removal;
• the need for a rehabilitation period during which crusts form on the skin;
• the probability of getting into the wounds of infection with insufficient sterilization of instruments and disinfection of treated areas.

ELOS hair removal

The ELOS method of hair removal combines the effect on melanin with light, and on the follicle – an electromagnetic pulse. Instruments for the procedure are equipped with a cooling system that ensures the painlessness of the process. The efficiency of ELOS exceeds other methods by 30%. Therefore, to eliminate hair, on average, no more than 4 procedures are needed.

Advantages of the technique:

• the possibility of applying to any areas of the body;
• painlessness;
• safety;
• effect on all types of hair;
• minimal risk of burns and redness;
• the possibility of hair removal on tanned and dark skin.

The disadvantages of the method:

• high price;
• the presence of contraindications;
• Mandatory high qualification of the specialist conducting the procedure.

Today ELOS is the most innovative technology in the field of hair removal.

At what age can photoepilation be performed

Photoepilation, the contraindications and consequences of which are constantly studied by doctors and cosmetologists, can be used by adolescents under the age of 18 years, only with the written consent of the parents or guardians. This provision is specified in the requirements of the Ministry of Health.

Depilation earlier than 16 years with the permission of parents is allowed when an increased amount of hair on the face or other parts of the body, due to a genetic predisposition, has a negative effect on the mental state of the child.

There is no upper age threshold for photoepilation. However, one should take into account the fact that elderly people often develop pathologies that are contraindications to this procedure.

Impact on the health of women, men

Photoepilation refers to safe procedures, provided that the specialist is highly qualified and there are no contraindications for the patient. To protect yourself from unexpected undesirable consequences, it is worthwhile to first visit a dermatologist and endocrinologist.

Special care should be taken to remove hair from women on the face and in the deep bikini area. In men, such a sensitive area is the area of the scrotum and perineum. Experts do not recommend a photoepilation procedure for very sensitive skin due to th
e high risk of scarring, irritation, allergies and age spots.

There is a myth that during photoepilation, the lymph nodes and blood vessels are heated, leading to the development of pathologies and malignant neoplasms. This is especially true for the axilla and groin.

This statement is devoid of scientific justification, since heating occurs only in the upper areas of the skin, where the hair follicles and sebaceous glands are located. While the structural elements of the lymphatic system are located in the deeper tissues of the body.

Contraindications to the procedure

Contraindications to photoepilation, which can cause negative consequences, are the following temporary conditions:

• the presence of tan on the treated area;
• mechanical and thermal damage to the skin (cuts, abrasions, burns);
• allergic reactions;
• dermatitis of various nature;
• herpes;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• the use of drugs that increase the sensitivity of the epidermis to light.

After eliminating these factors, it becomes possible to carry out photoepilation. But there are diseases that taboo this procedure.

Among them are the following:

• malignant and benign neoplasms, including moles and papillomas;
• diabetes;
• any hormonal disorders;
• age spots (porphyria).

Photoepilation is contraindicated when there is a tattoo on the skin. It is also better to postpone the procedure for 2-3 months after depilation with other hardware methods, wax or using shugaring.

Vision problems and eye diseases are not contraindications to this method of hair removal, as the organs of vision are reliably protected by glasses that are equipped with inserts along the arches and fit snugly on the forehead and cheeks. Alternatively, dummy glasses or glasses with filters are used.

A direct indication for photoepilation in women and men is hypertrichosis, which is expressed in the excessive growth of long hair in any part of the body. However, isolated cases of increased hair growth in the treated areas were recorded. This phenomenon has received a scientific name – paradoxical hypertrichosis.

Scientists explain it by thermal stimulation of the “sleeping” follicles of cannon hair, which mutate, becoming dark and stiff. Such an individual feature of the body is recognized as a contraindication to photoepilation.

Photoepilation at home

The world leaders in the production of household photoepilators are Philips and Braun. The most popular models of appliances for home use are presented in the table.

Model name	Features	Prices
Philips BRI950 Lumea Prestige	The presence of a skin type determinant, additional nozzles for the bikini area and face	$ 430.
Philips Lumea Advanced SC199500	Existence of the Slide and Flash mode providing smooth gliding. Lack of battery, face tips and bikini	$ 231.
Braun IPL BD 5001	Small size, the presence of the Gentle mode, which allows you to remove hair with different intensities of staining	$ 269.
Braun IPL BD 3003	The presence of a sensor for determining the type of skin and an indicator of work. Lack of battery and nozzles for bikini and face	$ 227.

Preparing and conducting a session

Photoepilation, the contraindications and consequences of which should be discussed with a dermatologist at home before being carried out at home, is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• 2-3 days before the procedure, shave the necessary area;
• immediately before epilation, cleanse the skin with gommage or a gentle scrub;
• thoroughly rinse all hygiene products;
• let the skin dry completely.

After charging the device, you can begin the procedure. It is necessary to ensure that there are no reflective surfaces nearby, from which the beam can redirect to the eyes.

Hair removal scheme:

• wear safety glasses;
• bring the device to the skin and check the settings (the indicator should light up in green or blue);
• move the device along the surface of the skin at an angle of 45 ^° ;
• finish processing one section after a beep.

To reduce pain, a special gel should be applied to especially delicate areas, scattering light and reducing sensitivity.

During the session, a burning or tingling sensation may be felt. The absence of sensations indicates a too weak signal of the device, and pain – an excessively strong impulse.

Features of photoepilation on the face, in the deep bikini zone

For depilation on the face and in the bikini area, special nozzles with a small screen, a strong UV filter and a skin contact sensor are required. Before the procedure, you should check the sensitivity of the skin on the wrist. In the absence of discomfort, you can begin to process the intimate area or face.

By installing the photoepilator perpendicular to the skin, you should wait for the touch sensor signal. After a repeated signal, the device is moved to another place. Due to the tenderness of the skin, it is not necessary to process 1 area more than 1 time.

After the procedure, it is necessary to apply an antiseptic anti-inflammatory drug (Levomekol, Panthenol) to the treated area.

Session Frequency

On average, the number of sessions varies from 7 to 10. This is due to the fact that household appliances have less power compared to salon analogues. It is very important to carry out the procedures at regular intervals of 3-4 weeks.

Effect duration

After the course, epilation should be repeated after 7-8 months. This will help to avoid the appearance of new hair.

Possible consequences of the procedure and how to eliminate them

After the procedure, side effects of various intensities may occur. It can be mild swelling, hyperemia, itching. Do not worry if the discomfort gradually fades out within 2-3 days. Otherwise, specialist advice is required.

Burning

The result of a cosmetologist’s mistake can be burns, manifested in the form of burning, pain, redness, the appearance of crusts and blisters. In this case, application to the damaged areas of Panthenol or Bepanten will help. They have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing effects.

Swelling and peeling of the skin

Slight swelling and peeling of the skin after photoepilation indicates the individual sensitivity of the patient. If these phenomena are accompanied by itching, then it is worth taking antihistamines (Tavegil, Cetirizine, Kestin).

Acne, red rash

The appearance of acne and red rash, not complicated by a bacterial infection, should not cause concern. Small purulent inflammations can be treated with antiseptic creams such as Miramistin and Baneocin.

If inflammation of the follicles occurs at the treatment site, then you should contact a dermatologist, and not try to cope with the problem yourself.

Limitations after photoepilation

Photoepilation (contraindications and its consequences can be minimized by proper subsequent care) after a session of 3-4 days requires abstinence from:

• sunbathing;
• visits to the solarium, baths, saunas;
• applying cosmetics to treated areas.

Do not steam the hair removal zones in a bath with hot water, clean them with scrubs, gouges or peels. To prevent infection, do not swim in open water. Going out after removing facial hair, it is necessary to apply sunscreens with an SPF of more than 30.

The cost of the procedure in the salons

The prices of photoepilation procedures in New York salons vary depending on:

• institution status;
• its location;
• equipment and materials used;
• qualifications of specialists;
• the amount and degree of hair coloring.

The cost of the procedure:

• upper lip – $ 14 – $ 41;
• chin – $ 11 – $ 34;
• armpit area – $ 20 – $ 48 .;
• bikini zone – $ 41 – $ 109 .;
• hands – $ 27 – $ 88;
• legs – $ 122 – $ 435;
• back, chest – $ 54 – $ 313 .;
• the middle line of the abdomen – $ 9 – $ 54.

By following all the recommendations of specialists regarding contraindications, preparation and care of the treated area, you can avoid the undesirable effects of photoepilation, and for the next 3-4 years enjoy smooth skin without unwanted hair.

Home Hair Removal Rules Video

How to do photoepilation at home yourself: