Laser hair removal gained a large popularity worldwide. It is one of the most famous cosmetic procedures worldwide. It offers a long-term solution for both men and women. However, being such a famous option, people are still confused about whether laser hair removal can cause cancer.

In this blog, we will decipher every details related to the same. The question is very sensitive and needs to be discussed with care. In today’s blog, we aim to counter these topics as well as provide evidence-based answers. 

Understanding Laser Hair Removal

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal works by using concentrated beam lights that target hair follicles and precision technology. 

• Concentrated light beams: The procedure uses laser technology that emits concentrated laser lights. These lights are designed to target the pigment melanin in hair follicles. 

• Targeting hair follicles: The laser’s light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. It converts into heat. This heat damages the hair follicles, which delays future hair growth without harming the surrounding skin. 

• Precision technology: laser hair removal is a very precise work. It needs precision to target coarse, dark hairs and leave the surrounding skin unharmed. 

• Common areas treated: Various body parts can be treated, such as the face, legs, underarms, arms, bikini line, back, and chest for men. 

• Multiple sessions: Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions to complete the process. 

FDA Approval and Safety Regulations:

Laser hair removal devices need to be approved by the FDA. To get the FDA approval, they need to go through rigorous testing. These devices are made in such a way that they don’t harm the surrounding cells. 

But it is always advisable to seek treatment from licensed professionals because certified practitioners are trained to customize the treatment as per your needs, which minimizes the risk of harming surrounding skin. Always ensure your provider is FDA-approved.

Debunking the Myth: Does Laser Hair Removal Cause Cancer?

No Scientific Evidence of Cancer Risk

One of the most common concerns regarding the laser hair removal process is whether it can cause cancer or not. Let’s learn about this information. The American Cancer Society & NIH state that the specific type of light that’s been used in laser hair removal treatment is completely different than the UV rays, which is a risk factor for cancer. 

The lasers used in laser hair removal are a specific type of light that employs non-ionizing radiation, which does not cause DNA damage. Harmful UV rays penetrate deep into the skins. But laser hair removal targets precisely on the hair follicles, leaving skins unharmed. Although a study from NIH has been done and they revealed that for the last 25 years there is no evidence of skin cancer caused by laser hair treatment, except for a few anecdotal cases. This is why it is advisable to always be mindful to choose only FDA-approved professionals. 

UV vs. Non-UV Radiation

It is very important to understand the actual facts related to the beam that’s been used in laser hair removal and also the term radiation, and what is the difference between those two. 

UV Radiation Non-UV radiation used in Laser hair removalUV radiation is a form of electromagentic radiation that emits from the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds. The radiation used in laser hair removal is not the same as UV radiation. They use non-ionizing radiation. UV radiation is classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA & UVB are mostly associated with cancer and cause a high risk to the skin. The non-ionizing radiation used by laser hair removal does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules in the skin. UV radiation penetrates deep into the skin and causes damage to the DNA, which ultimately leads to melanoma, a type of skin cancer. These lasers target a pigment in the hair follicles known as melanin to damage the hair at its root. The light energy is then absorbed by the pigment and converted into heat, which damages the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skins. 

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Some people have misconceptions regarding laser hair removal with skin cancer. Having concerns is not wrong, but it is good to get your facts right. Laser hair removal uses non-ionizing light, which does not have the energy to ionize the molecules inside the skin. 

These types of light doesn’t penetrate deep inside the skin. It targets the follicle region of the hair, where a pigment lies named melanin. The process is entirely surface-level. Additionally, FDA regulates laser devices. So, it is always advisable to go for FDA-approved professionals. 

Potential Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Short-Term Side Effects

Although laser hair removal is a safe procedure, it still has to have some side effects. Most common side effects include redness, swelling, and skin irritation around the treated area. These effects resembles sunburn and typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days. Some people might also experience temporary discomfort such as tingling or itching. Applying soothing cream following post-treatment care instructions provided by the practitioner can help manage side effects. 

Long-Term Safety

If you are going for FDA-approved laser removal, then it can give long-term safety for the procedure. Serious complications are rare and long-term health issues can be avoided by proper treatment procedures. Occassionally, some people might see slight change in pigmentation. Either hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). These are often temporary issues that resolve over time. The catch is you have to go for a certified professional. 

Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal?

Those with skin infections, open wounds, or severe skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis should not undergo laser hair removal. If you are someone with sensitive skin or a history of keloid scarring, then you might be at high risk of complications. Always consult with a dermatologist if such is the case. Pregnant women are also advised not to take laser hair removal due to a lack of studies on its effects during pregnancy. 

Precautions and Considerations Before Undergoing Laser Hair Removal

Choosing a qualified practitioner

The most important step is choosing a licensed and experienced professional. Not every laser devices are the same, and their safe use requires proper training and expertise. An experienced practitioner can assess your skin type, hair color, and medical history to customize the treatment, which minimizes the risks and maximizes results. It is advised to avoid unlicensed or at-home devices that lack FDA approval. This can help prevent adverse effects like burns, scarring, or pigmentation changes.

Pre-Treatment Consultation

You should always consult with your dermatologist before going for any treatment. You will also learn about what to expect from the treatment, side effects, and everything related to the treatment.

Post-Treatment Care

After treatment, you might encounter yourself with a slight burn or so; you can avoid that using aloe vera gel. You should avoid direct sunlight or using SPF on those areas. You should avoid using exfolliators and such during these times. If you follow these steps to get better results.

How August’s Health Assistant Can Help

August. AI’s health assistant offers real-time, personalized advice. You can directly chat with the assistant to discuss your specific concerns, whether it’s your skin type, medical conditions, or expectations from the procedure, all via WhatsApp. The health assistant provides insights tailored to your needs, which helps you make informed decisions about cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal doesn’t cause cancer. There is no evidence on which one can claim that laser hair removal causes cancer. But it is always advised to go for FDA-certified professionals for your own safety. 

August. AI is there to help you out if you ever stumble upon any question related to laser hair removal or any type of health-related issues. Just install WhatsApp and start a chat with August from here. 

Call to Action (CTA)

Chat with August’s Health Assistant on WhatsApp to get personalized advice on the safety of laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures.

FAQ Section

• Does laser hair removal affect deeper layers of the skin?

No, it doesn’t affect deeper layers of the skin. It precisely targets the pigment of hairs (melanin). 

• What are the long-term effects of laser hair removal?

Long-term effects might be changes in skin pigmentation, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Though its not universal. Some people might face it, some might not. 

• Is laser hair removal safe for all skin types?

Yes it is safe for almost all skin types. But you should be very careful if you have sensitive skin. You should first consult with your dermatologist. 

• Can laser hair removal cause skin cancer?

No, there is no scientific evidence about laser hair removal causing skin cancer. Laser lights only target the hair follicle pigment named melanin. It precisely avoids the area around the hair follicles. The light energy used in laser hair removal uses non-ionizing radiation, which doesn’t have enough energy to damage the molecules inside the skin. 

• What should I do to prepare for a laser hair removal session?

You should always do your research. If you have any skin condition, first consult with your dermatologist. You can ask August if you think.