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We have all heard of permanent hair removal procedures, and perhaps one of the most effective of such methods is laser. Laser hair removal is one of the safest, cost effective and long-standing hair removal techniques. The actual laser application is rather simple, and may cause a fair degree of discomfort or a stinging sensation but is essentially painless. By and large laser hair removal treatments may requires up to 5 sittings for a lasting effect

If you are looking to opt for a laser hair removal treatment, it makes sense to understand how it works so you can judge if this is the right solution for you. Lasers are basically light sources that deliver an intense beam of a single wavelength. With its high penetrability lasers reach the pigment melanin on the hair follicle having traveled through the outer dermis layer. Now the focused light is transformed into heat and this not only gets rid of existing hair but also retards further hair growth. While it is true that the hair follicle is pierced in order to disable its root, the surrounding skin remains well preserved; in all this process, the skin overlaying the affected hair follicle remains unscathed.

For most laser hair removal treatments, the skin type and hair color play a significant role in the successful removal. For instance, a dark hair color complemented by a lighter skin tone should be just right for an effective laser treatment. This is explained based on the very principle that laser hair removal works on. Since it is the pigment melanin, found on the dark hair surface, that attracts the laser, dark skinned individuals or red heads and blondes may not make ideal candidates for laser hair removal. However, with the rapid technological advancement in lasers and their application, the procedure has been perfected for all hair and skin type combinations.

Removal of extra hair is carried out through many methods ranging from the abrasive methods, to the invasive methods to non-invasive methods. Laser removal techniques are minimally invasive and provide a lasting effect. There are many types of laser hair removal techniques, each of which have their pros and cons. Selective photothermolysis is the basic principle on which laser removal works. The key to the techniques is the wavelength of the laser used. The earliest laser removal system called SoftLight combined laser with a ‘contaminant’. This contaminant was a lotion containing carbon particles, which was vigorously rubbed into the skin so as to reach the roots of the hair. A laser of very short pulse duration was then shone which caused the carbon particles to shatter producing a shock wave that would injure the root of the hair follicle, thus the process was more of a photomechanical process.

The modern versions of laser hair removal look at using the longer wavelength of lights working on photo thermal process. These devices using wavelength closer to infrared range to thermally ‘burn’ the roots. Since a very short burst of high-energy laser is being shot at the hair follicles, it is important not to cause damage to the surrounding areas. To cool the skin therefore, laser removal systems make use of application of water-based gels that acts as a heat sink. Others use chilled probes that chill the area for very brief moments when the laser is active to prevent the heat damage. Long pulsed laser come based on different mediums such as long pulsed alexandrite, long pulse diode laser and ruby lasers. Clinical studies have shown that amongst the long pulsed laser removal techniques, alexandrite based systems showed greater efficacy however side effects were very much similar in all types of long pulsed lasers. The short-pulsed lasers on the other hand burnt only superficial hair, but produced lesser side effects.

Laser Hair removal procedures depend on the laser’s wavelength to penetrate deeply to the level of the hair root follicle and literally burn it. The treatment is akin to microsurgery and should be carried out only by qualified dermatologists who have the requisite qualifications. Like in a surgery, care is taken in laser hair removal procedure not to prevent the surrounding tissue from getting burnt. To do that laser hair removal systems use water based gels as heat sinks to absorb the heat and protect the tissue. Other systems use chilled probes that apply cold temperatures for very short durations when the laser is active. Despite all measures to limit the heat damage to surrounding tissues, laser hair removal does entail certain amount of relatively undisruptive side effects.

Laser hair removal systems come in two basic forms – one using shorter wavelengths and the other using longer wavelengths. The short wave length laser systems penetrate to a lesser degree and thus burn only superficial hairs. The longer wavelength systems penetrate deeper and thus have more lasting effect. The side effects are greater in the long pulsed systems. Studies carried out by various research institutes have shown that the efficacy of laser hair removal system varies between 40 to 50% in removing hair from the targeted area. Topical anesthetic cream is also applied to desensitize the area under ‘laser attack’ to reduce the pain. Though some laser hair removal sites may claim a permanent removal, the claim is not substantiated. Laser hair removal does however result in longer duration of ‘hair free’ interval than standard methods such as chemical peels and shaving. Not everyone can use laser hair removal system. Different people have different skins and some are extremely sensitive to light. Such people should avoid laser hair removal approaches to avert strong side effects.

There are many methods of removing unwanted body hair. Using laser to remove hair has become quite popular the world over. There are a plethora of laser hair removal systems in the market each claiming to be the best panacea for unsightly growth. However, the claims need to be tempered by knowledge of some basic facts. Firstly, no laser hair removal system permanently removes hair. What the system does produce is a longer hair free interval. Claims that laser hair removal systems are more or less painless are not quite true. Patients undergoing laser hair removal do feel some pain especially people with sensitive skins. Even application of topical anesthetic creams may not dull the pain sufficiently.

Manufacturers of laser hair removal systems frequently gloss over the side effects of the procedure. There are considerable side effects which everyone must be aware of ranging from general discomfort, redness and tenderness of skin, blistering, hyper pigmentation and hypo pigmentation to name a few. Not everyone is affected in the same degree and the intensity of the side effects vary from person to person depending upon the skin type and general state of health. Clients should consult their doctors on the safety of the procedure with respect to their individual selves before signing up to undergo laser hair removal treatment. Not all products on the market are FDA cleared for use in removing hair. Manufacturers also gloss over the fact that while FDA may clear their laser products that does not entail automatic clearance to use the system for hair removal. Doctors consider hair removal as a sort of microsurgery and have insisted that any clinic offering such treatment must have duly qualified physicians competent enough to undertake laser hair removal. It is only after ascertaining these facts should clients attempt to undergo laser hair removal.

Nobody likes a hirsute lady or hairy arms and legs and a countless remedies have been attempted over the years. The simplest way by which women kept themselves hairless was by shaving the excess hair off. Some resorted to using wax, others use epilators which are nothing but a man’s shaver modified for use by women. Other painful methods involved plucking out hair with tweezers and threading. None of these methods gave lasting effect as the hair grows back over time.

To address the problem experts decided to literally go to the ‘root’ of the problem, namely, the root of the hair. Thus came into being electrolysis. In this each hair follicle is individually targeted with an electrical needle and zapped. This was a time consuming process that depended a great deal on the skill of the zapper. At times, the zapping left ugly blotch marks and hair missed out would grow back and look blotchy and uneven. Such a process was quite painful and could be used only for small sections of the skin. As a refinement of the zap technique, lasers have been introduced. The determinant factor here is the wavelength of the laser in use.

Laser hair removal systems typically exploit the wavelengths closer to the infrared range. This range allows the laser to penetrate deep and destroy the hair follicle thermally. To prevent heat damage to surrounding tissue, the area is kept cool by applying water-based gel or cooling rods. The proponents of laser removal techniques promise a more lasting effect. But a complete permanent removal is never possible. Any technique that involves burning the skin is bound to have side effects. Laser removal is no different and results in redness of the skin, blisters and hyper-pigmentation in some people. Hair removing creams fair no better in their quest for permanent removal of hair. Thus what must be understood is that all such measures are temporary in nature and that one should not be duped by tall claims.

Acne is a common skin disorder that typically peaks during the teenage years but can afflict any one especially between the ages 20 to 40 years. It is caused by over production of sebum, a lipid rich secretion by the sebaceous glands leading to formation of ugly pimples, which are basically enlarged sebaceous glands. Acne usually form on the face, chest and back areas of the body but maximum embarrassment is caused when they occur on a person’s face. There are many methods to treat acne depending on the severity of the case. Not every treatment is successful and methods used can vary from individuals to individuals. People suffering from mild acne can be given topical treatment wherein antibacterial cream and antibiotics can help. Other forms of treatment include hormonal agents either separately or in combination with the antibiotics and the topical cream. Use of oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines (tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline), erythromycin and co-trimoxazole produces positive result, however there is every chance that the patient may suffer severe side effects. The frequent undesirable effects are stomach upsets, vomiting, diarrhoea and vaginal candidiasis because of changes in the mucocutaneous bacterial flora.

The natural approach to treating acne is more benign. Creams derived from Aloe Vera are especially considered good for treating acne. Certain topical treatment involve the use of special types of gels which contain salicylic acid to slough off dead skin cells and help unclog skin pores. Vitamin supplements, traditional medicines, laser treatment and even acupuncture has been variously tried with varying degree of success. Herbal medicine has proved to be successful in some parts of the world. Homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicines have shown great promise. These approaches deal with acne in a holistic manner starting from psychological counseling, special diets, good life style and of course the herbal medicines. Acne soars on healing leave behind ungainly scars that are psychologically disturbing. Non-ablative Nd:YAG laser has proved successful in removing minor scar formation in some cases and is used by many physicians.

The human skin is really remarkable in its ability to take a lot of punishment. However, the combined effect of the weather, exposure to the elements of nature, dirt, dust grime and possibly disturbed hormonal balance make our skin erupt with boils, get marked with acne, look dull and oily, become wrinkled and look just old. When faced with a range of circumstances as described, it becomes necessary to look at resurfacing techniques that can literally make your skin look new. One method is to slough off the dead skin by means of micro-abrasion. In this technique chemical peels and abrasive ingredients are applied to the skin and then peeled or rubbed off to reveal a new layer of skin. Such a technique works well for sometime but then age catches up and no amount of peeling is going to replace the lost collagen or the remove the wrinkles and the crow’s feet.

In these cases laser skin resurfacing works admirably. The laser burns very tiny holes in the skin thus allowing clogged pores to breathe as well as help remove the dead skin. Laser resurfacing also works well with those afflicted by low-level acne spots and scars. The laser literally remolds the scars making them disappear. Damage caused by sun includes blotchiness, which gives an overall ugly look. By using resurfacing procedures, the color of the skin is brought to an even color. Pores that are enlarged give rise to a bumpy appearance to the skin. By laser resurfacing these spores are cleared of debris and thus allowed to regain their normal size thus making the skin look much better. A combination of laser and use of latest micro-crystals to carry out abrasion worked in tandem under the guide of a qualified physician works wonders for the skin. This is exactly what Pixel Laser resurfacing and micro-derma-abrasion achieves.

“Forever Young, I wanted to be Forever Young“ goes a popular song. Indeed our quest for immortality is age old. Aging is a fact of life. Modern research has shown that it is well nigh impossible to stop the aging process but there are many methods available to retard its visibility. The largest organ of the human body is the skin – it forms the outer cover for our body and is remarkably resilient in protecting the human body from external environment and diseases. And as can be expected the effects of aging show up most visibly on our skin. As we age, the muscles of the face sag, the stuffing in the skin called collagen starts becoming less ‘springy’ and the skin which in the youth had a glow, loses its vitality and starts sagging. Laugh lines and wrinkles appear at the corner of the mouth and eyelids. Over time dead cells, dust and grime accumulate on the skin, which also gives the skin a dull look. Part of these changes is hereditary and a part of them are a result of environmental factors and lifestyle choices.

Rejuvenation of skin is attempted through a wide variety of ways. Some people favor concentrating on only the face and the neck, others favor a whole body approach. One of the commonest methods used is the abrasive technique in which herbal ingredients are mixed with chemicals and abrasive material like grounded walnut. After application the entire coat is pulled off or vigorously rubbed off to slough off the dead skin to reveal a glowing new layer. The build up of free radicals shows as aging skin. There are many products available in the market, which target free radicals to make the skin look younger. Yet others target the underlying muscles of the face. Muscle relaxants in the composition of topical creams try and relax or unfreeze the tired muscles to give a more ‘supple’ look. Botox is a favorite among beauticians wherein minute quantities of botulinum are injected into the areas of wrinkles and laugh lines to make them disappear. In this case the attempt is to freeze the sagging skin muscles. Then you have the whole body massages and the whole body ayurvedic treatments, spa treatments with oriental massages that promise a glowing skin and a young body. The last but not the least is of course Plastic surgery, just cut away that sagging skin and stretch it nice and tight and look twenty years younger.

Our quest to look beautiful is a very innate human emotion. Looks do matter in our day-to-day life. Have you not looked at a smartly turned out chic lady and appreciated her? A well-groomed look is important for your business, in corporate settings as also in general life. Therefore to look beautiful is not about vanity but about self-improvement. Not everybody has a perfect skin or a perfect set of features. What matters is how you present yourself. Beauty and make up tips are important part of the exterior art of looking beautiful. You know some of them, others are passed on by peers and elders but some need to be read and learnt. These can be found easily on the Internet where you can even interact with specialists who share essential beauty tips.

Near permanent reduction of unsightly hair is a Herculean task. Fortunately, technology has made this job a lot easier with the discovery of laser hair removal techniques. These minimally invasive techniques give you the longest ‘free hair’ interval and thus are a good option if you are considering a shave over. Skin care not only involves washing and cleaning but also applying the requisite oils and lotions to replace lost oils. What sorts of creams or lotions are suitable for your face is another area that requires collated advice in one place. Again beauty websites do the needful. There are many wondrous natural products that can do a great deal to enhance your beauty and health. Aloe Vera is one such gift of nature, which has found validity in treating difficult skin afflictions such as acne. In fact Aloe Vera has a range of health benefits that need to you need to comprehend to be utilize wisely. Indeed the right information can mean a comprehensive usage of nature’s bounty.