Pulsed light hair removal has been fashionable since the 2000s. The principle is simple: it involves destroying the hair and the hair bulb by thermal effect, using a quantity of energy defined (in particular) by the skin color, hair color, and the contrast between the two.
Yes, but here it is: as explained by ANSES in a recent press release, pulsed light hair removal devices can cause adverse effects. We can thus observe the appearance of pain, erythema (these are redness), a burning sensation, blisters, crusts…
No pulsed light hair removal in case of psoriasis or herpes
More rarely, the side effects can also be more serious: “however, pulsed light hair removal can cause more serious effects such as pigmentation disorders and eye damage if misusedadds ANSES. Finally, these practices could lead to a delay in the diagnosis of skin cancer, [l’épilation] which can indeed distort the color of precancerous lesions, and thus prevent the early detection of melanomas“.
The ANSES experts therefore call for “better control” pulsed light hair removal by setting up a “an appropriate regulatory framework“. Regarding the training of professionals who use these devices, ANSES recommends in particular “the construction of a specific training reference system“- indeed, at the present time,”the levels of training of the professionals required to use these devices in the field of aesthetics are heterogeneous“.
Please note: there are contraindications to pulsed light hair removal. This technology is thus contraindicated in people who suffer from a dermatological disease (herpes, psoriasis, etc.), who have a history of skin cancer, who are taking anti-coagulant and/or photosensitizing treatment, who have a tattoo on the area to be depilated, as well as on pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with albinism.
Read also :
- Waxing of the bikini line: which form to choose?
- Permanent hair removal: what about innovations?
- Laser hair removal in 9 questions
