What is Skin Aging and the main factors responsible for this?
Like any organ, skin ages. This process is linked to intrinsic factors (age, genetics, hormones) but is also affected by environmental influences such as sunlight, tobacco or pollution.
Skin ageing brings about a thinning of the skin layer, dehydration, reduced elasticity and the appearance of lines or wrinkles. These changes reduce the number of elastic and collagen fibers synthesized by the dermis cells.
In addition to these surface changes and modifications in texture, irregular pigmentary blemishes or actinic lentigo appear, and superficial blood vessels dilate (telangiectasis).
Can all types of hair and skin be treated?
The darker the hair (the richer in melanin) and the better the result. Light and fine hairs are more difficult to eliminate. White hairs or red hair cannot be removed using this method. Since the skin also contains melanin, it is important that it is not too dark. Cutaneous melanin stops part of the light rays reaching the hair follicle and there is a large drop in efficiency as well as a high risk of pain or burns. It is therefore necessary to completely avoid treating skin types 5 and 6, and to temporarily put off sessions with individuals who have too dark a tan.
How it works
The light beam penetrates the superficial layers of the skin and, depending on the parameters used, is selectively attracted by one of the chromophores (melanin or oxyhemoglobin). The melanin which has built up in the blemishes is destroyed then progressively eliminated by a natural process of cell renewal and the dilated vessels are sclerosed. Finally, fibroblasts are stimulated to produce new fibers. The skin thereby swiftly takes on a more even, tonic and smoother appearance and the dilate
How does the L900 remove hair?
The intense selective light of the L900 penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This absorption heats the hair and the heat is transmitted to the nourishment structure of the hair: the follicle. This results in it being heated to a temperature of 70°C for a millisecond and it is thus killed. Hundreds of hair follicles are destroyed by each flash; the hairs then fall out in one to two weeks.
Why is it necessary to shave the areas?
Shaving is necessary to avoid a dissipation of the energy at the surface of the skin. If the hair is not first shaved, there is a drop in efficiency as well as a risk of superficial burns.
Is it painful?
The sensation of pain is extremely variable from one individual to another; it depends on the concentration of melanin in the skin, the hair size, the hair density, etc. This is why the darker the skin, the greater the pain. In general, the sensation is that of an elastic band snapped against the skin. It should be noted that a sensation of pain or prickling may persist for 1 to 2 hours after a session.
Are there any secondary effects?
In certain cases, there may be redness in the treated area, local oedema or peri-follicular papulae (goose bumps). These effects disappear several hours after the treatment. However, in the majority of cases, there are no visible secondary effect. In very rare cases, if the precautions are not respected, there may be transitory modifications to the pigmentation (hypo or hyper pigmentation).
Why are several sessions required?
The rays emitted by the L600 can only act on those hairs that are in their growth phase. Statistically, in the hair growth cycle of the area being treated, it is estimated that around 20 % of hairs are in their growth phase at any one time. This is why several sessions are necessary. In addition, certain "resting" hair follicles can become active due to age and hormonal modifications. This is why, depending on the individual, maintenance sessions may be necessary.
How many sessions are necessary?
The number of sessions depends on the colour of the hair, its location, the length of the hair growth cycle, the area being treated and individual genetic factors. This is why it is difficult to give an exact number of sessions. However it is generally accepted that an average of six sessions gives good results.
Is it permanent?
Yes. Clinical trials have shown that hair follicles successfully destroyed in the active phase cannot re-grow, because the stem cells of the hair are no longer there to produce further growth. However, this is not a guarantee of being hair free. Hormonal changes, shock or extreme stress can stimulate previously unproductive follicles to produce completely "new growth" of previously destroyed follicles.
Is it safe?
The l600 combines rapidity, effectiveness, comfort and security. It's 16 programs permits it to work on almost all hair and skin types. The range of the selected wave length (610-1000nm) lets us optimize the results in total security. This light is secure compare to shorter wave lengths at the other end of the spectrum such as x-ray.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the area you are having treated and on number of treatments you will require. For a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call us at (902) 209-2009
