Diode laser hair removal has been a revolution in cosmetic dermatology. This technology appears on the market to face the Alexandrite laser and, in principle, it seems to achieve and surpass it.
However, the diode laser has some peculiarities that you should be aware of to know if it is what your center needs. Here’s how to find out if this technology is right for your skin and hair.
What is diode laser?
Diode laser is a technology used for hair removal that uses monochromatic light to destroy the hair follicle. What makes this technology more advanced is its precision, as it can be directed to an exact location and regulate the power.
Currently, the diode laser is the most popular laser hair removal system because it works on both light and dark skin.
How the diode laser works
Its operation is technically very simple. The laser handpiece emits light that is absorbed by the melanin present in the hair follicles and the heat generated destroys them, permanently preventing their growth.
Diode laser equipment incorporates different options to adjust the intensity of the light beam to the area to be treated. Thus, for example, more sensitive areas such as the face or bikini area require less power. Also, the bikini and underarm areas tend to have coarser hair, so more sessions may be necessary. In any case, these are considerations that the specialist should detail before starting treatment.
Diode laser benefits
Compared to other technologies, the diode laser offers the advantage of being a permanent treatment, as long as all the planned sessions are carried out, which may differ according to the type of hair and skin.
Other benefits include:
- Permanent: this technology removes follicles and achieves permanent hair removal, but not all hairs are always in the same growth phase, so there will always be some that can only be removed in successive sessions. Therefore, permanent yes, definitive no.
- Efficacy: this technology can be used on light and dark skin, even tanned skin, achieving long-lasting, effective and permanent results.
- Safety: the ability of this technology to adapt to different skin and hair types allows it to guarantee results without risk, such as burns or irritation.
- Comfort: the diode laser hair removal equipment incorporates a cooling system in the heads, resulting in almost painless sessions.
- Speed: it is a relatively fast procedure, which allows working on large areas in a short time.
- Collagen production: the heat generated and applied to the areas to be waxed promotes the production of collagen synthesis, resulting in improved firmness and overall appearance of the skin.
Disadvantages
Whichever type of hair removal we choose, we are using a powerful technology that can be aggressive to our skin. Therefore, it is essential to know these machines before using them. Understanding what each piece of equipment can do and what we will achieve by modifying its settings not only enhances the safety of the machine, but will also make a difference in the success of the treatment.
If we focus only on diode laser technology, although it is very safe, we can list a few things to keep in mind:
- In general, the technology is not the most effective with very light-colored and fine hairs. We will see results, yes, but not the best. However, the Sisneo Twinscan is able to achieve good results thanks to its 808 nm wavelength and large manipule.
- Folliculitis: is a condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed. It can occur if the machine is not properly configured or with lower performance equipment.
- Burns and redness: as with the previous disadvantage, misuse of the technology or incorrect power setting can lead to skin burns.
- Facial hair removal: it is not possible to perform hair removal on the face with laser diode due to the risk of eye damage.
- Medication: some medications are not compatible with laser hair removal because they are photosensitive. This means that they cause a change in the amount of light absorbed by the skin, which could lead to burns.
- Pain: Laser hair removal generally causes less pain than other technologies. Only Sisneo’s Twinscan guarantees the absence of pain thanks to its sapphire head that cools the skin.
Preparation and post-treatment care
It is always advisable to avoid sun exposure for a few days before a hair removal procedure to avoid exposing tanned skin to the chosen technology, as it is more susceptible to burns.
In addition, cutting the hair at the root with methods such as waxing or tweezing should be avoided because it interferes with the laser’s ability to remove follicles.
During the hair removal session, it is normal to feel some tingling and slight itching in the treated area. These are normal sensations that will be improved by moisturizing the skin with skin-softening creams.
In the days following hair removal, it is necessary to avoid abrasive and exfoliating products, as well as direct exposure to the sun.
Types of diode hair removal equipment
Although the basic technology is the same, there are different types of diode laser machines on the market, which differ in individual specifications, such as power, treatment speed or targeting a specific skin type.
- Currently, we can find home machines that are generally of poor quality. The reason is that they would have to be very expensive in order to provide reasonable results. So they are low-powered devices that do not remove hair.
- Diode laser technology has been the most widely used in Spain for more than a decade. Some companies try to keep innovating while others simply make facelifts to machines that really offer the same thing. So these conventional devices offer all the benefits of technology, but do not include advantages that allow painless, fast, more effective and safer hair removal sessions.
- Twisncan diode laser: it is a German equipment, marketed in Spain exclusively by Sisneo. It has features far superior to other equipment in its range, such as a wavelength of 808 nm, a huge spot, energy density of 2000″/cm2 and the exclusive Linear Scanning technology, which allows faster sessions with the same effectiveness. All these features result in a device that can be used for any type of skin and hair.
If you are still not sure which option is best for your center, in this article we analyze the differences and advantages of diode, IPL and Alexandrite hair removal technologies.