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Can you do laser skin resurfacing at home?

Dermatologists also use fractional technology in the office, but home resurfacing devices significantly scale back the intensity. Home devices employ non-ablative lasers, which simply heat the lower layers of skin and leave the top layer intact. This reduces downtime and minimizes risks like infection and swelling.

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Laser resurfacing is nothing new at the dermatologist’s office, but bringing these procedures home in a more compact—and generally more affordable—package is a fairly recent phenomenon. Because the FDA doesn’t vet beauty devices for aesthetic results, navigating your options can get a bit tricky. Before you dive into the world of at-home laser devices, immerse yourself in research to help make the right choice for your complexion and skin care goals.

Laser for Skin Resurfacing

Wand-like laser devices for home use often rely on fractional laser technology, which pierces the skin’s collagen layer, resulting in stimulated collagen and elastin production, increased elasticity and a reduction in hyperpigmentation. With very regular use—a few months’ time up to five days weekly—fractional lasers help smooth, tone and tighten the skin. Dermatologists also use fractional technology in the office, but home resurfacing devices significantly scale back the intensity. Home devices employ non-ablative lasers, which simply heat the lower layers of skin and leave the top layer intact. This reduces downtime and minimizes risks like infection and swelling. Many of these home-based products are used in conjunction with antioxidant gels, creams or serums to help encourage collagen production after resurfacing.

Laser Body-Hair Removal

Some handheld body-hair removers use laser-produced heat to target the hair’s pigment; after multiple treatments in a row, this damages stem cells and stunts hair growth. These devices often cater to people with light-to-medium skin tones and dark hair. Alternatively, intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removers disrupt hair growth right at the root. A 2010 study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reports overall hair reduction of about 78 percent over the course of 16 weeks, with one IPL treatment every other week. Both of these devices typically target small areas—such as the bikini line or underarms—making them a convenient and effective at-home solution for hair removal.

Laser vs. LED

Unlike resurfacing lasers, some at-home devices feature light-emitting diodes (LED) to project intense red and blue infrared lights onto the skin. Red LED therapy aims to boost collagen production and improve skin tone and works best for people who are struggling with both acne and wrinkles. Also called photodynamic therapy, red LED devices are often used in conjunction with topical ingredients to treat acne or pre-cancerous skin lesions. Another option for those with acne is blue LED therapy, which works by targeting the strain of bacteria that causes breakouts. While at-home devices aren’t as strong as those used by professionals, it’s essential to follow safety instructions and always wear protective eyewear when applying treatments.

At-Home Laser Tips

Though FDA approval isn’t required for home-use cosmetic lasers, you can still seek machines that have been peer-reviewed by medical experts. Whichever device you choose, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings, and stick to the recommended routine; even the most effective products won’t meet their potential without proper, regular and continued usage. Everyone’s skin is unique, so always test your new product on a small patch of skin before committing to use. This article has been reviewed by board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Matheson Harris.

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When should you not use laser therapy?

Contraindications. Cold laser therapy should not be used over any suspicious cancerous lesions, or carcinoma, over the thyroid, on pregnant patients, and there should not be direct irradiation of the eyes, as the laser can cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Cold laser therapy is a newer procedure with several advantages and disadvantages.

This article outlines some of the advantages, risks, and contraindications for cold laser therapy Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure, meaning that it does not require a surgical incision. This means that there is no prolonged recovery time. Laser therapy also does not involve taking any medications, and many patients prefer to avoid taking medications. Studies have so far found that cold laser therapy does not have serious side effects when used properly by a doctor.

Potential Cold Laser Therapy Disadvantages

Cold laser therapy does have several disadvantages.

Patients do not typically get full relief or resolution from their pain symptoms after the first treatment. It takes a series of treatments, usually 8 to 30, depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Patients often have to return to the doctor for treatments at least 2 to 4 times per week. Old injuries may be aggravated for a few days after treatments, but for most patients this sensation is short term, lasting for a couple of days. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover cold laser therapy expenses. Some major medical insurance carriers do assist with payment and others do not cover any of the treatment.

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