Lasers are fantastic devices that can do absolutely all sorts. They are used more and more frequently for different types of skin treatments as well. So just what can a laser do for your skin?
Skin Peel
The skin can be exfoliated with laser, meaning dead cells are removed. This leaves the skin appearing more youthful and shiny. By doing this, the skin is stimulated into producing new, healthy cells.
Wrinkle Removal
Laser wrinkle removal is perhaps the most popular of all laser treatments. It does, however, lead to a bit of redness that has to heal. That is because dead cells are actually removed or ablated. Modern techniques take about four days to recover, which is only a third of more traditional methods.
New Collagen Stimulation
One of the reasons why we develop wrinkles is because the skin is no longer able to produce sufficient collagen, which is needed for the elasticity and youthful appearance of the skin. If collagen is warmed up to the exact right temperature, however, it is stimulated into creating new cells. This can also be done by laser, which penetrates the layers of the skin to just the right depth and warms the collagen up to just the right level.
Pigment Removal
People with pigment and sun damage can use laser to have this damage removed. Most commonly, professionals will use Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL. It is very gentle and highly effective at removing brown spots, creating a more youthful appearance.
Skin Tightening
Laser skin tightening works in the same way as collagen stimulation. Essentially, when more collagen is produce, the skin becomes tighter. This procedure is effective, but does not achieve the results expected from a face lift, for instance. Additionally, healing can be quite lengthy and many people have to have multiple treatments.
Removing Rosacea and Red Spots
As people age, it is quite common to start to develop red spots, have broken blood vessels, and have permanent rosacea on the face. While not overly unsightly, most people who have it feel very self-conscious about it. Laser treatment can help remove these types of spots and blemishes. IPL can be beneficial, although the 1064 Yag is the most effective of all.
Hair Removal
Laser can also be used to remove unwanted hair. The Lightshear Diode is most commonly used. This method is particularly effective on people with dark skin.
Tattoo Removal
Last but not least, laser can be used to remove tattoos. It is important to understand, however, that this is an incredibly painful procedure, far more painful than the original tattoo, and it is not a quick fix. People should not see it, therefore, as an easy solution to fix a silly mistake.
These are some of the most common uses for lasers on the skin. If you are interested in any of these procedures, it is vital that you find a true specialist to do it. Lasers, after all, are very dangerous as well.