Sun Spot Removal: How To Remove Dark Spots Quickly With Revepeel
WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS ON THE SKIN? Dark spots can be a very frustrating skin issue to treat. Dark spots are areas within the skin that have increased melanin production. Melanin is cellular structure responsible for skin color. If there is more melanin in an area of the skin then the darker the skin will appear. All skin types suffer from dark spots. Both men and women experience dark spots equally. Common reasons for dark spots include acne, sun damage, and hormone shifts. -Acne: Each acne spot triggers inflammation in skin. Inflammation causes the skin to feel tender, hot, and red but also increases pigment in the area causing noticeable increased areas of hyperpigmentation. -Sun Exposure: Repeat exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays triggers the skin to protect itself by producing more melanin resulting in dark spots and increasing the color of dark spots that already exist. As skin ages, it is less able to heal itself so the dark spots remain. -Hormones: There is a link between increased estrogen levels and irregular, dark pigmentation. Common shifts in estrogen are pregnancy and birth control use. Book Now WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR BROWN SPOTS? There are so many products on the market from creams to serums that over promise results but under deliver. Commercially available products found at the mall or drugstore do not have the ability to go into the deep layers of the skin. A product must be able to go deep into the dermis layer of the skin to effectively target dark spots. Due to the issue of penetration, Chemical peels are one of the most effective products available to treat dark spots. Effective, deep penetrating chemical peels are only available through licensed medical providers because of their prescription grade strength. REVEPEEL CHEMICAL PEEL Revepeel is one of the most powerful chemical peels on the market and it can be found at SLK Clinic. The peel is performed in under an hour but has long lasting, powerful effects on dark spots. Revepeel lightens dark spots through multiple prescription grade ingredients that target melanin pigment including TCA, Salicylic acid, and lactic acid. Also, Revepeel has anti inflammatory ingredients such as croton oil to combat irritation. HOW DOES REVEPEEL WORK? Revepeel uses ingredients that significantly target pigment production and the amount of melanin in the skin. Revepeel is applied to the face in a process that takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. The peel stays on the skin for 2-4 hours after applied and is washed off after a designated time. The top layer of skin will peel for approximately 7 days revealing fresh glowing skin, reduced dark spots, decreased fine lines, and minimized pores. IS THERE DOWNTIME OR SIDE EFFECTS? The skin may feel itchy, dry, and irritated for the first 3 day after the peel but will eventually go away. You peel a lot on days 3-6 but by day 7 you are typically done peeling. We normally schedule peels on Wednesdays so the majority of the peeling occurs on Saturday and Sunday when patients are off of work. Book Now
How To Get Results That Last With The Vivace Treatment
ANATOMY LESSON Collagen and elastin are two of the most important words in aesthetic dermatology. So, why are collagen and elastin so important? As the human body ages, collagen production significantly decreases as well as the quality of collagen produced. Decreased collagen production and quality results in skin that is less youthful looking with increased fine lines and wrinkles. Elastin’s name takes after its function – elasticity and allows the skin to stretch and come back to its initial state. Elastin is also lost over time. Elastin and collagen are two of the most important aspects of skin to address to turn back the aging process. Book Now STIMULATING COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN Over the counter products claim to have the ability of affecting collagen and elastin. Product claims are usually very exaggerated and cannot live up to their touted effects. Over the counter products mostly affect the stratum corneum (dead layer) of the skin and the epidermis. This is important because collagen and elastin reside in the dermis (living layer of skin), not the epidermis or stratum corneum. In essence, the over the counter products are wasting consumers time and money. VIVACE – MUCH MORE THAN JUST MICRONEEDLING Vivace is one of the most revolutionary devices on the market that can rebuild collagen and elastin. It is a medical device that delivers radiofrequency (heat) waves through the pins. New collagen is formed with the application of radiofrequency waves. The addition of new collagen helps smooth lines, tighten pores, and resurface scars. Radiofrequency is also proven to establish new elastin in the skin. New elastin has a skin lifting and skin tightening effect. New elastin and collagen give the skin a more youthful glow and in effect turns back time on aging. Collagen and elastin production ramps up after Vivace is performed and continues to produce extra amounts until approximately six months after the procedure. Lastly, the radiofrequency evens out skin tone by decreasing melanin production. Melanin is responsible for skin color. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR VIVACE? Almost everyone is a good candidate for Vivace. Unfortunately, there are some absolute contraindications that must be discussed with your Vivace provider including but not limited to: pregnancy, breastfeeding, implanted electronic devices, Accutane use, and seizures triggered by light. It is important to tell your provider all of your current medications and medical concerns to establish if you are a good candidate for Vivace. Vivace can be used wherever you experience loose skin, including your face, neck, chest, abdomen, thighs, and more. START REMOVING FACIAL WRINKLES NOW Please call us at 615-873-4110 to schedule a consultation or book a consult online to discuss skin care goals and to see if you are a good candidate. Book Now
Skin Tightening: What Is The Best Way To Tighten Loose Skin?
Collagen and elastin are the two proteins that help skin stay firm, plump, and hydrated. These begin to decline as we age. Starting at age 20, a person produces about 1% less collagen each year. The result of lost collagen and elastin is loose, crepey, sagging skin on the face, neck and body. With advances in science and technology in the past 20 years, we finally have an excellent non-invasive treatment option available that allows us to avoid going under the knife with surgery. Book Now Non-surgical skin tightening devices work by using targeted radiofrequency energy to heat deeper layers of skin, in order to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The goal of these procedures is to gradually improve the skin with periodic treatments over time. This painless technology improves mild to moderately loose skin on the face, neck or body without surgery or scars. At SLK, we use a 5th generation radiofrequency device called Vivace. Vivace skin tightening technology is much-improved from its older cousins like Thermage and Fraxel. It uses a handheld microneedling device that uses 36 gold pins which use fine robotic movements to deliver completely painless energy with every pulse. Vivace tightens skin practically anywhere on the body. At SLK, we use this device to tighten abdomens, thighs, arms, and backs, and of course, many faces, necks and chests. The device is extremely effective at restoring firm, smooth skin and a more youthful appearance with little to no downtime. Your treatment does not stop in our office; we give each patient extensive instructions on how to continue stimulating production of new skin long-term. For adequate skin tightening results, a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended. Skin takes several months to produce new collagen and elastin after a Vivace treatment is completed. All SLK patients are sent home with the appropriate, medical-grade products to optimize recovery and maximize results. Full results can be visualized six months after your last Vivace session. For more information on skin tightening, please schedule a consultation with us in our Nashville office. Book Now
Combination Therapy For Dark Pigment Removal
COMBINING REVEPEEL AND MICRONEEDLING At SLK, we frequently hear complaints from our patients bothered by hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation, a sign of prolonged UV exposure and sun damage, consists of any darker brown pigment preventing an even skin tone. Hyperpigmentation can range anywhere from mild sun damage to melasma. To treat hyperpigmentation, we use a combination therapy including microneedling and chemical peels which work synergistically as a powerhouse duo in removing dark pigment and resulting in an even complexion and glow. So what is microneedling and chemical peels and how do they work? Book Now Microneedling Microneedling is the act of causing small controlled injuries to the skin using very small, acupuncture grade needles. These small injuries to the skin not only build collagen but also break apart melanin mechanically. Melanin is the substance responsible for pigment in the skin. The more concentrated melanin in an area, the darker the area will appear. When melanin is disrupted by microneedling, it is more easily able to be removed through the natural skin turnover process. We recommend starting with a microneedling session to break up the melanin then coming in for a chemical peel to speed up the cell turnover process and help lighten the areas of hyperpigmentation. Chemical Peels Chemical peels use ingredients that increase cell turnover causing shedding of dull, hyperpigmented skin. The bioactive ingredients work together to lighten, brighten and calm skin. The result after a chemical peel is fresh, less pigmented skin. Combination Therapy As previously mentioned, SLK believes that best results for an even complexion are obtained through combination therapy. Microneedling mechanically breaks up pigment in the skin. A chemical peel can then be performed after microneedling thereby accelerating and increasing the process of removing darker pigment. Combination therapy provides accelerated results to a glowing, even toned complexion. SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION AT SLK TO DISCUSS YOUR SKIN CARE GOALS. Book Now
Fall’s Must Have Skin Treatment: Revepeel Enlighten Mask
WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR YOUR SKIN IN THE FALL? One of the top skincare concerns we try to address immediately following the end of summer is the brown pigment that accumulates during the sunny months. Deposited in the form of freckles, sun spots and darkening of melasma, these stubborn brown stains will take years to fade on their own without proper treatment. The production of melanin (brown pigment) is easily stimulated by sunlight, thus as soon as the cooler months arrive and patients are spending more time indoors and wearing longer clothing, this gives us an opportune window of time to begin reviving your skin’s natural even skin tone. Book Now THE BEST TREATMENT FOR DARK SPOTS ON THE FACE Unlike lasers or photofacials that remove pigment from the skin’s surface but do not address melanin production at its root cause, at SLK we use the revolutionary Revepeel Enlighten Mask to deeply penetrate the skin with skin-brightening ingredients which paralyze the production of melanin for a long period of time. The Enlighten Mask formula contains 6 bioactive skin-lightening ingredients including hydroquinone, retinol, kojic acid, arbutin, niacinamide and an oil-based form of Vitamin C that penetrates much deeper than your typical Vitamin C serum. Normally a patient would have to buy 4 or 5 different skincare products to obtain all of these ingredients but Revepeel Enlighten Mask allows us to deliver clinically-effective doses of all these ingredients in just a 30 minute appointment. ANTI-AGING BENEFITS Not only does the Enlighten Mask address pigmentation concerns, but because it also contains peeling ingredients, patients also receive the benefits of your typical peel such as soothing acne blemishes, shrinking pores, and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen production will be elevated over the next 3 months. HOW DOES THE REVEPEEL ENLIGHTEN MASK WORK? Since the Enlighten Mask contains prescription-strength concentrations of active ingredients, the Mask can only be obtained at a nurse practitioner or doctor’s office. The nurse applies a thick putty-like substance to the skin and spreads it over the face similar to a mask. The patient then wears the mask for several hours then rinses it off at home. The peeling process occurs for 3-4 days. It is not a sheet peel, but more of a light shedding. This mask-peel has absolutely zero pain. Dramatically noticeable results will be seen in 1 week and full results in 1 month. BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE THE REVEPEEL ENLIGHTEN MASK Anytime preceding time out of the sun for 1 month is a great time to receive the Enlighten mask. Click here to meet with our staff to determine if you are a good candidate for Enlighten Mask! Book Now
Treating Hyperpigmentation With Revepeel Enlighten Mask
TREATING HYPERPIGMENTATION IN ALL SKIN TYPES WITH REVEPEEL ENLIGHTEN MASK Is Enlighten Mask the Right Peel for Me? The Revepeel Enlighten Mask is a specialty chemical peel formulated to target hyperpigmentation concerns including melasma, age spots, freckles, and general skin discoloration. Hyperpigmentation occurs whenever the skin is injured or experiences an event that causes inflammation. Pigment production is increased in the inflamed area as a way for skin to protect itself. Unfortunately, this protective mechanism causes hyperpigmented areas. Enlighten mask peel is safe for all skin types due to its specific formula that is gentle yet extremely effective. BOOK NOW How Does Enlighten Mask Work? Enlighten Mask works in a two step process. The first step is preventing new melanin production in hyperpigmented areas. Melanin is the cellular structure responsible for skin color. If there is more melanin in an area of the skin, then the darker the skin will appear. Once new melanin production stops, the peel increases cell turnover causing the darkened skin to shed. When the darkened sheds, new more even toned skin is revealed. How Do The Ingredients Work? Hydroquinone 8%: Hydroquinone is one of the most effective skin lightening ingredients available on the market. Enlighten Mask includes a prescription strength Hydroquinone 8%. Hydroquinone works by decreasing the formation of melanin in the skin. Retinol: Retinol increases cell turnover. Increasing cell turnover causes the darkened pigment to shed quickly revealing even skin tone. Salicylic acid: Helps to unclog pores by dissolving sebum and keratin. Sebum and keratin are the main components that block pores. Salicylic acid also increases cell turnover. Kojic Acid: Helps lighten and brighten skin by stopping the production of tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is a building product of melanin. If melanin cannot form, then the skin will have a lighter appearance. Arbutin: Arbutin slowly releases hydroquinone. Hydroquinone blocks tyrosinase activity causing a decrease in melanin and lighting the skin. Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, helps lighten and brighten skin by reducing the activity of melanin. THD Ascorbate: Is a form of vitamin C. Vitamin C stops melanin production resulting in skin brightening and more even skin tone. Vitamin C also helps encourage cell turnover improving pigment and wrinkles. Antioxidants, Soothing Botanical Extracts & Vitamins: Protect the skin from any inflammation during and after the peel After the Peel The Enlighten Mask peel includes 28 days of skincare products to elevate treatment results and improve skin appearance after the peel is performed. CALL SLK TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR HYPERPIGMENTATION NEEDS : BOOK NOW
RF Microneedling VS Microneedling
Microneedling is trending in aesthetic dermatology. The procedure is talked about everywhere from Instagram to beauty magazines as one of the newest, must have procedures. But what exactly is microneedling? BOOK NOW 1.IPL IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is often referred to as a laser, which is a misnomer, since IPL uses bright flash lamps, rather than isolated beams of laser light. IPL is very effective at removing brown spots like freckles and sun spots, however it is not safe for anyone with tan skin because the device cannot differentiate between the melanin in a dark spot and the baseline melanin that makes up someone’s skin color. Due to this limitation, many offices have shied away from using IPL in recent years, or sold off their devices. 2. PEELS: Whereas topical therapies such as retinoid creams can be very slow-acting, chemical peels rapidly lift all types of hyperpigmentation in a matter of days, including freckles, sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scars. Chemical peels can also be tailored to be safe on all skin colors, and they can be used all over the body- including the chest, arms, legs, and back. Unlike IPL which is better for “spot treatments” and cannot evenly treat large areas of skin, chemical peels can be spread evenly over large stretches of skin. It is important to recognize, however, that the results of peels completely depend on the frequency and quality of topical skincare (See our past posts for more on this) used before and after treatment. If your provider does not have a thorough discussion with you about pre-care and after-care, this is probably a red-flag that they do not have a deep knowledge of how the peeling process works. Peels also have the added benefit of inducing the repair mechanisms of the epidermis and dermis, resulting in brighter, thicker, more overall glowing skin. Our favorite Peel is Revepeel because it is the safest for all skin colors. ViPeel is another effective, commonly used peel. 3. MICRONEEDLING. Although chemical peels and IPL have been in use for decades, only recently has microneedling been studied as a way to remove pigmentation. About 6 clinical studies since 2011 have shown the benefits of microneedling, and that these benefits are augmented when used in conjunction with excellent pre-care and after-care, or when alternated with chemical peels. In particular, microneedling is a very safe technique for dark skin types, where risk of side effects is very high with techniques that are light or laser-based. Some of the most commonly used microneedling devices include: MDPen, Skin Stylus, and Skin Pen. BOOK NOW
The 5 Types Of Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Devices
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICES? Are you interested in skin tightening? Are you confused by all the different options of radiofrequency (RF) devices on the market? The reason so many devices exist is because radiofrequency skin tightening technology has advanced rapidly in the past 20 years, with new and improved devices being released every few years. Read below for a quick overview of all the types of RF microneedling devices on the market right now: book now 1. FIRST GENERATION RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICES FDA approval: Early 2000s Devices: Thermage, Exilis, Pelleve. Cons: Pain, poor skin penetration, very shallow treatment depths In the early 2000s, the very first RF skin tightening technology was monopolar based. What does that mean? Monopolar energy uses a grounding pad and an electrode placed on the skin. The energy travels from the electrode through the skin to generate heat within, and back to the grounding pad. High levels of energy (100 watts or more) are needed to complete the circuit because skin is resistant to electrical current. Unfortunately, these high wattages cause a significant level of pain. Additionally, these devices are limited to only treating the superficial dermis and upper epidermis. 2. SECOND GENERATION RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICES FDA approval: 2005 Devices: Velashape Cons: Still painful. When an electrode loses contact with the skin, an arc is created resulting in burns and blisters. To combat issues with the pain from first-generation RF devices, bipolar technology was developed. This new concept used a positive and negative electrode which are placed on the skin simultaneously. The energy between the two points then completes the circuit. A gliding handpiece was also implemented so that patient pain could be minimized while achieving higher temperatures. 3. THIRD GENERATION RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICES FDA approval: 2011 Devices: Pollogen The third generation of RF based technology is tri-polar RF. Tri-polar circuits have two negative and one positive electrode to complete the circuit. RF currents can thus be applied to the body without discomfort as the current change is too quick to depolarize a nerve. This technology also allows for theoretically a deeper penetration of RF energy as the poles are spaced farther out than that of bipolar RF. This device is much more comfortable, however the tightening results were inconsistent due to the poor penetration of energy beneath the skin. 4. FOURTH GENERATION RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICES FDA approval: 2011-2013 Devices: Venus Freeze and Venus Legacy The fourth generation of RF is multipolar radiofrequency. These treatments are designed to change the direction of the electromagnetic field while the practitioner moves the hand piece. Some handpieces also include a vacuum to manipulate lymphatic drainage. This device penetrates deeper to target both fat and collagen. This is a great option to use on the body or for patients post-liposuction. 5. FIFTH GENERATION RADIOFREQUENCY TIGHTENING DEVICES FDA approval: 2016 Devices: Cartessa Vivace, Endymed Intensif, Candela Profound, Cutera Secret, Lutronic Infini Cons: The depth of penetration is too superficial to be effective for fat reduction. Certain manufacturers’ RF microneedling devices are still quite painful.Price is more expensive because this is the latest technology. One challenge that has remained in the use of radiofrequency is the consistency of results. This is largely due to the resistance of radiofrequency in different types and densities of skin. Theories range from skin hydration, sun damage, age, to collagen and elastin densities. As a response to this challenge, radiofrequency combined with microneedling has been the most recent development in RF technology. With the addition of needles to the radiofrequency device, energy waves are now able to bypass the resistant skin surface, transmitting high levels of heat into the deeper layers of skin without the need for high power wattages. This results in a much less painful patient experience, and much more predictable results from patient to patient. RADIOFREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING INDICATIONS: Acne vulgaris Acne scarring Scarring Skin rejuvenation Skin tightening Stretch marks Primary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RF MICRONEEDLING? BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULT: book now
9 Reasons Why Men Love Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought after aesthetic procedures by men. So why do some men pursue permanent laser hair removal instead of more traditional methods like shaving and waxing? Below are some of the most common reasons men have laser hair removal. Book Now 1. Razor bumps: Some men struggle with the issue of red bumps and itching, known as “folliculitis, after shaving. Bacteria that normally live on the skin’s surface migrate into the hair follicle during the shaving process. The bacteria cause inflammation, unsightly red bumps and itching. 2. Tired of time spent shaving and waxing: The biggest and most obvious reason men choose laser hair removal is the freedom to never shave or wax again. Shaving and waxing can be incredibly time consuming. The added convenience is especially important for men who have hair in difficult to reach places such as their back. 3. Athletic lifestyle. Body builders, cyclists, and swimmers are all known to perform grooming methods before a race or competition. Frequently shaving can be very time consuming prior to important events, making laser hair removal an excellent option for those wanting an edge up on the competition. 4. Less embarrassing than salon waxing: Some men feel uncomfortable in female dominated beauty salons. Fortunately, laser hair removal is performed in a clinic setting, saving men the embarrassment of visiting the salon for waxing appointments. 5. They want thinner hair: Some men simply want thinner, finer hairs rather than total hair removal. Using laser hair removal, we can weaken the hair follicles to thin out the hair without removing it completely. Men with thick hair on their backs, chests or arms can benefit from LHR to help remove some but not all of the hair per their preferences. This allows men to enjoy a masuline appearance while keeping more intense hair growth under control. 6. Ingrown hairs: For some men, unpleasant and unsightly ingrown hairs are a major problem. Ingrown hairs not only have a red and inflamed appearance but may be painful as well. Ingrown hairs will gradually be cured with laser hair removal treatment due to the decrease in hair follicles. 7. Tattoos: Men who have tattoos typically want to show them off and significant body hair is an impediment to this. Laser hair removal is an excellent option for men pursuing tattoos because the procedure permanently removes the need for shaving and waxing in the area of the desired tattoo. It is important to note that laser hair removal cannot be performed over an existing tattoo but in an area prior to tattoo application. 8. Muscle definition: Many men struggle with significant chest, abdominal, and back hair. Unfortunately efforts in the gym are minimized by an abundance of hair in these areas. For men that prioritize displaying their results from exercising, laser hair removal is an excellent option to show off their physique. 9. Significant Others: Some men are not significantly bothered by their hair but instead their partners do not like excessive hair. Partner satisfaction has led many men to pursue laser hair removal as a more permanent option for personal maintenance. Book Now
What Is The Best Device For Laser Hair Removal?
There are many laser hair removal devices on the market. With so many options, how do you find the right laser removal device for you? Below is an in depth discussion of the five most common types of hair removal systems: Ruby, IPL, Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd: YAG. Book Now 1. Ruby (694 nm) The Ruby laser is the first laser hair removal system brought to market. Due to the age of the Ruby laser, there is significant research available to support its efficacy. However, many providers consider the Ruby laser outdated, (it was developed in 1960), and opt for more current laser systems because the laser has not been significantly updated since the initial release. The Ruby laser emits a red-colored beam and produces a shorter wavelength of 694 nm that targets melanin (brown pigment) found in hair follicle. The Ruby works best on pale skin and dark hair. This laser is not effective on lighter hair (blonde, red or grey). Due to high melanin (skin pigment) laser absorption rate, Ruby is not safe to use on darker skin types because it can cause dyspigmentation. The ruby also has a slow repetition meaning laser treatments require significantly longer treatment times than other hair removal systems. As a result the Ruby laser is suited for small areas of skin only. Pros: Many decades of safety data. Cons: Can only be used on pale skin. Treatment time is very long so can only treat tiny areas. Inexpensive because device is older. Common Ruby Devices: EpiPulse Ruby, Palomar, RubyStar 2. IPL IPL stands for “intense pulsed light”. Although IPL is not technically a laser, it is frequently used in aesthetics to remove unwanted hair. This device uses an intense, visible, broad-spectrum pulse or flash of light. IPL, like a laser, targets melanin in the hair to cause destruction to the follicle. IPL shares some similarities with laser treatments in that they both use light to heat to damage their targets. Good candidates for IPL hair removal have pale skin and dark hair. IPL is not safe on tan skin because it uses broad spectrum light which targets all types of structures in the skin, unlike laser which is ultra-focused on concentrating heat in the follicles. IPL also has a slow coverage rate and a bulky handpiece, so it is rarely used for hair removal. However, it remains a popular and effective device for removal of brown spots and facial redness. Pros: Very common device found in almost every dermatology office. Removes freckles and brown spots. Inexpensive. Cons: Does not use a laser beam and heat can damage other structures in the skin besides the hair follicle. Cannot be used on anyone tan or darker. Bulky handpiece with patchy results. Common IPL Devices: Aculight, Epilight, PhotoDerm, Quantum, Vasculight, Alma 3. Alexandrite (755 nm) The Alexandrite laser hair removal system is the most frequently used laser on the market because it is so quick and extremely effective. Alexandrite (“Alex” for short) can provide quick treatments on large body surface areas due to fast laser pulse repetition rates and larger treatment spot sizes. The Alex is most effective and safest on patients with light to olive-colored skin because of how well the laser targets brown pigment. The pulses of the laser are rapid, which may create slightly more discomfort for the patient but it is still very popular because treatment times are much quicker. Newer Alexandrite devices have built in cooling systems to reduce discomfort and improve the patient experience. Unfortunately, due to the strength of the laser against brown colors, the Alexandrite laser cannot be used on dark skin tones because it will cause burns, dyspigmentation, and scarring. Pros: Ultra-efficient at removing hair. Rapid repitition rate with quick treatment times. Painless. Cons: Latest technology means more expensive. Common Alexandrite Devices: Candela GentleLase, EpiTouch Plus, Cynosure Apogee, Deka Motus Ax 4. Diode (810 nm) The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved two wavelengths that may be used for laser hair reduction on darker skin tones including the diode (810 nm) and Nd: YAG (1064 nm) laser systems. The Diode laser is a newer laser hair removal system meaning there is less research available to show long-term safety and effectiveness. The Diode produces wavelengths that penetrate deep into the hair follicle. Deep laser penetration is safer on darker skin types because the energy produced by the laser is not able to concentrate where pigment resides in the skin. Common Diode Devices: Apex, Epistar, F1 Diode, LaserLite, LightSheer, MeDioStar, SLP, SopranoXL 5. Nd: YAG Laser (1064 nm) The longer wavelength Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser is the newest form of laser hair removal and is considered ideal gold standard for treating patients with darker skin, due to reduced scatter and deeper penetration of the laser light. Nd: Yag lasers produce wavelengths that penetrate deep into the hair follicle. YAG laser penetration is safer on darker skin types because the energy produced by the laser is not able to concentrate where pigment resides in the skin. Also, shorter pulse durations can be used more safely with Nd: YAG laser than with the diode. This is an additional advantage when dealing with hair that is more fine. Shorter pulse durations allow for quick treatments on large areas of the body. Pros: The safest laser for hair removal, ever. Rapid repitition rate with quick treatment times. The dermatology community agrees this is the best, safest laser for all patients with tan or darker skin. Cons: Latest technology means more expensive. Popular Nd: YAG Devices: Cynosure Elite, Candela, Cutera Excel, GentleYAG, Lyra, Medlite IV, Sciton Laser Hair Removal At SLK Clinic At SLK Clinic we have hand selected the Candela Gentlemax Pro laser system for our laser hair removal treatments. This unique laser system contains two separate laser devices considered the gold standard for treating both light and dark skin tones, the Alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd: YAG (1064 nm). The Candela Gentlemax Pro treats all skin types quickly, comfortably and effectively. The laser system also utilizes
