Skin Type V - VI
At Rejuvence Clinic we provide medically supported laser hair removal services with the Cynosure Elite +. This laser combines alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm wavelength lasers offering excellent hair reduction on all areas of the body in all types of skin.
What is my skin type?
In 1975 scientist developed a system of classifying skin according to how easily it burns in the Sun. This was specifically developed in order to classify the risks of developing skin cancer. The classification system is now known as the FitzPatrick skin type scale. The FitzPatrick skin type classification consists of six skin types.
What is skin type V and VI?
Those with skin type V have dark brown skin, dark brown or black eyes, dark brown to black hair, and rarely get freckles, almost never burn and always tan in the sun. Skin type V is common in parts of Asia and North Africa. People with skin type VI have deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown skin, brownish or black eyes, black hair, and never freckle, never burn and always tan darkly in the sun. Skin type VI is common in Africa.
Can I get laser hair removal if I have very dark skin?
Nd:YAG laser has made it possible for those with dark skin to have laser hair removal treatments. The 1064 nm wavelength of the Nd:YAG laser makes it safer in darker skin types with a penetration of 4 mm and reduced risk of burning. At Rejuvence we use the Cynosure Elite plus laser system which consists of both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser. Despite this clear advantage it is still necessary to take precautions as the risk of complications for laser hair removal in darker skin types is higher than in lighter skin types. Darker skin types also often require a larger number of treatment sessions to achieve optimal results. At Rejuvence we have an experienced team of laser Aestheticians and aesthetic doctors who work together to provide safe and effective laser treatments.
What will happen at my first consultation?
At Rejuvence we first arrange a consultation for you with our lead laser Aesthetician. We will take a quick history to find out about what you are looking to achieve, the areas you wish to treat, as well as further information about your general health and any medication you may be taking. We will then normally carry out a patch test whereby we will test the effect of the laser on a small area of skin to ensure that it is safe for you to go ahead and have treatment.
At your consultation our Aestheticians will also make an assessment of your skin. We will assess your skin type, any recent tanning effects, specific skin conditions and scarring in the treatment areas and finally decide on the safest type of laser for you as well as specific settings that will give you the best result with as few side-effects as possible.
What if I have a specific medical skin condition?
Add Rejuvence we offer medically supported laser hair removal services. We have a team of laser Aestheticians and aesthetic doctors that work hand-in-hand. In the case of any specific medical conditions or skin problems our medical doctors are on hand to give advice and work with our laser Aesthetician to give you the best possible outcome. We also specialise in treating certain medical conditions affecting the skin and hair follicles with laser as well as hypertrophic and keloid scars on hair bearing parts of the body.
Medical Conditions Treated with Laser at Rejuvence
When will my laser hair removal treatment sessions begin?
Once we have ensured that you have skin that is safe to be treated with laser for hair removal we will begin your treatment. Your first laser hair removal session is normally carried out at least a week after your patch test to ensure that you do not have any adverse reactions and that it is safe to go through with treatment. Not everybody requires the same number of treatment sessions and we normally carry out treatment once every 4 to 6 weeks depending on the area as we are treating.
What happens during my laser hair removal treatment?
Our laser Aesthetician will give you specific instructions with regards to how to prepare for your treatment sessions. On the day of your treatment, you will be asked to wear specifically designed goggles to protect your eyes. Depending on the area being treated they may offer you some topical numbing cream to help with any pain that might be experienced during the treatment. The laser treatments are combined with a special cooling air spray to minimise any discomfort. Each session takes between 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the areas being treated.
What will happen after my treatment?
The affected areas may be slightly red and even develop a mild rash. They also can be slightly painful. Skin will tend to be more sensitive to touch and it is important to stay away from direct sunlight. We advise all of our clients to ensure they use regular sunscreen for at least four weeks on exposed areas that have been treated. We expect skin to recover completely within 2 to 3 days after treatment in the vast majority of clients.
Rarely it is possible to have some side-effects to treatment including red skin (erythema) that may last for some time, crusting, blistering, bruising, some lightening or darkening of the skin, and in extremely rare circumstances burns from the laser. Our Aestheticians are extremely experienced and we always ensure we do our utmost to prevent any significant side-effects. All of our services are supported by our medical doctors who are ready to help at any point.