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Laser skin resurfacing is a proven way to improve the appearance of the skin, which is commonly affected by aging and sun damage. Many people want to look younger, and with laser skin treatment the skin tightens, alleviating blemishes and balancing your skin tone.
Lasers work via different intensities, and both new and used cosmetic lasers are equally beneficial when used by a licensed practitioner. When evaluating whether laser treatment is suitable given your current situation, it’s important to be well-informed but not overwhelmed with information. By reading some of the key points outlined below, you’ll understand the crux of what laser treatment is all about and why you should capitalize on procedures.
Laser Resurfacing Makes a Difference
Laser skin resurfacing can really improve your skin and take years off your age. It’s important, however, to note that laser-treated skin is hypersensitive to sun exposure, meaning laser surgery is recommended during the winter months. This makes sense when you consider you’ll spend more time indoors, giving your skin the repair and restoration time it requires. When you do go out in the sun, be certain to wear high factor sunscreen to protect the skin and to maintain the positive effects of the surgery.
Is Treatment Painful?
The treatment is commonly compared to snapping a rubber band against the skin. This means it might sting slightly, but it’s nothing like what most people assume. The pain threshold is largely dependent on the intensity of the laser and the depth of treatment, and if you’re tolerant to pain you’ll have no problems. Some treatments require a local anesthetic to maintain patient comfort, so there’s rarely a reason to freak out too much at the thought.
Is It Safe for Darker Skin Types?
A common misconception is skin resurfacing isn’t appropriate for darker skin types. Though this isn’t entirely wrong, this shouldn’t be used as a blanket perception. There is a higher risk of cell damage among people with darker skin, which is why it’s important to select options that are applicable to the circumstances in question. There are various options for different races, and you should look into alternative options if you have dark skin. To gain more information on the safest treatment available, consult a professional with expert knowledge on the subject.
Certain Medications and Conditions Affect How the Skin Reacts to Treatment
Be upfront with your provider about medical history and medications you’re currently taking. Omit details at your own peril, since these can interact negatively with the laser procedure. For example, if you have skin conditions and take medications to prevent cold sore breakouts, laser surgery might cause negative effects. If you take acne medications, they can prevent the skin from healing properly, and common over the counter medicines can increase the risk of post-procedure bleeding. Though these points might ring alarm bells, they shouldn’t deter you from treatment but instead, motivate you to take precautionary measures and treat laser surgery with the respect it deserves.
In the hands of a highly-trained professional, laser resurfacing will dramatically improve your skin’s appearance, but remember to do the due diligence and find a professional who’s right for you!
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This is a featured post by site supporter Claire Peters
Photo: Getty Images