You may want to get rid of scars from acne or injuries or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Laser skin care treatments can possibly help women improve their confidence in such situations, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, some laser skin care treatments are better for stretch marks, while others are better aimed at smoothing out wrinkles. Learning as much as possible about the potential benefits and risks of laser skin care therapies can go a long way toward achieving the beauty results you hope for.
Types
The excimer laser, fractional photothermolysis and pulsed dye laser therapy are medically used for laser skin care treatment of stretch marks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women who want to reduce the appearance of surface flaws and wrinkles may want to consider laser resurfacing. Also, some women also pursue laser hair removal to get rid of unwanted facial hair.
Considerations
No type of laser skin treatment can completely remove stretch marks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also, keep in mind that virtually all over-the-counter creams that claim to reduce stretch mark or scar appearance do not work.
Function
Overall, laser skin care treatments use wavelengths of light in the appropriate area, according to the Mayo Clinic. Laser skin care treatments such as those to reduce the appearance of stretch marks directly work with layers of skin in an effort to boost the growth of substances such as collagen and elastin; this helps the skin tones become closer together. In laser hair removal, the device gets rid of the hair follicle as a semi-permanent way to reduce hair growth.
Warnings
Laser skin care treatments, especially laser resurfacing to help skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, carry some potentially serious risks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Infections, including the herpes virus, can result from treatment. Also, burning and scarring can result from laser treatments.
Types of Side Effects
Some less serious but perhaps still disturbing side effects can also result from laser skin care treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pigmentation flaws are possible where the treated skin area becomes either darker or lighter than normal. Some women may experience unwanted acne breakouts, prolonged redness or inflammation of the skin as a result of treatments like laser resurfacing.
Photo Credit
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