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Writer's pictureChanelle Smith

What does science say about hair removal causing cancer?

can laser hair removal cause cancer
can laser hair removal cause cancer

People are turning to hair removal to get long-lasting results from unwanted hair.  However, some people harbor a misconception that laser treatments cause cancer. So, let's inform you one thing: According to the data from Statista, from 2019 to 2022, 4.1 million people have taken laser hair removal treatments.  People who undergo this treatment believe that laser hair removal never causes cancer.  If it were cancer, then laser treatment would never have been so popular. If you still have doubts, know what science says about them.  Have scientists researched and found that hair removal treatments cause cancer?  By knowing this, dispel misconceptions about laser treatment.


Discrediting the Myth: Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Cancer?

Discrediting the Myth: Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Cancer
Discrediting the Myth: Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Cancer

Dispelling the myth about laser hair removal and cancer, research has shown that there is no increase in cancer-related DNA after treatment.  Laser hair removal targets only the hair follicles, leaving your skin and tissues unaffected.   It's important to remember that this treatment cannot penetrate deep into the skin where DNA damage could occur.  This knowledge should instill confidence in the safety of laser hair removal.  

  • There is a potential risk of cancer if lasers involve UV light. 

  • Ionizing radiation can cause cancer if used. 

  • FDA-approved procedures used for lasers are the safest.


The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal

The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal
The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal

To comprehend laser hair removal more fully, it's essential to delve into its scientific underpinnings. Laser hair removal, based on the principle of photothermolysis, is a safe procedure that targets and destroys follicles without any risk of damaging the skin or tissue.  

This process, known as photothermolysis, involves the laser light being absorbed by the melanin in the hair.  This absorption converts the light into heat energy, which then damages the hair follicle, inhibiting hair growth and ultimately destroying the follicle.  

 When concentrated laser light absorbs melanin, it converts it into heat energy, which damages the hair follicle by heating it. This inhibits hair growth and destroys hair follicles.


Common Misconceptions About Laser Hair Removal and Cancer

Laser hair removal treatment is a scientifically proven safe treatment method.  There are many misconceptions about laser treatments. Laser hair removal can cause cancer or hormonal imbalance.  But these ideas are entirely wrong. Because laser hair removal does not cause cancer, it's scientifically proven.   However, laser machines that use UVA or UVB rays are at risk of cancer.  These rays will affect your hair as well as your skin and tissues.  In laser treatment, it does not use this type of beam. The rays used in laser treatment do not affect the DNA responsible for cancer.

For individuals with fair skin and dark hair, laser hair removal offers promising results. With 10-40% hair reduction after the first treatment and up to 90% reduction with repeated sessions, the effectiveness of this treatment is evident. What's more, these results can last up to 12 months, providing a long-lasting solution to unwanted hair.


Side Effects and Rare Risk of Laser Hair Removal

Side Effects and Rare Risk of Laser Hair Removal
Side Effects and Rare Risk of Laser Hair Removal

It's important to remember that laser hair removal, while generally safe, can have some common side effects.  However, the majority of patients report no side effects.  Only a small number of people notice any side effects. Some of the standard hair removal side effects are: 

  • Redness 

  • Itching

  • People notice pigmentation changes in the treated area. For example, those with darker skin tones may experience lightening of the treated area, and light skin tones may become darker.  


Laser hair removal treatment also has serious side effects, which are very rare.  A small number of people notice these side effects.  Below are the rare side effects: 

  • There is a risk if you have tanned before using the laser.  

  • burns 

  • blisters 

  • scars



How to Ensure a Safe Laser Hair Removal Procedure

How to Ensure a Safe Laser Hair Removal Procedure
How to Ensure a Safe Laser Hair Removal Procedure

You can take steps to make laser treatment safe and effective. The steps below will help make your laser treatment effective.  

  1. Before treating, confirm what kind of laser your doctor will use.  Many clinics use higher wavelength light, which will harm your skin.  FDA-approved laser machines are good because there is no fear of harmful laser rays. 

  2. Many clinics need to gain experience in laser treatment.  This type of clinic is always harmful to every person.

  3. Licensed clinics are valid.   And get laser hair removal treatment from those who have valid certificates. 

  4. It's crucial to consult your doctor before undergoing laser treatment. This step ensures you are fully informed about the procedure.  And you know how to conduct it. The doctor gives instructions before and after the laser treatment. Follow all the instructions given to the doctor.


Alternatives to Laser Hair Removal

Alternatives to Laser Hair Removal
Alternatives to Laser Hair Removal

Laser treatment, the most popular hair removal method, is renowned for its effectiveness. However, it comes with a higher price tag. Alternative treatments offer similar results at a more affordable cost.  

Electrolysis: Electrolysis is an FDA-approved hair removal treatment that offers a safe and effective solution.  The doctor inserts a probe into the hair follicle during this hair removal procedure. Then, an electric current passes through the probe.  This electric current kills the follicle cells. 

Waxing: Nowadays, waxing treatment is also gaining popularity day by day.  This treatment costs less money.  But one of its disadvantages is that it causes severe pain, which is beyond the limit of all people's tolerance.   But it does remove dead cells from your skin.   

Shaving: By shaving, you will get quick results.  However, its durability is short-lived.  Through a razor completes this treatment.  As a result, when the hair grows again, the hair grows more densely than before.

Depilatory creams: Remove unwanted hair using depilatory creams. These creams, for a few minutes, should keep on the skin.  After some time, the hair becomes weak, and the root of the hair becomes soft.  The main active ingredient in such creams is thioglycolic acid. Depilatory creams contain thioglycolic acid as various salts. 


Conclusion

Don't get caught up in the misconception that laser hair removal causes cancer.  Find out first what science has to say about laser treatment.  Research this well.   Reading this article will clear your misconceptions.  Science never misinforms. So, you should know what science says before you listen to others' myths. Also, the result of laser hair treatment is excellent. According to Dr Jamuna Pai, founder of Jamuna Pai's Skin Lab, laser hair removal reduces hair growth by 70-80% in the long run.





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