Laser Aesthetics for All Shades of Skin

Lasers are capable of small, medical miracles. Nowhere is this truer than in the field of dermatology, where laser aesthetics have become a very common area of dermatological practice, fixing everything from unsightly hair to spider veins.

Laser aesthetics has advanced to the point where a wide variety of individuals can access treatments that may have otherwise been invasive or uncomfortable in the past. But this wasn’t always the case. In the early to mid-1990’s, darker shades of skin were very difficult to treat. This is because early laser therapy would use smaller wavelength light. Smaller wavelength meant higher frequency (requiring more energy for the amount of time it was used). The problem was that melanin would absorb this high energy light, causing the molecule to break apart. This resulted in the discoloration of the skin, which in some cases, was worse for the patient than solving the initial problem. Research into laser treatment has since progressed, leading to a discovery in the late 1990’s. Using longer wavelength light for longer durations was found to be capable of treating certain skin conditions without harmful side effects, or affecting the original color of the skin.
The need for a focus on the treatment of colored skin is an important issue. There are conditions more prevalent among certain skin types than others. For instance, it is estimated that up to 80% of African American men suffer from pseodofolliculitis barbae, a condition more commonly known as razor bump. This is when, following shaving, small curly ingrown hairs begin to form beneath the skin. These aren’t only unsightly, but become irritable and painful when shaved over. Another condition, Nevus of Ota, is a condition commonly found among Asian skin types. It appears as a bluish discolouration that occurs most commonly around the eyes. In two thirds of cases, it can also affect the sclera of the eye, potentially causing an increased risk of glaucoma. This condition tends to occur more frequently in women, with a prevalence of as much as five times more than that of men.

But since the 1990’s, laser aesthetics has advanced tremendously. More than one solution has been found for effectively treating various skin types without damaging melanin and causing discoloration.
Fortunately, Aerolase has come up with a solution optimal for people with different shades of skin. Aerolase provides what it calls Micropulse-1064 technology, allowing the laser to penetrate problem areas with exposure time 5-50 times shorter than similar approaches. This approach eliminates the need for skin cooling, while also being able to appropriately address various skin types.