Last month I shared details of my first laser hair removal session with Sk:n. To recap I’m having laser hair removal on two different areas – the underarms and the chin. Today’s post is about two separate sessions. One is my first treatment for the chin area (following a patch test 4 weeks prior) and the second is my second session for the underarms.
It is advised treatments are six weeks apart for the underarms and four weeks apart for the facial area, ensuring the hair cycle is captured at all the stages of regrowth.
Two weeks ago I had my chin area treated. I knew what to expect with the underarms (having been through the experience seven years ago) but the facial area was a first and consequently I was nervous of the pain and discomfort I was anticipating.
No longer allowed to pluck or wax the area, I had to carefully shave the aforementioned area. I don’t have a full-on beard, just a few coarse hairs have sprouted out of nowhere. It may be an age thing or quite possibly a side effect of PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). One thing I’m sure of is how unwelcomed it is and how much I’d like to get rid of it instead of checking in the mirror every day.
Every appointment begins with a check on any changes in medical care or exposure to the sun before signing a consent form. Then it’s straight onto the treatment.
Laser hair removal on the face requires more safety as it is closer to the eyes so you have to keep them tightly shut and cover them with tiny goggles. With Joanna at the helm of the laser gun, I waited for the blast of cold hair to diffuse the stinging of the laser. It was a little uncomfortable breathing with the cold hair hitting my nasal passage but to my absolute surprise, I hardly felt a thing. Joanna explained it was because I have a few sparse hairs and when the laser strikes a hair follicle, that’s when it’s felt so someone with a more beard-like growth will experience discomfort and subsequently the treatment will take longer. My session lasted a few minutes and I made a follow-up appointment in a month’s time.
This week I returned for the second session on the underarms and in the six weeks of waiting, I have noticed a profound reduction in hair growth – I’d say around 30%. The regrowth is sparse and taking longer to return. I probably have to whip off the few stray hairs with the razor once a week. I also spotted some longer hairs which were extremely fine. I assume these hairs are the culprits that weren’t captured in the four stage hair growth cycle the first time.
I was seen to by Nicole this time (the lady whom I met at my initial consultation). We had a brief chat about the changes I noticed after my first treatment.
Nicole kindly explained I could request her to stop any time I needed to pause from the laser. Last time I asked the nurse to give me a few seconds break but I think that was because it had been such a long time since I last had laser hair removal so my body was acclimatising to the sensation. Laser hair removal is a different kind of feeling to waxing.
Keeping an eye on the clock (which was directly in my view from the treatment chair), I limbered up. Straight away I was hit with the smell of burning hair alternating with the pinging of the laser. Every 10 seconds or so, I thought I would ask for Nicole to stop but through gritted teeth, I let her continue. I think my expression probably gave it away though I imagine Nicole is used to worse reactions – maybe even a few naughty words.
Instead I asked Nicole about laser treatment for tattoo removal (which Sk:n also does) after reading about actress Eva Longoria having some tattoos removed and squeezing one of those stress toys to deal with the pain. It distracted me from my own treatment but it was also fascinating to learn how it works. Black ink is easier and quicker to remove, but colours like yellow and red take longer, as do tattoos which have visibly faded but have actually gone deeper into the skin. The moral of this story? Think carefully about getting a tattoo as the pain of removing it is much worse than tattooing and it takes longer.
Back to my treatment! Both my underarms took a minute each. A minute! I actually found it more bearable than the last time, which is a big feat considering I’m on the highest setting for my skin tone. If I can handle that I’m onto a good thing.
All skin tones can be treated with laser hair removal though it works best on darker skin tones. The patch test will help the practitioner select the appropriate level of laser which is determined by hair and skin type.
If you’re considering laser hair removal and have burning questions (no pun intended), please ask and I shall do my best to answer. Don’t forget to check back for the next update on my laser hair removal journey with Sk:n.
To find out about more about Sk:n and its varied list of services on offer including a free consultation, visit www.sknclinics.co.uk. There are 40 clinics nationwide so you are likely to find one close to home or work plus you can spread the cost of payment interest-free if you spend over £750.
SPECIAL OFFER FROM SK:N
Sk:n currently has a promotion on for facial laser removal – get 30% off courses from the 1st October for four weeks. The offer covers Laser Hair Removal which requires a consultation and test patch. Any treatment purchases must be paid for in full before the end of the promotional period. Prices may vary by clinic. Please refer to the price list on the website for your chosen clinic or contact your clinic for their price list.
*I was a guest of Sk:n clinic but all views are entirely my own.
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