If my skin can only take 12-14 joules...

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

If my skin can only take 12-14 joules on an alexandrite laser, does this mean that I will never be able to kill all of the hair, or does it mean that it will take many more treatments to do so?

#2

it means it might not be powerful enough to kill the hair. it CAN be, but it’s hard to tell ahead of time. 14 joules would be minimum I would say and that on coarse hair. Plus, that would be on on GentleLASE 18mm spot size. If a lower spot size is used, then the joules are not that powerful in combination.

#3

Thanks so much! I already have problems with discoloration so I reeeeally don’t want to aggravate the problem. I’m willing to do more treatments on lower settings if it’s still effective.

#4

it would be more effective for you to switch to a diode laser like LightSheer or an Apogee alex, or a Yag, where they can up the pulse setting to prevent it from burning you. treating at low settings will not kill the hair. you might shed the hair each time, but then it would still grow back.

#5

Thanks again LA girl…so diode and yag are still effective, but would just require more treatments?

#6

diode and yag would require more treatments on FINER hair. with a good tech and laser, you should get similar results on the coarse hair.

#7

Hi,
I think you should try to increase the settings on the alex, of coarse it is going to hurt, but it will not hurt anywhere as near as much as using an IPL without an effective cooling system. My experience of the alex on skin III-IV is that it doesn’t burn at settings 14, it didnt even do a light scar, the reddness left after 2days. I am going for my second full treatment on the alex today, and I will attempt to go up to a setting 16 18mm. THis is in contrast to the tech saying that she wouldn’t go past a 12 on my skin because it will burn me.

Treatments hurt however I can say that I have seen a big difference after 6 ineffective IPL treatments + 1 effective treatment with the alex.

Try and go higher, and don’t limit yourself, in my experience (almost 2years of treatments with over 5techs) many techs find a setting that you are comfortable with, and don’t go up. This doesn’t give you what you want.

Okay thats enough raving, ill let everyone know how I go on the higher setting this afternoon, might not be as positive… :P,

lawrence