IPL or laser hair removal can work on dark skin

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD answers: Does IPL or laser hair removal work on dark skin?

I have dark skin. Will laser hair removal work for me?


Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
9 months ago

Dark skin can be effectively treated with IPL or laser hair removal, as long as the laser is approved to be safe on dark skin. It normally takes longer for the results and the chances of side effects are higher. When the skin is darker, it absorbs more of the energy, which means more discomfort during the treatment. Using a bleaching cream or hydroquinone can help achieve better results with the IPL. Test spotting the treated area and adjusting the appropriate energy is very important with darker skin types.

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