Light Sheer is good for types I – III skin but darker skin, IV – VI may absorb too much energy in the darker skin and the heat gets trapped there rather than being absorbed deeper in the hair follicles. This epidermal heating could result in more of a reaction.
Furthermore, if hair is visible, then it should be shaved, otherwise it is laying on top of the epidermis and serving as a target for the laser energy, bringing more heat to the epidermis. You want the heat to be brought down to the hair follicle. The gel is not mandatory, but shaving most certainly should be done. It’s best if you can shave prior to your appointment next time.
The Gentle Yag is a longer wavelength so it doesn’t get trapped as much on the more superficial epidermal pigment. It penetrates deeper to the hair follicle but may be slightly less effective than the Lightsheer diode laser, but the Gentle Yag may be safer on dark skin.
