Does Laser Hair Removal Help Keratosis Pilaris?

Does Laser hair removal help Keratosis Pilaris? Laser hair removal is not a primary recommendation for those with darker skin tones, as it may not improve the appearance of the bumps and can even worsen the condition.

Darker skin tones are more prone to rashes, inflammation, scarring, and pigment changes after laser hair removal, especially in people with sensitive skin. LHR can also cause more KP outbreaks by weakening the skin’s protective layer and bringing on increased dryness.

However, for some people, laser hair removal may be a helpful treatment option for KP.

Who Should Try Laser Hair Removal For Keratosis Pilaris?

If you have fair skin and dark hair, you might want to try laser hair removal. It can help you get rid of unwanted hair and make your skin smoother and more even. Laser hair removal works better on light skin because the laser can tell the difference between the hair and the skin.

On the contrary, quality results greatly depend on the skills of your technician regardless of your skin tone.

A review of patients who received laser therapy to treat KP has been provided below.

Before and after Photos of Laser Hair Removal on Keratosis Pilaris

The Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser was evaluated on Twelve patients with Keratosis Pilaris on different body parts, such as the arms, legs and back.

They received 10 laser sessions biweekly. After a month, 11 patients reported improvement in some or all of the Keratosis Pilaris symptoms, such as roughness and pigmentation.

The before and after photos of laser hair removal for Keratosis Pilaris for three of these patients can be found in this article: “A Pilot Study of Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in the Keratosis Pilaris.”

Treating Keratosis Pilaris Beyond Laser Hair Removal

The best way to manage KP is to moisturize the skin regularly with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion that contains ingredients such as urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid. For recommended products, check out the post: Keratosis Pilaris – Prevent & Treat Strawberry Skin.

These elements facilitate skin exfoliation and lessen keratinization. Additionally, you can exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a loofah or a light scrub.

Avoid using harsh products or scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate the skin and make KP worse.

The Takeaway For Keratosis Pilaris Sufferers

Before you decide to undergo any hair removal procedure, you should consult with your dermatologist or a qualified professional who can assess your skin condition and recommend the best option for you. You should also do your own research and weigh the pros and cons of each method.

Remember that there is no cure for KP, but you can manage it with proper skincare and some lifestyle changes such as avoiding hot showers or baths, wearing loose-fitting clothing, drinking plenty of water, and eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Read more:

Keratosis Pilaris – Prevent & Treat Strawberry Skin

Strawberry Skin – 3 Ways To Improve Keratosis P.

Keratosis Pilaris Laser Treatment

The Ultimate Guide To Using Coconut oil For Keratosis Pilaris Relief

SOURCES:
Park J, Kim BJ, Kim MN, Lee CK. A Pilot Study of Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in the Keratosis Pilaris. Ann Dermatol. 2011 Aug;23(3):293-8. doi: 10.5021/ad.2011.23.3.293. Epub 2011 Aug 6. PMID: 21909198; PMCID: PMC3162257.
photo by: Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels.com

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