Lasers have been used in medicine for decades, but it wasn’t until recently that they started being used in skincare. Today, laser treatments are among the most popular and effective cosmetic procedures for improving the appearance of the skin. But how did lasers become so important for skin care, and what are some of the key laser treatments available?

Laser Basics

A laser is a device that emits a concentrated beam of light. The light is absorbed by the target tissue, which causes it to heat up and change in some way. The type of laser and the wavelength of light used determine the effect on the tissue. In the case of skin, certain wavelengths of light can be used to target specific issues such as pigmentation or blood vessels.

The Development of Laser Technology

The first laser was invented in 1960 by Theodore Maiman. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that laser technology was developed enough to be used safely and effectively in medicine. The first laser used in dermatology was the CO2 laser, which was used to remove warts and other skin growths.

Over the next few years, new types of lasers were developed that could be used for a wide range of skin conditions. These included the pulsed dye laser, which was used to treat birthmarks, and the Nd:YAG laser, which was used to treat pigmented and vascular lesions.

The Introduction of Fractional Lasers

In the early 2000s, a new type of laser called a fractional laser was introduced. Fractional lasers use a grid pattern of laser beams to treat the skin, leaving small areas of untreated skin in between. This allows the skin to heal more quickly and with less downtime than traditional laser treatments.

The first fractional laser was the Fractional CO2 laser, which was used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. Over the next few years, other types of fractional lasers were developed, such as the Fractional Erbium laser, which was used to improve the texture and tone of the skin.

Laser Treatments Available Today

Today, there is a wide range of laser treatments available for various skin concerns, such as those available through treatments like laser genesis. Some other popular laser treatments include:

• Fractional CO2 laser: used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars
• Fractional Erbium laser: used to improve the texture and tone of the skin
• Pulsed dye laser: used to treat birthmarks, rosacea, and other vascular lesions
• Nd:YAG laser: used to treat pigmented lesions and vascular lesions
• Q-switched Nd:YAG laser: used to treat tattoo removal
• Alexandrite laser: used for hair removal

Laser Treatment for Various Skin Concerns

Pigmentation

Pigmentation is caused by an excessive amount of melanin in the skin, which leads to dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone. Lasers can be used to target and reduce pigmentation, leaving the skin looking more even and radiant.

Scars

Scarring occurs when the skin is injured and the body produces too much or too little collagen, causing a raised or depressed area. Fractional CO2 lasers are an effective treatment to reduce the appearance of acne and surgery scars.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Wrinkles and fine lines are caused by a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, which leads to a loss of elasticity and firmness. Lasers can be used to stimulate collagen and elastin production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a condition that causes redness, inflammation, and visible blood vessels on the face. A pulsed dye laser is a treatment option for this condition, which targets the blood vessels and reduces redness.

Hair Removal

Lasers can be used for long-term hair removal, targeting the melanin in the hair follicle and causing it to fall out. Alexandrite laser is commonly used for hair removal in darker skin types.

Tattoo removal

Tattoos are created by injecting pigment ink into the skin. A laser is a popular option for tattoo removal, as it can target the pigment in the ink and break it down, allowing the body to naturally remove it.

Lasers have become an essential part of skincare due to their ability to target specific issues and create precise results. The development of laser technology and the introduction of fractional lasers have made it possible to safely and effectively treat a wide range of skin concerns with minimal downtime.