FAQs
The black dots that appear after laser hair removal are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” They occur when the laser treatment causes damage to the hair follicle and surrounding skin. This results in an increased production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to the skin.
What are the dark spots after laser treatment? ›
This side effect, known as post-laser hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) consists of dark patches or lesions, which can take a year or longer to resolve on their own, or be permanent without the proper treatment.
What are the black dots after hair removal cream? ›
This darkening is often a result of irritation or an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the product. To lighten dark spots caused by hair removal creams, you can try the following: Discontinue Use: If you suspect that the hair removal cream is causing dark spots, stop using it immediately to prevent further irritat.
What are pepper spots after laser hair removal? ›
Well, when you have IPL treatment, some of the hair is still under the skin at the time you treat it. And although the IPL system kills the hair, it's still there, waiting to be pushed out as the skin renews itself. As a result, you get pepper spots ie black dots all over the legs.
Why does my hair look like blackheads after laser? ›
When the laser targets the hair follicle, it damages the root of the hair. This damage signals to the body that the hair is no longer needed and will eventually be shed. In most cases, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after your LHR treatment, and it sometimes looks like blackheads or stubble.
Why do I have black dots after laser? ›
The black dots that appear after laser hair removal are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” They occur when the laser treatment causes damage to the hair follicle and surrounding skin. This results in an increased production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to the skin.
What are the black dots on my skin? ›
They are most often a result of cumulative exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light used in tanning beds. 1 Dark spots can occur on the face or other areas that are often exposed to the sun. The spots are also associated with certain skin conditions and can be a side effect of some medications.
What are the black specks I pick off my hair? ›
Terminal pigmented shafts of inflamed follicles suddenly become weak and thin, leading to breakage at different levels, with posterior dissolution of the shaft into an amorphous pigmented material inside the follicular opening, which appears clinically as black dots.
How to get rid of dots from laser? ›
If the black dots are simply dead hair that is still visible on the surface of the skin, they will eventually fall out on their own. You can help speed up the process by gently exfoliating the area with a loofah or exfoliating scrub.
What are the black dots at the end of my hair? ›
Black dots correspond to remnants of hair shafts in the follicular ostia and cannot be removed mechanically. They are usually associated with other forms of broken hairs. The second trichoscopic finding is hair dye; if hair is improperly washed, dye can deposit on the scalp and may even penetrate the follicular ostia.
Immediately following the pulsed dye laser treatment there will be a pink or purple to black discoloration of the skin. This discoloration is called purpura and is caused by the laser impact. It will last for approximately seven to ten days on the face and up to several weeks on the trunk and extremities.
Can I squeeze out hairs after laser? ›
The simple answer is no. Laser hair removal works by focusing targeted beams of light onto your hair follicles. This light energy is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) within the hair follicle which then heats up.
How do you get rid of spots after laser hair removal? ›
Following laser hair removal, common treatment options for acne include the following: Topical medications: To help reduce swelling, unclog pores, and eliminate acne-causing bacteria, topical medications with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can be applied directly to the affected areas.
What happens if you don't exfoliate after laser hair removal? ›
5-14 days after treatment
If you don't exfoliate these hairs some may become trapped so it's best to lightly exfoliate every few days to avoid this. If you continue to shave you may not notice this happening but it is nothing to worry about, it is a sign treatment has been effective.
How to speed up shedding after laser? ›
Tips to Encourage Faster Shedding
Moisturising the Skin: Proper hydration of the skin can ease the shedding of hair. Opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturisers that soothe without causing irritation. Avoiding Sun Exposure: The treated areas are particularly sensitive to UV rays post-laser.
Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal? ›
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
What are the purple marks after laser? ›
The skin may look entirely normal after therapy or it may immediately turn gray to purple in color. The appearance of the skin immediately after treatment depends on the type of condition being treated. Any color that develops will usually disappear over the next two to four weeks.
Why do I have spots after laser? ›
The heat produced by the laser during the hair removal process may cause it to start. Heat-related irritation and inflammation can result in acne-like red bumps and pustules.
How long does it take for brown spots to fall off after laser? ›
The darkened area typically begins to fade in 7 to 14 days. This is when you'll also begin to notice that many superficial brown spots around the treated area are becoming lighter, and less noticeable. They won't vanish with one IPL treatment, but in almost all cases patients will see progress.
What are the grid marks on my face after laser? ›
immediately after treatment:
When looking at your skin up-close, you may notice a "grid" texture to your skin. This is completely normal, and each of those microscopic dots represents an area of skin that was treated today.