The skin can become darker or lighter, depending on the type of skin, after a laser hair removal treatment. People with fair skin are more likely to have dark spots from this procedure, while those with darker skin may end up with lighter spots. In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause blisters, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin texture. Other uncommon side effects include greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
So, does laser hair removal darken the skin? If the laser hair treatment is done correctly, a risk such as darkening of the skin is unlikely. However, if inexperienced hands use machines or the wrong settings, the skin can produce a dark pigment as a defense mechanism against heat. Prolonged exposure to the sun before and after treatment can also cause darkening of the skin. Hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal may be due to the skin's reaction to the energy or heat of the laser.
Most of the time, hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal is temporary and resolves on its own. It usually lasts for one to two months after treatment. If the hyperpigmentation is persistent or you cannot wait for it to disappear due to time constraints, hydroquinone-based products can be used to quickly lighten pigmented areas. For more sensitive areas, such as the armpits, bikini and inner thighs, hydroquinone-free skin lightening products like tranexamic acid may be recommended to prevent skin irritation that can worsen hyperpigmentation.
The best way to determine how to treat hyperpigmentation caused by laser hair removal treatment is to consult with a board-certified medical professional who has the knowledge and experience necessary to recommend the most appropriate products and treatments for your situation. Black spots after laser hair removal are a common occurrence and are usually caused by the laser damaging the treated hair follicles. When hair follicles are destroyed, the skin may be covered with small black spots. The hair shaft that has been damaged by the laser is usually still visible as these blackheads.
Despite being mostly safe and successful, some people may experience adverse effects such as blackheads on their skin after laser hair removal treatment. Choosing the right laser is essential not only to obtain the best aesthetic results but also to avoid unwanted side effects like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Permanent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can create a “burn mark” if a laser was used improperly during hair removal sessions. Laser hair removal is not recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas due to the possibility of serious eye injury.
If you're not sure how to treat blackheads caused by laser hair removal, it's best to consult a laser hair removal technician or dermatologist. If you have a skin reaction right after laser hair removal, your doctor may apply a steroid cream to the affected area. If you experience rare and prolonged side effects or if you are not sure if they are related to your laser hair removal sessions, always call your provider. For example, Fraxel and AlexTriVantage are revolutionary lasers that permanently remove sunspots, age spots and sun damage.
Repeated treatments are often necessary because hair growth and loss occur naturally in a cycle and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the regrowth stage. However, if hyperpigmentation is due to melasma or previous laser treatment, lasers are not the ideal treatment option. The best way to determine how to treat hyperpigmentation caused by laser hair removal treatment is to consult with a board-certified medical professional who has the knowledge and experience necessary to recommend the most appropriate products and treatments for your situation.
