SHAVING

The easiest, and one of the cheapest, methods we rely on is also one that can leave our skin bumpy, stubbly and even bloody. Because the razor cuts the hair at an angle, it has a tendency to regrow inward (causing ingrown hairs), Possible complications from shaving can include scarring, breaking fine capillaries when removing the hair and permanent dark marks (hyperpigmentation) after healing has completed. One possible benefit-The razor itself does have a moderate exfoliating effect, removing dead surface skin cells as you shave.

HAIR REMOVAL CREAMS

The main risk with these products is chemical burns because they are strongly alkaline. A burn is more likely if you leave the product on for longer than directed on the packaging. Some hair types are not removed effectively within the directed timeframe for use therefore patients will leave them on longer. By the time the hair is dissolved the skin is also burnt. Know your skin — if it’s sensitive, it may be best to stay away from these creams. And, if you do use them, make sure you’re removing them thoroughly or you risk developing a “slow burn.”

ELECTROLYSIS

Electrolysis has pretty much been replaced by lasers, which are faster and more efficacious. If you’re still devoted to this method, be aware that risks include “scarring, infection and hyperpigmentation.”

THREADING

A lot of women are opting to have their eyebrows and/or the little annoying hairs on their faces removed using threading instead of waxing or shaving. This is the method least likely to damage skin, as it is gentler on skin than tweezing, but it has a major downside: It’s only feasible for use on small areas of the skin as it can be very painful. Waxing, especially when it comes to the eyebrow area: It can cause major skin damage. Waxing removes a top layer of skin every time you use it, Women and men with rosacea and other inflammatory skin disorders, such as psoriasis and eczema should avoid waxing altogether because, although it weakens hair growth, it causes hair growth to actually accelerate during the first three to six months, which increases the need to wax more and can lead to hyperpigmentation.

LASER TREATMENTS

We have a winner! Modern lasers are the preferred method, modern lasers can be used to treat an individual’s skin and hair type. After a treatment, hair remains in the skin, but will fall out after four to eight days. And how is this for an incredible added bonus: Depending on the laser used, you may even experience some skin rejuvenation due to the formation of new collagen. A method that removes hair and can fight fine lines.

When you visit Atlantic Dermatology and Laser for your initial consultation, our skin specialist Cherie Cochrane will assess the depth of treatment required. From there we will discuss the best treatments for your skin, how many treatments are needed and the healing time if applicable. We are committed to providing you with the most advanced procedures in aesthetic medicine. By integrating the latest cutting-edge lasers and skin devices into our treatments enables us to be ahead of the curve in so many ways and the results we are achieving for our patients really do speak for themselves. Set in the heart of Sea point, Atlantic Dermatology & Laser welcomes patients from all over Cape Town.