Women Health - Laser Hair Removal

There are many different techniques to remove unwanted hair. Some of these include waxing, shaving, coils, electrolysis and laser. Although each has its advantages and disadvantages, they all perform the same function. That is removing unwanted hair.

One such technique that has become quite popular these days is laser hair removal. This technique works by using a laser on the hair at a specified wavelength that emits a specialized light. The light from the laser is passed through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle. This light actually targets the melanin (colour) in the hair follicle and damages it, thereby causing the hair to fall out. Interestingly, the use of certain laser for removing hair has been approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the technique is popular, there are advantages and disadvantages of using this method.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal process has advantages in that larger areas can be treated. In addition it is also safe enough to be used on all parts of the body such as the face, back, underarm, bikini line, legs and arms. Compared to electrolysis, it is less painful as the laser only causes a slight burning sensation compared to the needle prick feeling of electrolysis. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is usually long lasting.

Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

One disadvantage for laser hair removal is that not everyone is the perfect candidate for this type of treatment. Those with lighter skin and dark hair have a much higher chance of permanent hair removal than grey, red or blonde hair. In addition, those with dark skin or who are tanned are also not good candidates as the laser may cause damage to their skin due to high pigment levels. The reason being is that dark hair contains a pigment called eumelanin which effectively absorbs more laser energy and therefore results in more effective destruction of the hair follicle. Due to the higher effectiveness of the treatment towards dark haired fair skin patients, it leads to fewer treatment and is therefore less costly. Other the other hand, grey, red and blonde hair contain a pigment called pheomelanin that absorbs less laser energy reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore extra treatment is required for the same effect. So before you sign up for this treatment, make sure you know the principal of this treatment. If you are not an ideal candidate, be prepared for extra treatment charges.

Laser hair removal is expensive due to the multiple treatments required. The reasons is that hair grows in a cycle that ranges from approximately 6 to 12 weeks and this is the amount of time that it takes hair to grow from the base of the follicle to the surface of the skin. As hair grows during these cycles, only a portion of the hair is being treated during this growth period with each laser treatment. Therefore multiple treatments (approximately four to eight depending upon your colour of your hair and skin) are required during this growth period. This is so that each treatment allows total coverage on all hairs during the various growth cycle. This can range from approximately a four to eight week interval. As discussed above, darked hair patients with fair skin require less treatment.

The average cost per treatment ranges from $500 and about four sessions are required. Again, this number will differ depending upon the size of the area treated and the colour of your skin and hair. To get an exact cost, a consultation on pricing is an individual process and it is best to discuss this with the laser center.

Once you have decided to undertake this treatment, make sure it is performed by an experienced laser treatment centre. Due to different state regulations, there has been varying level of compliance with laser hair removal centres and this has resulted in improper treatment by unskilled clinics. Some states require a doctor to perform the treatment, whilst for others; anyone including “unskilled” personnel can perform the treatment. Read the latest news on laser hair removal for more information. These improper unskilled clinic may result in burns (similar to sunburn), lesions, skin discolouration that can last several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth. One rule to remember is that cheaper is not always the best, so find the best laser hair removal centre around.

For more information on laser hair removal please visit Laser Hair News

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Woman Health - A Better Understanding Of Laser Hair Removal In 5 Minutes

Men and women from all walks of life are turning in increasing numbers to laser to remove unwanted hair from their bodies. The most popular areas are faces, backs, legs, armpits and bikini lines. The latest machines allow specialists to remove hair from virtually any part of our bodies, as long as it is fully grown hair and not just peach fuzz. After six months of treatment, we can expect that somewhere between 60 and 95 percent of the treated hair will be gone.

Does laser hair removal work for everybody?

Laser hair removal works best with people who have light-colored skin and dark hair. The latest lasers work with almost all skin types, but generally speaking, people with darker skin and light-colored hair (white, grey or red) are not good candidates for laser.

If laser does not work for you, there are many other techniques you can explore, such as waxing, sugaring or electrolysis.

How does it work?

Hair grows from follicles, which are located underneath the skin. Follicles are dark in color because they contain melanin—the protein that gives color to our hair. Laser generates heat as it goes through the skin and it is attracted by the darker color of melanin. The laser rays generate enough heat to kill the follicles and prevent new hair from growing while not damaging the surrounding skin.

Our hair grows in cycles, which means that only some hairs are growing at any given time while others are dormant. Laser techniques can only target active hair so you usually need several sessions a few months apart to target all the hair in a particular area.

What about laser hair removal costs?

The American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the average session costs $388. Laser hair removal prices vary according to the area that you want treated. For example, the price of treating your upper lip is significantly lower than treating your legs or your back. Generally speaking, you can expect laser hair removal costs to range somewhere between $200 and $600, depending on the area you are treating and your clinic.

Even though laser hair removal prices can be steep, you should keep in mind that laser techniques are much more comfortable than the alternatives of electrolysis or waxing and that the results will last for years.

What should you look for in a doctor?

There are literally thousands of places offering laser hair removal, but not all of them employ certified technicians. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult with a dermatologist trained in laser hair removal. During your initial consultation, your doctor will first decide whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. After that, he or she will explain the procedure, ask for your medical history and give you a number of instructions to prepare for the session.

How can I prepare for my session?

Avoid tanning. Tanned skin increases the chances of skin discoloration. Also avoid waxing or plucking the area to be treated. Instead, shave the area two to three days before your appointment and allow some stubble to grow back. Some doctors might recommend that you apply a cream with lidocaine—a mild anesthetic—an hour before the session begins.

Is it safe?

Laser hair removal is a safe technique. After each session you might experience some redness and mild swelling, but this should quickly go away. It is recommended that you avoid the sun and strenuous exercise for a few days after the treatment. In some rare cases, patients might experience pain and blisters. In extreme cases, permanent scarring or skin discoloration can occur.

Jim Stacey is an editor at the Laser Hair Removal Directory where you can find more information and listings of laser hair removal providers across the United States.

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Woman Health - Everything You Wanted To Know About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is the best available method for hair removal because of the several advantages offered by this method. Laser hair removal method scores over other methods of hair removal for its ease of use, less time-consuming, little or no side effects and a long lasting treatment for removing unwanted hair from the face and the rest of the body.

A scientist who accidentally exposed his arm to 692 diode pumped YAG for a few seconds discovered laser hair removal treatment in late 1970's. The exposure burned off the hair but did not damage the skin. After few weeks, the scientist noticed a bald patch on his arm. Further research and development resulted in the birth of a revolutionary new method to get rid off unwanted hair. Since then, Laser Hair removal has become popular with both men and women of all age.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

The relief from the age-old hair removal methods like plucking, waxing, shaving is temporary. In the new hair removal method of electrolysis, each hair is treated separately. This makes the process time consuming and restricted to small areas. The inconvenience faced in the old methods has made the Laser Hair Removal the most popular hair removal technique. Most of the cosmetologists prefer laser hair removal to other methods of hair removal. Here are some advantages of Laser Hair Removal:

1. Ease of Use - Laser treatment uses the principle of light energy absorbed by dark matter such as hair. An experienced laser technician directs and fires a laser beam at the area of hair growth thereby burning off the unwanted hair. Laser hair removal method is not painful like waxing. Users have compared it to a tingling sensation like a small pinch.

2. Less time - Unlike electrolysis that is painful and takes a lot of time, laser hair removal is faster. With laser hair removal process, facial hair can be removed in about 45 minutes. Larger body parts take a longer time.

3. Few side effects - Unlike waxing or hair removing creams, laser hair removal treatment does not cause skin irritation or any other side effects.

4. Long Lasting - Laser hair removal treatment is long lasting than waxing, shaving or hair removal creams which have to be repeated every few weeks.

The wavelength required by laser to achieve efficient treatment is in the range of 670 to 890 nanometers. The treatment includes wearing protective eyewear. Usually, more than a single treatment is required since hair is best removed when it is in the active growth phase.

Find out all you need to know about permanent laser hair removal. Discover latest techniques and ideas for effective hair removal. Subscribe to daily updated blog of news items and articles. Click http://www.laser-hair-removal-permanent.com/

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Women Health - Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is an integral part of women’s life; no women can avoid the ultimate consequences. It is one step in a long reproductive degenerative, aging process, which almost begins silently at the age of 40 or so. Declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone cause various changes, which eventually lead to menopause.

Menopause symptoms can vary from woman to woman; changing hormone levels can cause a variety of symptoms which may last from a few months to a few years or longer. Some women may feel the worse of it, yet some other may feel very less of it. One of the most noticeable changes that occur during the onset of menopause is visible changes in occurrence of periods. Many women experience less regular periods; some have a lighter menstrual flow than normal; others face a heavier flow and may bleed a lot for many days. Periods may occur less than 3 weeks apart or last more than a week. There may be slight spotting between periods. Women, who have had previous problems with heavy menstrual periods and cramps, will usually find marked relief from these symptoms, when menopause starts.

One more noticeable symptom is the repeated occurrences of “hot flashes”, which is sudden feeling of heat in the upper part or all of woman’s body. Face and neck become extremely flushed. Flashes can be as mild as a light instant blush or just very severe enough to wake her from a sound sleep (also called night sweats). Most flashes usually last between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. The most common visible effects are the occurrences of red blotches all over the body.

Menopause symptoms also include remarkable changes in the genital and bladder behavior. As the estrogen levels change, the genital area can get drier and thinner. The resultant dryness makes sexual intercourse more painful. Vaginal and urinary tract infections are also very common during this time. Other problems can make it hard enough to hold urine long enough to get even to the bathroom. Urine leaks also occur during exercise, sneezing, coughing, laughing, or running. Sexual behavior also undergoes tremendous changes during menopause. Some women find that their feelings about sex change drastically with menopause. Some have marked changes to the vagina, such as dryness, that makes sexual intercourse very painful. Others feel freer and sexier after menopause — relieved that pregnancy is no longer a real worry. Sleep problems are more common during menopause. Some women may find it very hard to sleep at night- they may not fall asleep easily or may wake too early. Once woken from sleep, they may find it very to go to sleep again. Hot flashes may also wake them up very easily.

One of the most common menopause changes is the change in mood. This may cause a marked shift in moods, caused by stress, family changes such as children leaving home, or feeling tired. Depression is how ever not a cause of menopause.

Drastic changes in body characteristics are another symptom of menopause. Some women find that their bodies change around the time of menopause. Women tend to get fattier and skin tends to get thinner too. Memory lapses do occur very frequently. Some women feel acute joint and muscle stiffness during menopause. Regular exercises will help them to over come many of these problems. Menopause is irreversible and is the gift of nature; it needs to be accepted whole heartedly and life style adjusted accordingly to the situation.

Menopause Symptoms

Stein Ove Stien is the author of Natural Health with Natural Health Guides, Articles and Recources.

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Woman Health - Early Signs of Menopause – Is There an Online Menopause Test?

Are these early signs of menopause? As early as in their 30’s and 40’s, many women begin experiencing symptoms that make them wonder. Yes, there is an online women’s health menopause test available from a leading women’s health clinic.

What are common early signs of menopause? The most common symptoms include PMS, insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, loss of sex drive, hair loss or unwanted hair growth and fibroids. Some women have one or two of these symptoms while others may experience several symptoms at the same time. The result can be mildly irritating or it can be exhausting and overwhelming.

Menopause itself is not an illness but a natural process for a woman’s body. There are normal changes in the reproductive system and cycle and ultimately, the reproductive system will cease to function. That is normal. However, certain early signs of menopause are indications of underlying hormonal imbalances or damage from poor eating habits, stress and other factors. And you may feel like you're the only woman to experience symptoms, but millions of women in the industrialized countries are going through the same experience many years before the normal age of menopause.

What happens so frequently is that women put enormous demands on their bodies – much more stress than it was designed to handle – and then do not give it the support it needs. Women likely have demanding and stressful careers. Women have families to take care of on a daily basis. The relationship with one’s spouse or partner may not be the best. Aging parents may require help. These and other responsibilities add up in the toll taken on a woman’s body.

And at the same time, the woman’s body may not be receiving the support it needs to function as it was designed to do. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, excess caffeine and alcohol add to the problem instead of helping the body cope with the demands placed on it.

This lack of balance between the "demands made" and "support given" is what prematurely gives rise to early signs of menopause. And are the health problems you are having related in any way? Very likely!

When taking a women’s health and early signs of menopause test, here's what should be considered:

1. Which symptoms do you have? Certain symptoms are related to each other and are related to the same underlying causes. Knowing which symptoms you have is important information.

2. How mild or severe are your symptoms? Perhaps a symptom is "mild" and it’s not a big deal. It may be “moderate to severe”, meaning you can deal with it but it is a real problem. Or you may consider it “very severe”, in other words, you can barely function because of it.

3. What are you demanding of your body? Are you frequently under stress? Do you not always eat when you should? What prescription drugs are you taking? What about the consumption of caffeine and alcohol?

4. What kind of support are you giving your body? What do you eat, do you exercise and are you taking a high-quality nutritional supplement?

5. What is your age? Your age is important, because you need to compare your health with other women your age.

By taking the women’s early signs of menopause test, you can find out more about your health, symptoms you may have, what that means and what to do about it.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural treatments for a variety of health problems. For additional information about the online early signs of menopause test, visit the Womens Health Clinic to read more.

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Click here to download "Early Signs of Menopause – Is There an Online Menopause Test?" E-book