At-home laser devices are quickly becoming a new trend in skin care, claiming to offer the benefits of laser treatments traditionally delivered by trained dermatologists. While these devices seem convenient, most are realistically ineffective at best and harmful at worst. There are countless reasons it’s best to leave your laser treatment to a board-certified dermatologist here in D.C.
Why should you pass up that trendy device and trust a professional instead? Here are a few reasons.
It Probably Won’t Work
Some at-home devices are simply just gimmicks and aren’t proven to deliver results. The more common issue, however, is that most of them significantly scale back the treatment’s intensity to avoid the liability of causing an injury. This means you’ll get very minimal results, and you’ll have to repeat the treatment multiple times. In the end, you’ll likely spend much more time and hassle with your at-home device than you would have spent if you had gone to a professional.
It Might Hurt
When board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons perform laser treatments, discomfort is kept to a minimum with skillful pacing and medical-grade numbing products or cooling gels. Performing laser treatments on yourself can hurt, especially when it comes to treatments such as laser hair removal that require intense heat. You also open yourself up to burning, scarring, and other complications that professionals are trained to prevent.
You’ll Miss Out on Expert Advice
There are tons of medical and aesthetic laser treatments out there, all nuanced and designed to treat different things. It takes a seasoned expert to assess which treatment will help you most, how many sessions you’ll need, and how often you’ll need them.
Without medical advice, you may pick a treatment that doesn’t do anything, that doesn’t work with your skin tone, or that may potentially irritate your concerns further. Consulting with a professional is a must, especially if you’re new to the world of laser treatments.
Your Options Are Limited
Speaking of all those laser options, there’s a good chance you won’t have at-home access to the one that would be most helpful to you. LED therapy and IPL-based devices are common, but specialized lasers such as fractional CO2 or V-beam still aren’t widely available for at-home use. Visiting an expert who has access to a wide range of devices (and knowledge of how to safely and effectively use them) will save you from spending time and money on something that won’t do anything for you.
What You Can Do at Home
There are plenty of things you can successfully do for your skin at home, the most important being following the recommendations your dermatologist gives you for products and procedures. Sticking closely to the right skincare regimen and strategically planning in-office treatments are great ways to take an active role in the health and beauty of your skin. Some at-home treatments can complement or adversely effect your in-office dermatological treatments so be sure to ask a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Isaac, if you are contemplating trying at-home treatments.
To see examples of the results that can be achieved through professional laser skin treatments, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
To learn more about the best ways to care for your skin with the help of a dermatologist in Washington, D.C., pleaserequest a consultation online or call (202) 393-7546.
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