Does laser hair removal cause cancer?
We know that sunburn can cause skin cancer, but laser epilation is the same directed effect of a strong beam of light on small areas of the skin, including moles. Is it possible to get skin cancer while doing hair removal? The answer is in our article.
Laser and photo (IPL) hair removal: All types of lasers and IPL in terms of wavelength and frequency belong to non-ionizing radiation. Laser/IPL energy is not enough to separate electrons from atoms and damage the DNA of cells, leading to melanoma/skin cancer research
In a review of 30 studies (2017: animals, cell cultures, case series) NO link found between lasers, IPL and skin tumors.
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And the people?
In 2019, dynamic observation of 73 nevi in the area of exposure to photo-and laser hair removal for 2 to 8 years did NOT reveal an increased risk of skin tumors. In a review of 12 studies from the same work, NO cases of melanoma/skin cancer were found after the use of these types of hair removal.
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⚕ Position of regulatory organizations: The European Society of Laser Dermatology (ESLD) recommends:
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⛔ avoid exposure to laser and IPL energy on moles⠀
⚪ cover the moles with white adhesive tape, zinc paste or cream with SPF50
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Our opinion
Currently, THERE is NO evidence of an increased risk of melanoma/skin cancer after laser or photo-epilation (IPL). However, according to the ESLD guidelines, moles are better protected from such exposure.
Our NOTA will help you to be calm for your moles and not miss the slightest changes in them!
In a review of 30 studies (2017: animals, cell cultures, case series) NO link found between lasers, IPL and skin tumors.
⠀
And the people?
In 2019, dynamic observation of 73 nevi in the area of exposure to photo-and laser hair removal for 2 to 8 years did NOT reveal an increased risk of skin tumors. In a review of 12 studies from the same work, NO cases of melanoma/skin cancer were found after the use of these types of hair removal.
⠀
⚕ Position of regulatory organizations: The European Society of Laser Dermatology (ESLD) recommends:
⠀
⛔ avoid exposure to laser and IPL energy on moles⠀
⚪ cover the moles with white adhesive tape, zinc paste or cream with SPF50
⠀
Our opinion
Currently, THERE is NO evidence of an increased risk of melanoma/skin cancer after laser or photo-epilation (IPL). However, according to the ESLD guidelines, moles are better protected from such exposure.
Our NOTA will help you to be calm for your moles and not miss the slightest changes in them!
