Latest news with #DermasurgeClinic
Cosmopolitan
13-06-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Everything I wish I knew about laser hair removal
Before we get into it, let me make this clear from the jump, I'm all for body hair positivity. Do whatever you want with your own hair, but being hairy just isn't for me. So, I went down the laser hair removal route for pretty much my whole body a few years back. I booked in to have my underarms, legs and bikini all zapped of hair and was told 6-8 sessions should do the trick. Yet, 30 sessions later, my bikini and underarms are still growing as wildly as the day before I started my treatment plan – something I wasn't expecting at all. So, is laser hair removal a scam? TikTok seems to think so. Some users of the social media platform are documenting their experience, and their regrets of having multiple laser hair removal sessions with less than impressive results. I'm not hating on laser hair removal entirely and I know it can be successful. While it didn't work for my bikini line and underarms, my legs have been smooth ever since I ended my sessions which is very confusing. Having so many sessions under my belt, there are definitely things I wish I understood about the treatment before I booked in... To find out what the heck was going on with my pubes and pits, I asked an expert, Shireen Forster, the founder of Laser Me Out, to explain. 'Some people feel misled because laser hair removal requires multiple sessions and isn't always fully permanent – many experience hair reduction rather than complete elimination,' she says. 'Inconsistent results, poor provider techniques, and variations in individual hair cycles can also contribute to dissatisfaction.' Before embarking on my hair removal journey, I was aware that your hair/skin contrast is a major factor for successful treatment (dark hair on a lighter skin tone will see far greater success than hair and skin of a similar tone). But, what I wasn't aware of was all the other important factors – and I wish I had known before. 'While hair/skin contrast is important,' says Forster. 'Other factors like hair thickness, hormone levels, genetics, and the type of laser used play a role in effectiveness.' Hormones? Let's talk about those. Turns out, if your body is a little more hormonally charged (including those with PCOS, pregnant people, or those with naturally high testosterone levels), laser hair removal can be way less effective. Hormonal changes can also trigger hair growth even after seemingly successful laser treatments. Oh, and let's not forget that hair grows in cycles. At any given time, only a certain percentage of your hair is in the active growth phase (known as the anagen phase), which is the only time laser is effective. That's why multiple sessions are needed – you have to catch each follicle at the right time. For my more persistently bushy areas, I've made the decision to swap to electrolysis to tackle my unwanted hair - an actually permanent hair removal solution. The difference between these treatments? I asked Dr Hiba Injibar, founder of Dermasurge Clinic: 'Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in hair follicles with laser energy, which weakens the follicle and slows future growth. Electrolysis, on the other hand, involves inserting a fine probe into each follicle and using an electrical current to destroy it, leading to permanent removal.' It sounds like an easy switcheroo, which made me wonder why electrolysis isn't as popular, but, delving into it, there are pros and cons to both treatments. 'Laser hair removal is faster and less painful,' says Forster. 'But, it's ineffective on blonde or grey hair. Electrolysis is slower and more painful but provides permanent results and works on all hair and skin types.' Something else to consider is the cost. Typically, laser hair removal will cost around £40-£150 per session, with 6-12 sessions needed but isn't always permanent. Electrolysis will set you back around £30-£200 per session, with 8-15 sessions needed, depending on the size of the area being treated, but, it is permanent. For me, a combination of both treatments (spread out over a long period of time) has proven to be the most effective way of making myself hairless from the chin down. It's come at a hefty cost and it's certainly not pain-free but, would I do it all over again? Absolutely. I'm waving bye bye to that bush once and for all. Follow Emma on Instagram
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
8 best blackhead treatments for achieving smoother skin
Blackheads are a common skin concern. The tiny blocked pores sometimes feel like they never really go away, no matter how many times you've tried to get rid of them. According to Dr Hiba Injibar, consultant dermatologist and founder of Dermasurge Clinic, blackheads are 'a type of acne caused by clogged pores filled with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Unlike whiteheads, which are closed, blackheads remain open, and the oxidation of trapped oil gives them their dark appearance. They usually develop in areas with high oil production, such as the nose, chin, and forehead.' Despite how tempting it can be to squeeze blackheads and watch others doing so – #blackhead has one million views and counting on TikTok – it's actually one of the most damaging things you can do for your skin. Consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips told me: 'Squeezing blackheads can damage the skin and put you at risk of infection, scarring and hyperpigmentation. You can also push the debris deeper into the pores, making the situation a lot worse.' Instead, he recommends a well-formulated skincare routine. To tackle blackheads, Dr Injibar advises incorporating ingredients into your skincare routine that help exfoliate and unclog pores. 'Salicylic acid is excellent for dissolving excess oil and dead skin, while retinoids help regulate cell turnover and prevent blockages. Niacinamide can reduce oil production and inflammation. You could also use clay masks to help absorb excess oil.' Many of these ingredients can be found across cleansers, masks, serums and moisturisers. Alongside this, Dr Phillips suggests using a retinoid serum in your evening skincare routine to gently exfoliate and remove oxidised sebum, which will unclog pores and therefore reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Taking the advice of the experts on board, I've spent weeks testing products that aid the reduction of blackheads to find out which ones are worth your money. Read on for my full review. How I tested I've tested a myriad of products, including cleansers, serums, masks and moisturisers, narrowing it down to the top eight. I examined everything from texture, finish and absorption, as well as ease of application, value for money and, of course, how effective each one was on my oily combination skin. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Louise Whitbread has spent years working in the beauty industry and has tested countless skincare products and solutions, having suffered from acne for many years. From an expert-led feature on minimising acne scarring to her pick of the best skincare for acne-prone skin, Louise knows what to look for when it comes to finding skin solutions that actually work. The best blackhead treatments for 2025 are:
