Does laser hair removal destroy sweat glands?

Author: Simeon Johnston  |  Last update: Sunday, May 25, 2025

The light wavelength is specifically attracted to melanin in hair and absorbed by those structures. However, the eccrine and apocrine glands that actually manufacture and excrete sweat reside much deeper in the dermis layer of skin. Laser cannot penetrate to those depths to damage sweat production.

Does laser hair removal affect sweat glands?

Technically, no, laser hair removal doesn't prevent sweating. Your hair doesn't create or trigger sweat. Your sweat glands, which happen to be located in your armpits, produce sweat when your body temperature climbs or when you're stressed or nervous.

Does laser hair removal affect the glands?

Answer: Lymph nodes and hair removal Laser hair removal will not affect lymph nodes. The treatment depth is much less than this. It only goes to the depth of follicles, not below that. So there will be no effect on lymph nodes.

Is laser hair removal bad for your armpits?

Answer: Laser Hair Removal on Underarms Affecting Breast Tissue? Laser hair removal will not affect any underlying structures or surrounding tissue whatsoever, regardless of the area you are having treated. Laser hair removal is a very safe procedure, designed to target the hair follicle only.

Does laser hair removal destroy sebaceous glands?

Laser hair removal of any kind has no effect on sebaceous gland and oil production. In order to decrease the activity of the sebaceous glands, you might have to resort to accutane (isotretinoin). It is the only medication that has an impact on sebaceous glands.

Can Laser Hair Removal Change the Way You Smell?

Why do I smell more after laser?

This is because odor-causing apocrine sweat glands open into hair follicles. So while the laser does not damage the glands themselves, it may alter some of their secretions that contribute to body odor. Additionally, changes to the skin microbiome may occur when the hair follicle environment is disrupted.

How do you permanently shrink sebaceous glands?

Fractional Laser Resurfacing is the most effective mechanical procedure for minimizing pores and oil. This procedure uses a laser that delivers energy underneath the skin. As the laser hits the oil glands, it cauterizes them and causes them to shrink.

Does laser hair removal make Bo worse?

Studies show that laser hair removal can help with underarm odor. This long-lasting hair removal method is incredibly effective for clearing away unwanted hair, but for those who are more prone to sweating, it can also help reduce unpleasant scents.

Will I regret laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.

Why did my armpit hair grow back after laser?

On the other hand, laser hair removal only targets hair below the skin or right at the root. This means that laser hair removal works only for hairs undergoing the anagen phase at the time of the treatment. On that same note, it means that hair strands on the other three phases will eventually regrow.

Why am I hairier after laser hair removal?

Hair Shedding – After a laser hair removal treatment, it's common for the treated hair to shed. This shedding process can take 10-14 days post treatment. And during this time, it may appear as though the hair is growing back thicker and darker. However, this is simply the hair follicle shedding the treated hair.

Does electrolysis damage sweat glands?

Since electrolysis treatments target the entire follicle unit, not only is the hair destroyed, but the sweat glands are also sealed; therefore the sweat glands can no longer use the follicle to spill onto the skin and is instead absorbed by the body.

What can go wrong with laser hair removal?

Risks
  • Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
  • Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent.

Are sweat glands attached to hair follicles?

Eccrine sweat glands occur over most of the body and open directly onto the skin's surface. Apocrine glands open into the hair follicle, leading to the surface of the skin.

Does laser hair removal affect the lymphatic system?

It Doesn't Damage Underarm Sweat Glands/Lymph Nodes

A common question that gets asked regarding laser hair removal for the underarm area is whether or not damage can be done to the sweat glands or lymph nodes. Hair follicles are located very superficially under the skin, just a few millimeters under the skin.

Can sweat glands be removed?

If you sweat heavily only in your armpits, your health care provider may suggest removing those sweat glands. This may be done through scraping them away (curettage), suctioning them out (liposuction) or using a combination of the two (suction curettage). Nerve surgery (sympathectomy).

What are the negatives of laser hair removal?

Most people need multiple treatments. Only an experienced healthcare provider should perform this procedure. Potential side effects include burning, scarring and permanent skin discoloration.

Is it awkward getting a Brazilian laser?

Thinking about laser hair removal on such an intimate area can definitely feel awkward at first. Many people worry about exposing this area or feel self-conscious about their bodies. But here's the truth – you're not alone, and this is entirely normal.

Do gymnasts get laser hair removal?

Dancers, Gymnasts, and Other Athletes

Many athletes choose to get laser hair removal to feel more confident in skin-revealing costumes or uniforms. This is particularly true for women, but men may also want to get laser hair removal.

Does laser make peach fuzz worse?

While many people turn to laser hair removal for permanent hair reduction, some people wonder if the treatment can make peach fuzz, or vellus hair, worse. The answer is no, laser hair removal doesn't typically make peach fuzz worse but equally so it will not be effective on treating these types of hair.

Who should not get laser hair removal?

People with keloid scars or healing problems like hypertrophic scars should not have laser hair removal. Likewise people with vitiligo, a condition which causes de-pigmentation of sections of the skin. People who have severe histamine reactions like urticaria are also unsuitable.

What vitamin shrinks sebaceous glands?

Vitamin A is well knowns to reduce sebum production when taken orally as a retinoid medication. However, it is difficult to get enough Vitamin A to the sebaceous glands in the skin through diet alone.

When I squeeze my nose pores, white stuff comes out.?

If a person squeezes or 'extracts' a sebaceous filament, a white or yellow worm-like structure may ooze out. Or, the filament may not produce anything. Trying to extract sebaceous filaments can injure the skin and cause scarring. It can also damage and stretch the pore, making it appear bigger.

What is the difference between sweat and sebum?

Sweat and Sebum – Differences.

Sweat is secreted by sweat glands. Sebum is secreted by sebaceous glands or oil glands. Sweat is composed of water and salts. Sebum is composed of oil, fatty acids, waxes and cholesterol.

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