Melanin

The pigment that gives skin and hair their colour; it is produced by cells called melanocytes. Laser and IPL light is absorbed by melanin and converted into heat; this is why the risk of burns and dark spots is higher in dark and tanned skin.

Articles that mention this term

Start With a ConcernDark Spots and Melasma: Causes, When to See a Physician and What Treatments Are AvailableWhat sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory spots are, when to see a physician, why sun protection is essential and what treatments are available.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreIs At-Home Laser Hair Removal Harmful? IPL Device SafetyAt-home IPL and laser hair removal devices: how they differ from clinics, who should not use them, eye safety, burns, dark spots, why never on moles.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreLaser, IPL and Chemical Peels on Olive and Darker Skin: Pigmentation Risk, Choice of Device and Safety PrecautionsAre laser, IPL and peels safe on olive and darker skin? Risk of darkening and lightening, tanned skin, wavelength choice, test pulses and sun protection.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Treatment GuidesLaser Hair Removal: How It Works, Who It Suits and What to Watch ForHow hair reduction with laser and IPL works, why skin and hair colour matter, how many sessions are needed and what the risks are. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Rumour or Science?Rumour: “Laser hair removal causes cancer” — What does the science say?Does laser hair removal cause cancer? Non-ionising light, the real risks of laser (burns, pigment changes, eye damage) and why moles need attention.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreBurns and Pigmentation Changes after Laser and IPL: Darkening, Lightening and Scarring — Prevention and What to DoWhy do burns and dark spots occur after laser and IPL, how long do they last? Blisters, darkening, lightening, scars, eye risk: what is normal, what to do.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernMoles, Skin Tags and Spots: When Should You Show Them to a Physician before an Aesthetic Treatment?Which changes in moles, skin tags and spots should be shown to a physician? The ABCDE rule, why moles are not lasered, why home mole removers are risky.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreGlutathione Injections and IV Drips: Side Effects and EvidenceWhy glutathione injections and IV drips are not recommended for skin whitening: approval, weak evidence, side effects, infection risk, emergency signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board