Abstract

Background: Laser epilation is a method of removal of unwanted hair from the body and its use for this cosmetic purpose is gaining increasing popularity. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is a critical method for determining genotoxicity caused by several mutagens and carcinogens under in vivo and in vitro conditions.

Aims & Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine whether removal of unwanted hair by laser epilation causes genotoxicity in women undergoing this procedure.

Materials and Methods: 40 voluntary women who admitted to the dermatology clinics for the removal of unwanted hair by laser epilation were included. Skin types of all patients were classified according to Fitzpatrick Scale. Laser epilation was applied by Alexandrite (Light Age Epicare Duo) at a 755 nm wavelength laser. The possible genotoxic effects in women who had laser epilation to the whole leg (upper and lower leg) and face was investigated by the SCE method.

Results: The blood samples that were drawn before and 24 hours after the laser application showed no significant differences between the SCE frequencies (p>0.05).

Conclusion: We could not find any significant genotoxic effect of laser epilation in women undergoing this procedure. As far as we know, this is the first study that investigates the relationship between laser applications and genotoxic effects.

Key words: Laser; Hair Removal; Sister Chromatid Exchange