Iluminage is being praised for its “groundbreaking treatments for wrinkle reduction and hair removal.” The phrases “beauty revolution,” “it’s beauty so advanced and simple and can be used in the comfort and privacy of your home” and “truly amazing” were also being tossed around during an intimate reception peppered with beauty influencers at the W Buckhead in Atlanta.
Beauty experts, insiders and celebrities have known this secret for some time. Now, consumers will have their chance to learn about and experience the future of beauty.
Here, the renowned Dr. Chynna Steele of Steele Dermatology in Alpharetta, Georgia, shares her experience with iluminage’s cutting-edge hair removal devices and innovative textiles (iluminage Precise Touch), and whether women of color can receive the desired results we’ve been seeking for some time when it comes to laser hair removal.
These devices are a first of its kind as they work on all skin tones and hair ranges. All products have been clinically tested. iluminage Precise Touch is available at iluminagebeauty.com, Sephora and Ulta.
The effectiveness of laser hair removal techniques can differ for Black women and White women. Why?
Most lasers rely on the color of the hair to deliver the energy. If a laser can’t tell the difference between the color of the hair and the skin color, then it is does a poor job of targeting the hair and can burn the skin instead. The laser’s zapping not only the hair follicle, but zapping the skin as well.
For most hair removal devices, the best scenario is to have a really fair-skinned patient with dark hair because the contrast is so good the laser immediately recognizes the pigment in the hair; zaps it and keeps the skin totally protected.
What is your knowledge and experience with iluminage?
I was familiar with the technology because one of the partners, Centeron makes medical devices. I started playing around with it and using [it]. I did a lot of research to see what people’s experiences had been. It is really everything that it claims to be and it has been exciting.
What is your specialty?
I really like mixing medical and cosmetic dermatology; I think every medical issue has a cosmetic or esthetic implication, [and] vice versa. Whenever I am taking care of a cosmetic or esthetic issue, I want to make sure it’s done on the healthiest skin, and that it’s medically sound technology, safe and effective. I am all about preventive medicine and taking care of little issues as they arise, before they become big issues, and taking care of the skin just like we take care of our bodies over time.
How long have you been practicing medicine?
I launched my practice a year ago and have been in the area for the last four years. I decided to branch out on my own a year ago. I have been practicing seven years.
Why did you choose dermatology?
I was in med school, [and] I found that patients couldn’t really relate to the internal diseases that were just numbers blood pressure; [with] skin, it’s completely different. The patient sees what you are talking about, you can point to it and show them and so it was much more gratifying to be able to help people with the things they could see and relate to.
