A Review of Hand-Held, Home-Use Cosmetic Laser and Light Devices

The 2015 review article assessed the effectiveness and safety of hand-held, home-use cosmetic laser and light devices for conditions like hair removal, acne, photoaging, scars, psoriasis, and hair regrowth. It found that IPL devices for hair removal and LED devices for acne had the most published data, but the results were modest and based on studies with small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. The largest study on hair removal reported hair count reductions of 74%, 84%, and 64% at various follow-up times in 34 women, but suggested the possibility of temporary rather than permanent hair loss. For acne treatment, one device showed a 26.3% decrease in lesions during treatment and a 76.8% decrease post-treatment in 35 patients. Hair regrowth devices like the Oaze helmet and HairMax Laser Comb showed positive results in clinical trials, including a double-blinded, sham device-controlled multicenter trial with 110 men. However, the review emphasized the need for more rigorous, independent studies to validate these findings and recommended that dermatologists stay informed about these devices to properly advise patients.