Page 2 of Laser Physics: The Fun Version

These three things allow lasers to target very specific components in the skin without frying the entire area. That’s what gives us magical words like “non-invasive,” “precise,” and “minimal downtime.”

Lasers Love Targets

Lasers work by seeking out something called a chromophore — the technical name for the part of your skin that absorbs the laser’s energy. Different lasers are programmed to go after different chromophores:

• Melanin — the pigment in your skin, hair, and dark spots
• Hemoglobin — found in blood vessels and redness
• Water — found in all cells, and especially targeted in resurfacing lasers to stimulate collagen

Each type of laser uses a specific wavelength that’s perfectly tuned to be absorbed by one of these targets.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just trivia. Understanding how lasers work will help you:

• Know why one laser can’t do everything
• Understand why your skin tone affects which lasers are safe
• Ask better questions in consultations
• Avoid treatments that are all hype and no science

You don’t need to be a laser tech — just laser literate. A little science = a lot of skin confidence.