Smart skin treatment lasers – The need for a new class

As dermatological lasers employed for skin resurfacing, “rejuvenation,” and hair removal move from the dermatology clinic to the spa and even home-use, manufacturers have made great improvements in system safety. With contact sensors and other “smart” sensors that test for skin type, the laser product will only fire when the appropriate contact conditions are present and there is no potential eye hazard. Technically these products must be labeled as Class 4, but there is no need for eye protection or any other conventional control measures appropriate for Class 4. The authors propose a new Class 1 designation for “eye-safe” lasers that would meet appropriate conditions. The skin exposure could exceed the skin MPEs in the treatment area, but there would be a limit on the radiant exposure to minimize severe skin injury.