Which combination lists the chromophores relevant to LHR?

• A. Melanin, Water, Blood
• B. Melanin, Water, Keratin
• C. Blood, Water, Oxygen
• D. Melanin, Blood, Oxygen

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that laser hair removal targets substances in the skin that readily absorb the laser light, so energy heats and damages the hair follicle while sparing surrounding tissue. The key chromophores involved are melanin in the hair, water in the skin, and hemoglobin in blood. Melanin in the hair is the primary absorber, which is why darker hair responds best to most LHR wavelengths. Water in the surrounding tissue also absorbs infrared light, helping to heat the follicle region and contribute to selective heating. Hemoglobin in blood absorbs some wavelengths as well, which can influence safety and effectiveness, especially in vascular or pigmented skin. Keratin isn’t a strong absorber at the common LHR wavelengths, so it isn’t treated as a primary chromophore. Oxygen is not listed as a separate chromophore for LHR; the relevant blood-related absorption comes from hemoglobin. So the combination Melanin, Water, Blood captures the main chromophores involved.