Laser hair removal can effectively and permanently reduce unwanted body hair without causing harm to the surrounding skin. It is an efficient, noninvasive, long-term solution to reduce body hair that eliminates or minimizes shaving, waxing and depilation altogether.
Some may experience the process as slightly painful; however, the sensation has been described as similar to snapping or sunburn-like stinging sensations.
1. Clean the Area
Laser hair removal can be an ideal solution for men and women tired of dealing with the time-consuming chore of getting rid of unwanted hair. While laser hair removal treatments are safe and effective at permanent hair reduction in both facial and body areas, to achieve optimal results it’s essential that certain precautions be taken prior to treatments in order to achieve maximum effectiveness; such as avoiding certain skincare products, sun exposure or shaving before your appointments. Taking these steps may significantly lower the risks of side effects ranging from minor skin irritations to permanent discolorations within treated areas reducing side effects risks significantly and ensure optimal outcomes!
Before your Laser Hair Removal treatment begins, ensure the area in which it will take place is clean. This includes clearing away lotions, ointments and any other substances applied directly to the skin from previous applications and washing with soap and water; be sure to use a mild cleanser that won’t irritate it further. Exfoliating in advance of your appointment is also recommended in order to rid dead cells that could impede results of your session.
Keep in mind that waxing or plucking the area should be avoided to allow hair follicles to absorb laser energy more readily. Shaving is allowed but must take place no more than 24 hours prior to treatment and no later.
Avoid products that cause photosensitivity as these could increase the risk of skin burns during laser hair removal procedures, including makeup, creams and even deodorant. It’s also wise to avoid tanning in the days leading up to an appointment for laser hair removal on your face.
2. Take a Shower
Areas being treated should be free from all creams or makeup; otherwise any ingredients which increase photosensitivity could reduce its efficacy – this includes deodorants, perfumes, lotions and self-tanning products.
On the day of your appointment, it is highly advised that you shower as this helps prepare the hair follicles for laser targeting. However, avoid using soaps or abrasive body scrubs on your skin as these could potentially cause irritation and prevent your therapist from carrying out treatment effectively.
Shaving is recommended to help prevent unwanted discoloration on the skin and decreases the likelihood of burns, while plucking or waxing should be avoided as these methods disturb pigment in hair follicles and disrupt its proper function.
Finally, to maximize results of treatment it is wise to avoid getting sunburnt on the area being treated. If necessary it would be a good idea to apply a strong sunscreen to the affected areas prior to going outside in direct sunlight.
Before attending your laser session, it is advised that you avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks prior. If you already have a substantial tan, ideally allow it to fade prior to making an appointment. Too much sun exposure may lead to skin discolorations which cannot be resolved with laser therapy alone; furthermore sunburns cause extreme pain and blistering which is not ideal during a laser session; consequently many laser professionals do not treat clients who have sunburn on targeted areas of skin.
3. Apply Numbing Cream
Numbing cream is used to effectively block pain signals from reaching the brain, making laser hair removal less uncomfortable. Apply a few hours prior to treatment; also be mindful to limit sun exposure, artificial tanning products, plucking/waxing the area being treated, plucking/waxing after, plucking/waxing before, plucking/waxing during, plucking or waxing after any appointment may disrupt and lead to regrowth of hair growth; shaving may prevent thermal injury to skin surfaces while also allowing laser light direct focus onto pigment in hair follicles for maximum efficiency when targeting pigment in hair follicles containing pigmented pigmentation from its intended focus allowing laser light direct focussed onto pigment in hair follicles for better laser intensity!
When selecting a numbing cream, it’s best to opt for one containing high levels of lidocaine. A fast-acting formula should have maximum effects that last up to 45 minutes and it should ideally not be applied over areas where herpes infections exist, as this increases your risk for cold sores or blisters.
Emla cream, available at some skincare clinics and pharmacies, is an Emla is a widely used numbing cream for laser hair removal. Containing lidocaine and benzocaine anesthetics as well as aloe vera extract and jojoba oil which leave your skin feeling soft and smooth after use.
Ice or cold compress can also help numb the skin prior to laser hair removal, acting similarly to numbing creams and being safe for use on your skin. Keep in mind, however, that ice should only be applied on small areas and must not be applied over chest or legs as this could result in serious complications.
4. Discontinue All Medications
Laser hair removal treatments target the root of each individual hair follicle. Therefore, in order to get optimal results from laser treatments it’s essential that plucking, waxing or using hair removal creams on areas being treated for at least six weeks prior to an appointment – although this may seem daunting at first, remember that permanent reduction in unwanted body hair far outweighs this temporary inconvenience!
Additionally, in the weeks prior to your appointment it is also wise to avoid medications that make your skin photosensitive such as antibiotics, retinoids (including prescription Retin-A, Tretinoin, Tazorac and Differin), alpha and beta hydroxy acids, hydroquinone creams and benzoyl peroxide – however these typically clear your system within several days and shouldn’t pose too much difficulty when trying to avoid them in time for your appointment.
Prevent discoloration by avoiding sun exposure for two weeks prior to laser hair removal by staying out of tanning beds and self-tanners, including tanning beds and self-tanners, including tanning beds and self-tanners, including tanning beds and self-tanners, including tanning beds and self-tanners. Do use sunscreen, however; make sure it contains at least 30 SPF. You may still use lotion on treatment areas but make sure its SPF rating exceeds 30 or else you risk discoloration after treatment as well as blistering caused by severe sunburn. When covering treatment areas use an SPF 30 SPF-graded SPF30 sunscreen or higher sunscreen SPF is best.
Once again, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided one hour before your appointment as they can reduce your pain threshold. Bring water or coffee with you to stay hydrated during treatment; additionally eat light meals prior to taking anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen or Tylenol for inflammation relief after treatments.
5. Do Not Apply Sunscreen
As part of laser hair removal treatment, it’s crucial that you minimize sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your appointment. UV rays can alter the pigment of your skin and interfere with its results; tanning beds and self-tanners should also be avoided due to lasers’ dependence on natural melanin levels for targeting and eliminating unwanted follicles – having an unhealthy tan may confuse the laser into reading false readings that result in less successful results or even injury to your skin.
If you must venture outdoors, be sure to use a high-quality sunscreen that protects against UV rays. Physical sunscreens tend to work best as they act as a shield while chemical ones absorb UV radiation directly into the body. Reapply frequently especially after swimming or activities which induce sweating.
After laser hair removal, you may notice redness and swelling in the treated area. While this is normal, discomfort can be minimized by applying ice or covering it with soft cloth – if discomfort becomes excessive take a pain reliever such as Paracetamol for relief.
After your laser session, it is advisable to avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least two weeks as this can damage the skin. If necessary, wear long sleeves and use broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day; this is particularly essential if taking medications which increase photosensitivity.
