Laser hair removal can be an efficient and painless way to get rid of unsightly body hair, eliminating the time-consuming processes of shaving, tweezing and waxing.
However, before beginning laser treatments there are a few things you must first do. Most importantly is keeping the skin being treated out of direct sunlight – this includes avoiding tanning beds and self-tanners.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, for two weeks prior it is wise to limit sun exposure and avoid tanning beds. Direct sunlight exposure may cause your hair follicles to become discolored post treatment; so be sure to wear sunscreen whenever going outside! In addition, make sure the area you will be treating has enough shade from direct sun light so as to protect its follicles during treatment sessions.
Anticipate that most laser professionals won’t treat you if your skin has even the slightest sunburn, making tanning avoidance essential. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some time in the sun or wear your favorite summer outfit; just make sure that when going outdoors you use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF rating of 30!
Prior to beginning treatments, it may also be advisable to stop using certain skincare products that increase photosensitivity, such as those containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or benzoyl peroxide. If in doubt as to which items should be discontinued it would be wise to consult a dermatologist.
Before your session, it is advisable not to pluck or wax the area that needs treatment as this could trigger new hair regrowth. Exfoliation gently the night before can help ensure you arrive with clean, dry skin ready for treatment.
2. Stop Using Tanning Products
One of the best ways to prepare for laser hair removal is to avoid tanning products, including tanning beds and self-tanners. Avoiding these can reduce interference from laser treatment as well as potential skin discoloration or adverse reactions from exposure. Furthermore, most laser professionals won’t treat clients who are sunburned prior to appointments so taking measures to maintain natural skin color may help.
Anti-aging skin care products that contain salicylic acid or retinol should also be avoided as these ingredients increase photosensitivity and may lead to burnt skin when using laser hair removal treatments. It’s also advisable to inquire with your physician prior to beginning laser hair removal treatment as any medications prescribed could potentially increase phototoxicity levels and possibly harm laser treatments.
Prior to laser hair removal sessions, it is wise to avoid shaving and waxing areas being targeted by laser. Both practices can damage hair follicles and prevent laser from targeting them effectively – leading to less effective results and possibly increased hair growth post treatment. In addition, you should avoid plucking or tweezing before appointments as these could affect their effectiveness as well. By adhering to these simple guidelines you can help ensure that your laser treatments are as successful as possible and you reach hairlessness sooner!
3. Stop Taking Medications
If you use skin-lightening products like hydroquinone, it’s wise to discontinue their use two days prior to any laser hair removal sessions. These products contain chemicals which alter your pigment, potentially interfering with laser treatment and possibly leading to negative side effects. In addition, self-tanning products should also be avoided since these may trigger reactions with laser technology.
If possible, it’s advisable to avoid taking medications that could alter how your skin responds to light. These include antibiotics and topical treatments like salicylic acid and retinol – you should be able to discuss with your physician whether any will make you more sensitive.
Before your appointment, take a shower and clean the area where you will receive treatment. Be mindful not to apply lotions, creams, or oils directly onto your skin as these could impede with treatment and any deodorants around may obstruct it further.
Get ready to be amazed! Laser hair removal works by disabling the root of each hair follicle. When this occurs, hair will fall out over several weeks before growing back thinner and lighter in color. Although laser hair removal treatments typically result in permanent results for most people, additional visits may be required every year or two for maintenance appointments and to maintain minimal growth levels.
4. Stop Shaving
If you are regularly shaving the area where you will receive laser hair removal treatments, it is recommended that you stop for several weeks prior to scheduling an appointment in order to allow enough pigment time to build in its root, which the laser targets during treatment. It is also advised that waxing, plucking and using depilatory creams like Nair are avoided in order to achieve maximum effectiveness from laser treatment.
Shaving surface hair from your treatment area is acceptable, while other methods of hair removal should be avoided as they disturb hair follicles and interfere with laser’s ability to target and eliminate unwanted hair from the body. Methods such as waxing, tweezing and electrolysis all contain techniques which do this and therefore are unsuitable for laser hair removal therapy.
Before your appointment, it is also recommended to take a shower and cleanse the area being treated. Also try not to apply any creams, lotions or oils that could block laser’s ability to reach hair roots; deodorant wearers are strongly discouraged as this could make it more difficult for technicians to identify what they are targeting as well as increase discomfort during treatments.
5. Stop Using Hair Removal Products
Laser hair removal is an efficient and straightforward way to eliminate unwanted body hair quickly and painlessly, becoming part of many people’s beauty regimen. There are some key guidelines you must abide by in order to maximize the efficacy and achieve the best possible results from this procedure.
First and foremost, it is best to refrain from any hair removal techniques that pull hairs out by their roots – such as waxing, tweezing and chemical depilatories – as this could disrupt the natural cycle of your follicles, leading to less effective treatments.
Also, avoid skin care products known to increase photosensitivity on the area that will be treated, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinol products. Wearing them on your skin on treatment day could impede its ability to reach and destroy hair follicles effectively.
Laser hair removal should never be approached as a quick fix; hair follicles go through cycles of growth and dormancy that require multiple sessions to achieve lasting, visible results. Keep these tips in mind and your results should last.
6. Stop Using Makeup
If you’re ready to end the trudge of shaving, waxing, plucking and other hair removal methods for good, when arriving for laser treatments be sure that your skin is free from all skincare products such as makeup and perfume – even creams and perfumes can interfere with their effectiveness so avoiding them whenever possible would be wiser.
If you wear makeup or other skincare products, be sure to shower before your appointment in order to ensure a clean surface that’s free from oils, greases and any other substances. Also avoid moisturizing products which could interfere with laser’s ability to reach hair follicles.
Before having laser treatment, it’s best to avoid all sunless tanning products and allow any artificial tans to fade completely. You should also stop bleaching your hair, as bleach can interfere with its ability to target hair roots efficiently. Furthermore, other forms of hair removal such as plucking, waxing or electrolysis may disrupt these roots, which will prevent the laser from effectively targeting them.
Before visiting a laser professional for treatment, it’s also a good idea to discuss any medications you are currently taking with them. Certain drugs could affect how effectively laser treatment works while others could cause phototoxicity (an adverse reaction to light) which may compromise results and potentially hinder healing.
