Laser hair removal can be a highly effective method for permanently eliminating unwanted hair, but in order to maximize results it is essential that certain skincare tips be implemented prior to and following this procedure.
Waxing, tweezing, and other methods of hair removal should not interfere with the laser process; shaving alone remains permitted as an acceptable hair removal solution.
1. Cleanse Daily
Unwanted hair growth can cause many issues for your skin and require time-consuming removal processes like shaving, waxing or plucking to be addressed daily. Laser hair removal offers a solution by simplifying daily grooming processes significantly more easily and quickly than before.
Results of laser hair removal vary between patients; however, most see an initial decrease in hair growth within a few weeks of receiving their treatments. To maximize these effects it is vital that proper skin care practices, including cleansing are adhered to during this process.
After laser hair removal, your skin may become more delicate than usual and easily irritated by certain products and activities. Therefore, for at least several days following laser hair removal sessions, try to avoid applying lotions, creams, makeup to the treated areas; use cooling aloe vera gel or lotion instead to soothe any redness and stinging sensations.
While showering, aim for lukewarm water rather than hot as this will be less likely to irritate the skin and apply gentle pressure when drying off instead of rubbing or massaging the area dry.
Prior to laser hair removal, it is also wise to limit sun exposure as much as possible. Exposure can cause dark spots, burns and other skin damages; if necessary, apply sunscreen frequently and cover up as much skin as possible when venturing outdoors.
2. Moisturize
Moisturizing after laser hair removal sessions is crucial, as this will reduce irritation and speed healing. Moisturized skin will also help reduce swelling, redness and itching in the treated area – and there are many products on the market which offer soothing moisture without adding unnecessary chemicals or perfumes to their formulation.
After showering and cleansing the treatment area, the ideal time and place for applying moisturizer is right after your appointment. Make sure there are no lotions or creams present before going, as this could interfere with how laser works by creating an unnecessary barrier between hairs and skin which makes treatment less effective overall.
After having laser hair removal done, it is wise to forgoing any use of sunless tanners or tanning lotions, as these may irritate and damage the skin. Furthermore, deodorant should also be put aside temporarily in the underarm area as its chemicals and fragrances could irritate itching causing itching; natural deodorants are best as these contain less chemicals and fragrances than conventional options.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
Laser hair removal places your skin in an extremely vulnerable state. Injuries have been sustained (albeit intentionally), and healing must take place to avoid complications like scarring, changes to pigmentation or infection. To protect treated areas in this timeframe and ensure maximum healing potential, avoid sun exposure while using broad spectrum sunscreens.
After laser hair removal treatments, it is best to stay out of the sun for 72 hours after each session – regardless of whether your skin looks tanned. UV exposure after treatment sessions may irritate and burn skin causing burns or scarring that could require dermatological intervention to correct.
Prior and after laser hair removal appointments, it is advisable to limit sun and tanning bed exposure for at least two weeks. Tanning beds can cause burns on your skin which can damage it and lead to hyper-pigmentation issues.
Some individuals, particularly those with very pale skin types 1 and 2, can take 4-6 weeks for their skin to recover from laser hair removal treatments, due to sun damage from UV radiation. Therefore, for maximum effectiveness it’s best to have laser hair removal done during winter or on areas not regularly exposed to the sun in order to minimize healing time and protection needs for your skin – however using broad spectrum sunscreen year round remains recommended regardless of season or climate conditions.
4. Don’t Scratch or Pick at Your Skin
After laser hair removal, it is essential that individuals do not pick or scratch at their skin in response to itching. Instead, use a cool compress or lotion with cooling effects such as cooling gel to soothe any discomfort caused by picking at itchy skin irritants; this may help prevent infection that could arise by picking at it unknowingly.
At this point, it is also best to avoid using makeup and beauty products, since your skin will likely be particularly delicate and vulnerable to irritation. This includes antiperspirant, lotions, and creams. If necessary, only use basic topical products without additional treatments.
As this time period is not recommended for shaving or plucking hair follicles directly, these methods could erode them and cause skin irritation and necessitate further sessions with bleaching or other medications before your session, it is also wise to refrain from these practices altogether.
As soon as treatment begins, it is advisable to avoid hot showers, saunas and steam rooms as their heat can irritate skin follicles and increase discomfort and decrease results. Instead, warm showers or baths with cool compresses as needed is preferable in order to reduce swelling and redness while wearing sunscreen may also help.
5. Avoid Heat
As your skin heals from laser hair removal, it’s essential that any source of heat that could irritate it be avoided – including hot showers, saunas and hot tubs. Furthermore, heating pads should also be avoided as they can lead to redness and blistering in treatment areas. If itching occurs within these treatment zones, try applying an aloe vera lotion or gel as this could soothe itching sensations while decreasing inflammation.
After your appointment, it is also recommended that you forego using any topical beauty products for 24 hours post-treatment. Makeup, body washes and deodorant contain exfoliators which could agitate freshly treated skin further.
Finally, any products designed to lighten your skin, such as sunless tanning creams, should be avoided as these can lead to uneven pigmentation and damage the fragile tissues in the treatment area.
Following these tips will ensure the most successful laser hair removal appointment possible. By following these simple steps, you’re on your way to smoother skin in no time! Schedule a consultation at Essential Aesthetics so we can explain more about how our laser treatments can help achieve smoother, healthier skin with long-term results – we suggest having treatments no more frequently than six weeks apart for long-lasting effects.
6. Avoid Exfoliants
Before and during laser hair removal treatment, it’s recommended to forgo exfoliants on any area that will be targeted, in order to avoid disturbing hair follicles and hindering results.
After your laser treatment, it is safe to resume exfoliating. However, it is recommended to use a gentle wash cloth or puffy shower sponge instead of loofahs, and look for products without exfoliants such as glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acids as this will help avoid ingrown hairs, which occur when hair cannot emerge from its natural path and folds back onto itself instead. This may also help avoid ingrown hairs forming by stimulating new blood flow to your scalp which in turn results in new hair sprouting underneath existing layers of skin causing ingrowns to reemerge, leading to ingrowns not appearing under or over time, or alternatively due to changes to its ability or structure.
Avoid any products with scents, like body washes and lotions with scents, as well as any skin treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion that exfoliate, such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Even though they might seem gentle enough, such treatments could leave skin extra vulnerable after laser treatment and make it even more vulnerable.
Prior to your laser treatment session, it is also advised that you refrain from shaving or waxing the area that will be laser treated as this can disturb hair follicles and lead to further discomfort for those involved in treatment. Shaving should only be performed every few weeks using a new razor blade so as to minimize irritation, while additionally applying broad spectrum sunscreen such as our Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ in order to safeguard the skin against UV rays.
