Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair, but afterward care for your skin after treatment should be addressed appropriately. Here, we discuss whether showering after laser hair removal is permitted as well as when is best time for taking action against infections caused by laser treatments.
Wait at Least 24 Hours After Treatment
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure that uses highly concentrated beams of light to target and heat unwanted hair follicles, stopping their ability to produce new hair growth and eventually leading to permanent reduction or elimination. Unfortunately, however, laser treatments may cause skin irritation or redness after laser hair removal treatments have taken place; for best results it should wait 24 hours after laser hair removal treatment before showering; although certain guidelines must still be observed.
Before your appointment, ensure the area you will be treated is clean and free of oil or moisturizer. Moisturizers or oils may prevent laser light from reaching follicles effectively to treat them; deodorant may also interfere with its effectiveness; in these instances it’s advisable to apply a dry cloth after showering to reduce direct contact between product and your skin.
After your treatment, it’s best to shower with lukewarm rather than hot or warm water to help minimize skin irritation and inflammation. Furthermore, hot baths and saunas should also be avoided since these can further irritate your skin.
Staying away from harsh exfoliants, and using only gentle, non-scrubbing cleansers are both key steps in maintaining good skin after laser hair removal. Scrubbing too vigorously could irritate and damage the treated area; if necessary, use a soft washcloth and scrub in small circles instead.
At the end of every shower, it is also beneficial to apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser that won’t aggravate areas recently treated by laser hair removal. Although you should use it daily, after laser sessions it may be more appropriate to apply specific moisturisers on these newly treated spots. It is wise not to scratch itchy areas as this could lead to infections and worsen existing symptoms; try instead putting an ice pack or compress wrapped in dry cloth on them instead to ease itching and reduce swelling.
Avoid Hot Water
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to rid the body of unwanted hair, but proper aftercare must be observed following each session. Failing to follow post-treatment guidelines could result in irritation to skin and damaged follicles; so it’s crucial that patients adhere to these tips for best results.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it’s advisable to avoid taking hot showers, baths and steam. Doing so could cause blistering of the treated skin and should therefore be avoided for 48 hours post appointment. Doing this may also help ease any tingling sensations experienced from laser treatment in the treated areas.
Avoid soaps with harsh ingredients or perfumes in the treatment area, as these can irritate skin inflammation after laser hair removal treatment and can aggravate existing symptoms. Instead, it is wise to use gentle soaps or mild lotions that are fragrance-free instead. If necessary, alcohol-free cleansers may also be more suitable.
Additionally, it’s also wise to forgo exfoliation after laser hair removal, since treatment areas will likely become extra sensitive due to exfoliating. Exfoliation could irritate it further. If itchy sensations arise after laser hair removal, try cooling aloe vera gel or lotion instead of scratching as this will soothe skin instead of inflicting further harm.
Finally, after laser hair removal sessions it is wise to refrain from placing clothing of any sort over the treatment areas – this includes underwear, bras and socks – that might irritate or aggravate them further. Tight clothing could irritate sensitive areas that will be sensitive and itchy anyway; to protect those areas it would be beneficial to cover them in order to minimize friction or irritation caused by these tight clothing items.
As part of your laser hair removal session, it’s advisable to refrain from shaving the treatment areas for at least 24 hours afterward and avoid using sunless skin creams that darken skin tone, such as those that contain tretinoin. These creams could potentially interfere with its effectiveness by disrupting natural lighting which your follicles require in order to grow hair follicles.
Avoid Exfoliating
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that uses light beams to destroy hair follicles and inhibit further hair growth. While effective and safe, aftercare for laser hair removal sessions must include showering to minimize risks of complications. As part of postcare for laser hair removal sessions it’s important to remember there are specific items you should avoid while showering – here is our guide on what not to do after undergoing laser hair removal sessions!
After laser hair removal, it is best to opt for cool or lukewarm water when showering or bathing to reduce irritation and redness as well as speed up healing time. Furthermore, gentle fragrance-free soap should be used since overscrubbing and chemical-laden products could damage sensitive skin that remains exposed due to laser treatment.
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is normal for the skin to itch afterwards; however, it’s important to avoid scratching because this will irritate and scar the skin further, delaying healing time and leading to scarring. If the itching becomes excessively uncomfortable then hydrocortisone cream could help soothe itchy areas of skin.
Avoid products that irritate the skin when taking showers; for instance, using soft wash cloths, puffy shower sponges, or loofahs as much as possible are advised for cleaning purposes during shower time. Scrubbing too harshly with chemicals-laden scrubs could damage skin health as well as lead to blocked pores and result in acne breakouts.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is also wise to avoid direct sunlight or other sources of heat such as sweating or sauna sessions, and any activities which could cause friction on the treated area (i.e. tight clothing or sports bras). Furthermore, applying moisturizer daily to keep hydrated.
Avoid Sweating
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to rid yourself of unwanted body hair, but results depend on your post-treatment care. Failing to comply with post-treatment protocols could lead to irritated or damaged skin or hair follicles; so it’s vital that you follow any recommended showering protocols post-laser session.
After laser hair removal, when taking a shower afterward it’s best to use lukewarm water with gentle fragrance-free cleansers that do not contain harsh abrasives like scrubs. Avoid harsh scrubs that contain chemicals, as these may clog your pores or cause further irritation and blockages. It is best to pat rather than scrub dry as excessive friction may further harm skin cells.
After receiving treatment, it’s wise to give yourself at least 24 hours to recover before engaging in physical activities that could induce sweating, such as workouts. Sweating can irritate treated skin and cause burning sensations if too much sweat escapes, so give your body ample time to dry off before exercising again.
However, it’s safe to go for a walk or light jog as long as it does not involve working up a sweat in the treated area. The same holds true for outdoor sports like tennis, golf and biking – if unsure whether your activity can safely exercise after laser therapy treatment consult your practitioner first.
Before swimming in a pool or hot tub, wait until all treatments have completely dried as chlorine and other chemicals may irritate and harm the skin. Also wait several days as pools or hot tubs often contain high bacteria levels which could potentially lead to infection.
When swimming at a public pool, always wear a bathing suit that is close-fitting and tuck any loose clothing into the waistband or folds of the suit to avoid friction or irritation from clothing rubbing against treated areas and creating friction or irritation.
Apply hydrocortisone cream or moisturizing products to the treated area as this will help to decrease itching and swelling. If severe itching or hives appear, seek advice from your practitioner immediately.
