Laser hair removal is a safe, effective treatment to permanently reduce hair. For maximum effectiveness, however, it is vitally important that proper post-treatment instructions be adhered to for optimal results.
Attributing success with laser hair removal treatments depends on achieving an appropriate contrast between skin color and hair color, and these tips should help prepare you for treatments:.
Do Not Exfoliate
Laser treatments offer an alternative to more invasive hair removal procedures like waxing, plucking and shaving; laser hair removal treatments actually destroy hair follicles permanently so you won’t have to rely on those other methods and endure their associated irritation anymore. Therefore, once having had laser hair removal therapy it’s essential that exfoliation be avoided on treated areas so as to ensure maximum success of treatment results.
Exfoliation can cause new growth of hair to get stuck in follicles and cause it to grow back, leading to unwanted hair regrowth. That is why it is vitally important not to exfoliate for at least 24 hours after having laser hair removal treatment, especially during that initial 24 hour window. Regular exfoliation afterward should be perfectly fine; just use gentle exfoliating products like sugar or salt scrubs with a soft washcloth or sponge for use.
After your laser hair removal appointment, another thing you should avoid doing is spending too much time outdoors – prolonged sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation of treated areas due to prolonged UV light.
So next time you plan on spending some time outdoors, think twice before taking off your sunscreen. Apply a thin layer that you can easily take off after enjoying your day in the sun to protect your skin against UV rays and maximize laser hair removal treatment benefits.
Do Not Apply Sunscreen
Laser hair removal utilizes light wavelengths that precisely target pigment in hair follicles. Once targeted, laser light creates heat that destroys these follicles so they no longer produce hair; however, leaving vulnerable to UV rays (particularly when still healing from treatment), and this exposure may result in hyper-pigmentation, sunburns and permanent scarring of the treated areas of skin.
Therefore, during the two weeks after laser hair removal treatment it is essential that direct sunlight be avoided as much as possible. If necessary, use high SPF sunscreen with frequent reapplication and wear long sleeves and a hat as additional layers of protection from UV rays.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, it is also wise to avoid tanning as this could reverse its effects and even cause permanent staining. Tanning makes it more difficult for laser beams to target pigment in hair follicles; instead it could target darker parts of skin instead causing burns or discolorations that lead to unwanted burns or stains.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, any form of body art such as permanent makeup or tattooing should also be avoided. If you have any queries or are concerned, the clinic where your procedure took place can provide advice about what is safe and suitable for your particular skin type; they’ll be able to advise how best to avoid side effects while helping ensure successful results from treatments.
Do Not Shave
Shaving before or too soon after laser hair removal treatment can drastically diminish its efficacy, with too much shaving in advance preventing laser beams from reaching hair follicles, while too little shaving afterwards could irritate skin further. Instead, let your therapist guide your maintenance of skin health for optimal results.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, your pores will be wide open and extremely vulnerable to infections. Therefore, for two or three days following your session it is wise to avoid swimming pools, spas, oceans and lakes, gyms, and any activity which causes sweat. Sweat contains bacteria that could potentially lead to infections so it’s essential that sweat stays off of your pores!
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, side effects may include redness, swelling or small bumps on the treated area. While most individuals report these side effects subsiding within days or being accompanied by pain or stinging sensations, consult with your practitioner. They may recommend topical numbing cream or an ice pack wrapped in cloth as ways to manage discomfort while possibly offering over-the-counter medication like Tylenol for pain relief.
By following the post-treatment instructions provided by your laser hair removal specialist, you can ensure that your skin heals correctly and achieve the hairless result you’re after. Avoiding direct sunlight and applying sunscreen, tight clothing and heat sources as well as sticking with your treatment schedule are all vital for optimal results; following these simple guidelines will result in long-lasting and beautiful results from laser hair removal!
Do Not Massage
After your laser hair removal treatment, avoid massaging the area too heavily – excessive pressure could cause your skin to redden and even ruin its results!
Avoid squeezing or puncturing the area post-procedure to safeguard it against bacteria. Furthermore, picking at or scratching at the healing skin could result in infections or scarring issues.
Before your appointment, it is recommended that you shave all areas being treated (as directed). Numbing cream may provide added comfort; alternatively, plucking or waxing should be avoided since these actions will pull hairs out by their roots, diminishing effectiveness of laser therapy treatment.
On your appointment day, a technician will perform your treatment. Depending on the size and nature of the area being addressed, this process can last minutes or up to an hour. You may experience what many refer to as rubber band-snapping sensations while others smell sulfuric odors as the laser vaporizes hair follicles.
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular and safe cosmetic treatment used to permanently eliminate unwanted body hair. Ideal for both men and women alike who are tired of shaving, waxing or plucking for the removal of unwanted body hair, laser treatments work especially well when combined with light skin to make the contrast between dark hair and light skin easier for the laser beam to detect hair follicles – typically six-8 treatments spaced out over several weeks is required for best results.
Do Not Wash
Soaps, scrubs and other harsh cleaning products may irritate the skin and cause hair follicles to retract post laser treatment. When cleansing an area after laser therapy, only use warm water instead of hot.
Prior to beginning laser treatment, it is advisable to refrain from waxing or plucking on the area in question for six weeks prior to commencing therapy, to ensure the hair follicle and pigment remain undamaged for your session. Furthermore, you should avoid sun exposure for at least a month beforehand and after your appointment – when outdoors apply high SPF sunscreen as protection.
Scheduling laser hair removal treatments at times when there won’t be excessive sun exposure is key for optimal results. Overexposure could prevent the laser from reaching all of your hairs effectively and lead to less effective outcomes.
Your skin may feel bumpy or uneven after laser hair removal, and that’s perfectly normal. Applying aloe vera gel or lotion can help relieve this discomfort; alternatively, try placing cold compresses wrapped in cloth for 10 minutes at a time several times daily until redness and swelling subside.
If you have any concerns or queries about preparing for laser hair removal, don’t hesitate to ask the treatment professional. They should be able to give more specific instructions, and advise if any medications might make this treatment harder for you to tolerate – for instance blood-thinners, anti-inflammatories, topicals with retinol or acne medication may interfere. If unsure about if such interactions exist with laser hair removal procedures, consult with your physician first before scheduling an appointment.
