Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to permanently get rid of unwanted body and facial hair, however there are certain practices you must avoid doing before and after laser therapy for the best possible outcomes.
Exercise. However, exercise can irritate the skin and lead to other health concerns.
Wait at Least 24 Hours
Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to eliminate unwanted hair permanently; however, there are certain precautions that must be taken both during and after treatment for optimal results. Patients often ask, “Can I work out after laser hair removal?” – unfortunately no! To let your skin recover fully after each appointment and prevent irritating sensitive areas of the body as much as possible.
Laser hair removal uses a laser that heats the pigment found within each hair follicle to break it down and destroy it, leading to reddening and tenderness in the treatment area. This may make it sensitive to touch; in extreme cases, sunburn-like marks may even appear.
Exercise too soon after laser hair removal could increase skin temperature, leading to irritation and blistering. Sweat from exercise contains bacteria which could irritate sensitive hair follicles and trigger an outbreak or skin infection; in extreme cases it could even swell up or develop a rash on its own!
Though strenuous exercise should generally be avoided after laser hair removal, you can still engage in low-impact activities like walking and stretching. Furthermore, take a cold shower or bath directly following your appointment to further soothe and prevent inflammation in your skin.
After your laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before swimming as swimming pools contain chemicals and bacteria which could irritate your skin. If you decide to swim anyway, cover any areas treated as well as wear sunscreen in case sweat occurs during your session.
If you would like more information on the benefits of laser hair removal and how it could enhance your appearance, reach out to a member of our team immediately. We offer both virtual and in-person consultations with board certified physicians.
Laser Hair Removal of Fort Worth and Burleson offers cutting-edge laser hair removal services throughout Texas. Get in touch with us now to schedule your in-office consultation!
Avoid Sun Exposure
Laser hair removal has quickly become a popular solution to traditional methods like shaving and waxing for permanent hair reduction. But to achieve optimal results from treatment it’s crucial to understand its best practices, including pre and post care instructions that ensure optimal outcomes for skin.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after treatment before returning into direct sunlight. The heat from laser treatments can irritate delicate follicles and potentially lead to an allergic reaction resulting in a rash or other skin conditions.
As well as staying out of the sun, it’s also important to protect the treated area with sunscreen whenever going outside. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and apply it regularly so your skin remains safe from UV rays.
Doing this will prevent unnecessary irritation and ensure that your skin heals properly after the procedure. Furthermore, hot showers or saunas should also be avoided as these may further irritate the skin, possibly leading to swelling or redness. Furthermore, it’s advised that if additional laser hair removal treatments are planned it’s wiser to wait at least 24 hours between each session so your body has time to recuperate between each one.
An important thing to keep in mind after laser hair removal treatment is not exercising too soon after, as this could cause the area to swell up and form a rash. Once your skin has had time to fully recover, however, you can resume your regular workout regimen.
Remind yourself that areas treated with laser hair removal may be vulnerable to heat damage; thus, when exercising outdoors it is crucial that a broad-spectrum sunscreen be worn as this could protect your delicate skin from becoming damaged by exposure to direct sunlight.
Your skin may become sweatier after having undergone laser hair removal treatment and more perfume may increase sweating and cause skin irritation. Finally, it’s wise to refrain from plucking or waxing any of the area hairs as this could stimulate more growth of new ones.
Wear Sunscreen
Before scheduling your first laser hair removal session, it’s essential that you understand how it works. Your hair grows in cycles, with laser treatment only impacting hair in its growth phase when your appointment takes place. As new growth hairs will emerge between sessions and you may want to wax, pluck or shave to get rid of them faster – however this should be avoided for 48 hours as doing so could irritate the skin further and increase risk of painful rashes or soreness in that area.
Sweat should also be considered after laser hair removal treatments, as it contains bacteria which can aggravate sensitive skin and lead to rashes or infections. Therefore, wait until you stop sweating before beginning physical activities again.
If you can’t wait 24 hours before beginning to exercise, using sunscreen before and after each workout may help protect your skin. A broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 should be worn; and frequently reapplied if sweating or swimming.
After laser hair removal, it is advisable to wear protective apparel such as a hat and long pants or long-sleeved shirt to safeguard the area that was treated. If swelling occurs or redness appears in that region, take a break from exercise until symptoms improve.
If you have dark complexion, it’s advisable to consult with an aesthetician on how long to wait before engaging in exercise after receiving laser hair removal treatments. Laser treatments have the potential of altering skin pigmentation levels in different parts of the body and potentially lead to hyper-pigmentation or hypopigmentation in certain regions.
Other lasers can target hair shafts below the skin surface, which reduces any changes in its color. As such, these devices should suit most skin tones, and after several days you should be back to your normal workout regimen.
Avoid Swimming
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to permanently eliminate unwanted hair. The procedure is generally safe and quick, producing excellent results. But before and after each appointment you should know a few key things so as to avoid complications and ensure the best outcomes.
After receiving laser treatments, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before engaging in strenuous physical activities, such as heavy exercise. Heavy physical exertion raises body temperature which can increase discomfort in the treated area as well as irritate and slow healing processes. Furthermore, chlorine and salt water in swimming pools must be avoided for 48 hours post treatment as this could irritate and delay healing processes further.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is best to avoid taking hot showers or baths as the heat can irritate and inflame the skin and lead to swelling. In order to promote faster healing and keep skin hydrated and supple after laser hair removal treatments, fragrance-free soaps and moisturizers should be used on affected areas as soon as possible after laser hair removal treatments are completed. Furthermore, protecting skin from direct sunlight by wearing a hat and long-sleeved shirt after exposure is critical.
Before and after treatments, it is vital that tanning beds are avoided for at least two weeks post-treatment as the UV rays from tanning beds can damage skin cells, taking up to two weeks for them to regenerate and heal themselves.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to eliminate unwanted hair, but there are certain precautions you should take after having treatment in order to minimize side effects and enjoy living a hair-free body for life! Please follow our tips here on how best to experience laser hair removal for yourself!
If you have any inquiries about laser hair removal or how to care for your skin after treatment, do not hesitate to reach out at Prolase Medispa. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff would be more than happy to assist in creating the smooth hair-free complexion of your dreams! Call now to set up a consultation session!
