Laser hair removal is an efficient and relatively painless procedure. The laser’s heat destroys hair follicles to inhibit future growth and ensure an end to growth of unwanted hair follicles.
Small areas like the upper lip can be treated in minutes; larger ones like the back may take up to an hour or more. As with a mild sunburn, your skin may feel warm and turn red during this process.
Can I Use AHA & BHA After Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted body and facial hair. It is a safe, noninvasive treatment with lasting or even permanent results in some cases, although hair may eventually grow back in treated areas depending on individual circumstances and changing hormone levels – therefore, it’s essential that you adhere to any recommended maintenance schedules after receiving laser therapy treatments.
For optimal results, after your laser hair removal session it is recommended that any products used on the area treated should not be used on it for at least 48 hours post treatment – including lotions, oils or anything that might irritate it. Also avoid sun and tanning beds exposure by wearing wide-brimmed hats and applying sunscreen daily in order to safeguard your skin.
After your laser hair removal appointment, it is normal for redness and bumps to appear. These symptoms should resolve within several days – for added relief apply a cooling aloe vera gel or soothing cream as needed to the treatment area.
As soon as your area has been treated, avoid massaging it to reduce redness and irritation to sensitive tissues. Furthermore, do not pluck or wax this area, as doing so would disrupt the treatment process and possibly stimulate hair follicles to begin growing again.
Once the treatment has concluded, you may shave the area that was treated. We advise using only a razor and no shaving gel or foam; natural oils like coconut are ideal to lubricate the skin during shaving. Please refrain from shaving immediately following your procedure as this could irritate it further and lead to bumpy, uneven results.
Keep in mind that hair will gradually fall out from damaged follicles over several weeks; some may mistake this for new growth, when in reality it’s just dead hairs falling out on their own. You can help speed this process along by exfoliating after each session – something we recommend doing after any treatment session.
After your hair removal treatments, use an AHA/BHA Exfoliating Body/facial Cleanser to help exfoliate the skin. Use three times every week for brighter and smoother-looking results.
Be sure to consult with your physician prior to scheduling laser hair removal treatments, particularly if you’re taking medications that increase photosensitivity, such as retinoids, Accutane or some antibiotics. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding women will need to wait six weeks between laser treatments; additionally any topical or oral contraceptives taken could interfere with results of laser hair removal treatments.
Can I Use AHA & BHA Before Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an invaluable method to maintain smooth and healthy skin, but requires multiple sessions for optimal results. After each laser hair removal session, avoid applying skincare products on any areas where laser treatments took place for 24 hours afterward – this is because your skin may become extra-sensitive after being treated by laser; applying skincare products could irritate it further; instead try soothing cream or aloe vera gel to calm and soothe this area instead.
After laser hair removal, it is also wise to avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and working out in the treated area for at least 24 hours in order to protect and soothe the area from further heat-induced irritation and burn. Instead, cool water should be used instead to wash any area where laser treatment took place. It’s also essential that sunblock with SPF 30 or greater is worn daily in order to protect skin damage as well as alleviate further irritation after laser treatment has taken place.
If you are susceptible to cold sores, taking antiviral medication like Valtrex at least one week before visiting a laser technician could help to avoid getting an outbreak after receiving laser treatment.
Before your laser appointment, it is wise to refrain from waxing, shaving or plucking hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. Shaving can trigger the hair follicle into its active growth phase which is ideal for laser targeting. Bleaching or lightening treatments in the treatment area could increase risks of side effects while decreasing efficacy of laser treatment treatments.
Prevent heightened photosensitivity from medications such as self-tanners, antibiotics and retinol two weeks before your appointment with laser hair removal treatments by discontinuing use of these substances and treatments for two weeks prior. Such medications and treatments can increase photosensitivity which will hinder laser’s ability to target hair follicles effectively. If taking oral antibiotics be sure to inform your physician prior to starting laser treatments as taking antibiotics increases infection risks significantly.
Prior to getting laser hair removal, make sure you shave with a sharp blade in order to minimize ingrown hairs and risk of razor bumps and redness. Avoid shaving after laser hair removal for best results; rather use moisturizer or coconut oil on skin irritation issues before shaving with a clean razor.
Before your laser hair removal treatment, a scrub is ideal to rid yourself of dead skin cells; however, on the day itself it’s wiser to refrain from exfoliation as exfoliants may make your skin too sensitive for laser treatment; rather opt for gentle face scrubs or physical exfoliants on areas where treatment will occur instead.
