When considering laser hair removal on your face, it’s essential that the area be prepared appropriately. Shaving, plucking or waxing could reduce its effectiveness while shaving could increase it further.
Avoid applying lotions or creams directly to the area being treated; rather, your skin should remain clean and free from makeup, deodorant and other products.
Avoid Moisturizers
Lotion or moisturizer applied directly to the skin may hamper laser hair removal treatments, as it acts as a barrier between hair follicles and laser beams, decreasing their effectiveness. Therefore, it is wise to forego moisturizing before going in for laser hair removal treatment.
If you choose to moisturize on the day of your appointment, it is suggested that you select a non-scented lotion or cream in order to prevent irritation caused by strong-scented moisturizers. For sensitive skin types, aloe vera-based products might offer additional comfort post-procedure.
Staying hydrated prior to laser hair removal treatments is also vitally important. Water helps hydrate dry skin, which may make the process of hair removal more painful.
On the day of your appointment, it is also advisable to refrain from wearing makeup or beauty products that may irritate or make the area even more sensitive than before. Doing so could aggravate existing conditions and increase skin sensitivity further.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is wise to cleanse the area being treated with soap and water in order to eliminate dirt, oil, or debris that might have settled on the surface of the skin. A gentle exfoliant may also help during these preparations.
Exfoliants can help to lower the chances of ingrown hairs after your laser hair removal session, making the shaving experience much less painful and irritating to the skin. You should use a razor designed specifically to be gentle when shaving; additionally, try not to overscrub as this could aggravate irritation further.
Avoid Sunscreen
Prior to laser hair removal, it is crucial to limit sun exposure in order to minimize risk from UV rays that could darken skin tone and complicate treatment. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or greater protection should also be worn daily in order to shield treated areas from UV radiation.
Moisturizing regularly is important, but before going in for laser hair removal it should be avoided as moisturization creates an unnecessary barrier between your skin and the laser, decreasing its effectiveness. To minimize this problem, fragrance-free lotions or oils should only be used prior to an appointment.
Preparing for laser hair removal requires taking several steps: for starters, completely shaving the area that will be treated one or two days before your appointment is the ideal way. This ensures that all hair follicles will be targeted by the laser; additionally it would be wise to refrain from any other forms of hair removal such as waxing or plucking prior to scheduling an appointment.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is ideal to avoid direct sunlight for as long as possible. If this proves challenging due to an area being treated such as your face, apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ protection on any exposed areas and try not to go near hot tubs or saunas as much. It may take up to a month before all laser-affected hair has shed, so continue applying your sunscreen until all last strands have fallen out.
Avoid Shaving
Laser technology differs significantly from shaving, waxing, or plucking in that it destroys hair follicles at their roots and thus permanently stops hair growth in that area. Shaving interrupts this process by cutting off hair just above the surface of the skin – something which could result in ingrown hairs later on. Therefore, prior to treatment it’s wise not to shave in that area for several days at least.
On the day of your appointment, it is also essential not to use any shaving products. Many skincare products increase photosensitivity, which may increase risk during laser hair removal treatments that rely on light to target hair follicles. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol should be discontinued 2-3 days before using laser hair removal treatments and then wait 3-5 days after.
Before beginning laser treatments, it is best not to pluck or tweeze any hairs as this could compromise their effectiveness and undermine results of treatment. Instead, allow any destroyed strands from laser beams to shed naturally over time before shaving the treated area; this process could take anywhere from several days up to one week.
Before attending your laser appointment, it is a good idea to shower and clean the treatment area, omitting lotions, creams or oils so the technician can observe your natural state and treat any targeted areas more easily. Furthermore, loose, comfortable clothing that won’t restrict treatment areas would also be recommended; deodorant or makeup shouldn’t be applied directly onto this area if possible – alternatively you should request a wipe once arriving for your appointment if this cannot be avoided.
Avoid Retinol
Retinol is an anti-aging and pigmentation-fading wonder product, known for its rejuvenating and firming effects on skin. Retinol also stimulates cell turnover to maintain firm, smooth skin. Unfortunately, however, using Retinol prior to laser hair removal could increase skin sensitivity and hinder targeting hair follicles effectively during treatment.
Retinol products also interfere with your body’s natural healing process, leading to more irritation and redness after laser hair removal. Therefore, it’s wise to abstain from using any retinol products for at least a week prior to beginning laser hair removal so your skin has time to adapt and heal before experiencing laser treatment.
Beside retinol, it is also advisable to avoid products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or glycolic acid as these ingredients can increase pore sensitivity leading to more painful treatments sessions – so discontinue their use at least 2 or 3 days prior to an appointment.
Whenever in doubt about whether or not an anti-hair removal product is safe to use prior to laser hair removal treatment, always consult an Entre Nous aesthetician during their consultation session. They may recommend alternatives that will still give the desired results while being safe for your skin.
Avoid Exfoliating
Preventing irritation to the skin by exfoliation before laser hair removal treatments is best, particularly during the week leading up to your appointment. Exfoliation could potentially remove dead cells that could clog hair follicles. However, post treatment exfoliation will accelerate hair shedding process and help avoid ingrown hairs.
Exfoliation should be carried out using a washcloth with scrub soap or salt wash, sponge, or exfoliating brush in circular movements to gently exfoliate. Beware of products containing chemicals or perfumes which could potentially irritate skin; alternatively try natural sugar or salt scrubs which offer similar exfoliating power without being harsh on delicate skin.
If you need advice, consulting a dermatologist may be beneficial in finding products and preparations tailored specifically to your needs.
Begin using a fragrance-free moisturizer like Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 ($34). This can help avoid unnecessary irritation. This fragrance-free product helps hydrate skin after laser hair removal treatment, providing significant relief after months of waxing, tweezing, or shaving sessions. Laser hair removal offers a faster way to achieve aesthetic goals than manually plucking hairs out yourself! Laser hair removal can save money and time by eliminating multiple trips to the salon. If you’re interested in giving laser hair removal a try, contact a Cinncinati provider immediately – they will answer any queries and arrange your initial appointment! This could be the beginning of a more beautiful journey!
