Shaving, tweezing, and waxing are only temporary solutions to hair removal; eventually it will grow back. But with laser hair removal you can permanently stop unwanted growth of unwanted hair growth.
To maximize the results from laser hair removal treatments, it is essential that you adhere to an optimal maintenance schedule. Learn what this entails here:
Keep Shaving
Unwanted hair growth can cause many difficulties for both you and your skin, including needing clothing to cover areas of hair growth or spending a great deal of time shaving, waxing or plucking unwanted follicles. Laser hair removal offers one possible solution to these problems and can give you smooth, soft skin – but there are certain details you must first learn about it first before making a commitment to laser treatments.
Before your laser appointment, it is recommended that the area being treated be shaved to reduce thermal injury to your skin since lasers target hair follicles directly. Shaving also makes it easier for the laser to locate and treat hair follicles efficiently.
As part of your treatment schedule, it is also necessary to refrain from plucking or waxing the area during laser hair removal treatments, since these activities interfere with laser’s ability to target hair roots – plucking or waxing can temporarily remove roots of growing hairs, interfering with laser targeting ability.
Prior to initiating laser hair removal, your physician will need to examine the area you wish to have treated with laser. They will determine whether you are suitable for laser and what results can be expected.
Your doctor will ask about your hair growth cycle and any treatments used to remove unwanted hairs such as shaving, waxing or electrolysis. Any medications which increase light sensitivity must also be disclosed to their dermatologist. Common prescription medications that may trigger this sensitivity include birth control pills and antidepressants. Before your laser treatment, it is also advisable to avoid any form of tanning and skin-darkening products for several weeks prior to beginning laser hair removal; such products can block the laser beam from reaching and treating hair follicles effectively. Furthermore, any form of hair removal such as tweezing or threading could disrupt your growth cycle and stop laser targeting it effectively.
Keep Exfoliating
After your laser hair removal treatment, it is vital to keep your skin as smooth and healthy as possible. One simple way you can do this is through regular exfoliation; this helps slough off dead skin cells which could block pores and prevent new hair growth while stimulating hair follicles to grow more quickly once these dead cells have been cleared away.
Though you should avoid exfoliating right after receiving laser treatments, it can be beneficial to exfoliate at least a few times each week between sessions. Use gentle scrubs such as sugar or salt scrubs with washcloths or soft loofahs – avoid hot showers or baths which could irritate the skin further.
At this point, it would also be wise to discontinue use of products that strip the skin’s natural oils, such as chemical depilatory creams or waxing, in order to allow the laser to focus solely on hair follicles without interference from any external factors such as plucking. Tweezers should also be put away to give your laser the best chance of eliminating those stubborn hairs completely.
Before going in for laser hair removal, one key aspect to keep in mind is your clothing choice. Loose and breathable garments should be worn, especially in more sensitive areas like bikini area; this will keep skin comfortable without irritation resulting in an easier experience overall.
Be sure to limit your exposure to UV rays after laser hair removal appointments as much as possible, since their damaging rays can cause serious hyperpigmentation and even burns if exposed for too long. It is advised to spend as little time outdoors as possible and use high SPF sunscreen when venturing outside.
Keep Sunscreen on
After laser hair removal, it’s especially essential to apply sunscreen regularly and consistently. Since laser treatments leave skin very fragile, use high-quality SPF 30+ sunblock regularly and opt for physical over chemical sunscreens – physical ones will protect by blocking UV rays while chemical sunblocks absorb and release back into your system over time.
While sunscreen is important, avoiding direct sunlight after laser hair removal treatments is equally essential. UV rays from the sun can damage delicate skin and lead to adverse reactions for laser treatment; additionally, UV radiation could potentially lead to hyperpigmentation issues which would be undesirable after going under the laser light.
If you must venture outdoors after having laser hair removal done, try to minimize exposure by wearing protective measures such as a wide-brimmed visor and wearing clothing covering treated areas (i.e. a long-sleeved shirt or pants).
Employing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen protection is ideal. Additionally, tinted sunblock or moisturizer with built-in SPF may offer additional protection – keep some handy to quickly apply if you find yourself exposed to sunlight.
Avoiding sun exposure may not be easy, but it’s an absolute necessity if you want healthy, smooth and hairless skin. By following these simple tips you can achieve great results from laser hair removal treatments while keeping your skin in top condition at the same time – something you’ll be thankful you did when looking in the mirror after finishing up your course of treatments! No one should suffer the side effects of unchecked sun exposure so don’t wait – start incorporating these practices into your skincare regimen now!
Keep Your Skin Clean
Clean skin is essential when it comes to laser hair removal, so taking extra precaution to eliminate oils, creams, deodorants or sunscreen in the area of treatment will ensure optimal results tailored to your body type and tone. Furthermore, any skincare products which increase photosensitivity should be stopped 2-3 days before your appointment in order to avoid accidentally burning any areas during treatment.
Waxing and tweezing, popular methods of hair removal, should also be avoided as these services remove hair directly from its root, making laser treatments less effective due to removing pigmented roots of hairs. Instead, shaving should be utilized as this will effectively eliminate unwanted follicles so laser can work its magic on them.
After laser hair removal, your skin may become red or swollen; don’t panic! These reactions are normal and should subside within hours. To speed the healing process and promote faster recovery time, apply a cool compress immediately following your session and moisturize afterward to maintain soft and supple skin.
Maintaining results from laser hair removal requires scheduling regular maintenance sessions between initial treatment courses. Most people require two to six treatments to reach their desired goals; depending on hair growth rates, four to eight treatments might be repeated every four to eight weeks for areas that grow quickly, or twelve to sixteen sessions every 12-16 weeks if your area grows slowly.
With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for years! While it may require additional commitments to skincare regimens, the end result will certainly justify these extra efforts. To learn more about laser hair removal contact Knott Street Dermatology today – we can answer any queries and set up your first appointment. We look forward to helping you feel and look your absolute best – contact us or book online consultation now! Knott Street Dermatology offers permanent hair reduction treatments to both men and women living in and around Seattle area.
