Laser hair removal will cause your skin to shed dead hair follicles gradually over time, prompting an exfoliation process which should occur naturally without manual removal as this could lead to irritation, infection and ingrown hairs if done manually. Furthermore, waxing and tweezing should also be avoided for best results.
Instead, make a habit of exfoliating the area regularly with physical exfoliators like scrubs or loofahs.
AHA
Laser hair removal is a safe, efficient way to reduce unwanted body hair. The procedure works by disabling hair follicles so they no longer produce new growth, leading existing hair to fall out naturally over 10-14 days post treatment. Laser hair removal has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures available today; prior to scheduling an appointment with your physician make sure they have an excellent reputation and certification and read reviews left by their patients on their website.
Prior to laser hair removal, it is crucial that the treatment area remains well moisturized in order to avoid dryness, itching and irritation after treatment. Furthermore, sun exposure must be limited; if necessary, use an SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen.
At least two weeks prior to an appointment, it is advised that you refrain from shaving, plucking and waxing in the area in question – this will allow the hair follicle to settle so the laser can target it without being hindered by other facial or body hair. You should also refrain from using self-tanners or tanning lotions during this timeframe.
Before beginning laser treatment, it is also advisable to discontinue taking any long-acting antibiotics as these medications can increase photosensitivity and cause your skin to react differently with light energy used during laser sessions.
After laser hair removal, it is crucial to exfoliate the treated area on an ongoing basis. You should use either a mild exfoliating scrub or soap and water for wiping. This will remove dead skin cells while helping hasten hair shedding. Alternatively, leave-on exfoliants that contain AHA are also recommended as these will provide additional exfoliation benefits.
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are water-soluble chemical exfoliants used to revitalize skin renewal and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid. AHAs can be found in many anti-ageing products as well as prescription-strength peels; for guidance regarding which AHA product would best fit your skin type or condition contact a dermatologist who can suggest one suitable product that can provide effective exfoliation after laser hair removal.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid – one of the naturally occurring acids used to exfoliate skin without irritating it. It’s often found in skincare products for at-home toning or serum use; in higher concentrations it’s often employed during in-office peels as well. Glycolic acid comes from sugarcane and works by loosening up glue-like substances that hold dull, dead cells on your facial surface; thus providing you with brighter and more radiant complexion.
However, its power extends further – it can work to stimulate collagen production for firmer skin that reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it serves as a humectant, helping the body produce substances to keep itself hydrated.
Glycolic acid is an ideal ingredient for all skin types, but especially beneficial to oily or acne-prone ones. It can reduce excess oil, shrink pores to prevent clogging, as well as stimulate new cell growth – helping oily or acne-prone complexions get healthier faster than ever before!
As it contains smaller molecules, this solution can penetrate easily into the top layers of skin where it can begin to work its magic – whether that means smoothing out sun damage and wrinkles or treating uneven skin tone and dark spots. Furthermore, it acts as a pH adjuster to restore balance to your natural pH balance.
As is true with all chemical exfoliators, glycolic acid should be applied sparingly. Excessive use can cause irritation, redness, and scarring – so start slowly using lower strength glycolic acid until you find your ideal regimen.
Be mindful to not apply AHAs on broken or irritated skin and always follow the directions on the product label. Finally, after using an AHA be sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when going outside after having applied one.
After laser hair removal treatments, we strongly suggest for optimal results to refrain from using any harsh scrubs, chemical exfoliators (including retinols), fruit enzymes or scented lotions for two days prior to and two days after. This will ensure your skin is ready for treatment while avoiding rash or irritation during laser hair removal treatments.
Salicylic Acid
Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective procedure; however, it can occasionally lead to some mild skin irritation. Redness, swelling or small bumps usually subside quickly following laser hair removal treatment and can be reduced using cold compresses or washcloths and OTC pain relievers like Tylenol. Furthermore, keeping the area of treatment covered, avoiding hot showers/baths (as well as saunas) as well as exfoliating treated areas every week will help keep the skin hydrated and calm during treatment.
Though it is beneficial to use salicylic acid-based products following laser hair removal, it is crucial that you strictly abide by all instructions on their packaging so as to not overdo or damage the skin. Furthermore, wait 24 hours before using other skincare products such as scrubs or astringents.
Salicylic acid, commonly found in products for treating blemishes, is a Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA found naturally in some plants such as willow trees. Used to combat inflammation and unclog pores while exfoliating away dead skin cells.
salicylic acid-based products provide another great benefit in helping prevent whiteheads, which is a type of acne caused by dead skin cells and oil getting trapped in pores. Although laser hair removal will not fully prevent whitehead breakouts, it can reduce them by limiting excess oils buildup and dead skin cell shedding that could clog your pores.
Salicylic acid-based products may help diminish scars by stimulating new cell growth and diminishing existing ones, and may also improve psoriasis’ symptoms, which includes red patches with itchy and flaky skin patches.
One final tip for protecting the condition of your skin post laser hair removal is limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen when outside. This step is especially essential after sunburn has occurred as laser hair removal makes the skin extra vulnerable to UV rays.
Lactic Acid
Laser hair removal uses laser light to target the pigment eumelanin found both in hair and skin, known as hyperpigmentation, in order to stop unwanted hair growth and darkening, known as hyperpigmentation. A post-laser treatment designed to exfoliate and calm inflammation post laser is key in order to avoid ingrown hairs which could lead to hyperpigmentation. SILK’s glycolic and lactic acid scrub contains AHA’s (chemical exfoliation) as well as ocean-friendly silica granules (mechanical exfoliation) so as to break down cell cohesion while encouraging surface cells off, then gently scrubbed away by gentle mechanical exfoliation – plus, it contains licorice extract for anti-inflammatory effects and reduced redness making this scrub an absolute essential for summer!
Before your laser session, ensure the area you are targeting is free from makeup, lotions, tanners and oils that could interfere with its results and create an unpleasant experience for you. Furthermore, ensure it’s completely dry prior to scheduling an appointment so the laser targets only hair follicles rather than other parts of the skin cells.
Before and after laser treatment, it’s also advisable to avoid direct sunlight as this will help protect the area from sunburn while keeping pores open to absorb laser energy more effectively. After your procedure, be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly in order to keep that area protected from UV rays.
Laser treatments for those living with Keratosis Pilaris may help reduce its appearance. Many who have received laser hair removal treatment for Keratosis Pilaris have reported significant reduction in bumps.
While it can be tempting to dive head first into exfoliation, be careful not to overdo it. Overexfoliation can actually damage your skin, leaving it looking rough and dry with redness and irritation as a result. A gentle scrub or chemical peel once or twice weekly would prove far more beneficial for your complexion than going all out with exfoliation.
