Laser hair removal is a safe, noninvasive procedure without any serious downtime required, although it may lead to red bumps on the skin.
Follicular edema, which is part of the natural healing process, typically causes this condition and should resolve itself within hours or days.
Redness
Redness, swelling and small bumps are all side effects associated with laser hair removal that usually disappear shortly after treatment. If these side effects cause any problems for you at home, however, there are some skin care protocols you can implement at home to help minimize them: a cold compress (washcloth dampened in cool water) can reduce swelling while taking an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen may reduce pain or discomfort.
One fundamental part of laser hair removal training is keeping the skin cool so that the laser only heats the pigment in your hair follicle and not your skin. Some lasers include cooling devices in their handpiece to make this easier. Before each appointment, the skin must be shaved using an excellent razor; close-shaven hairs will absorb more laser energy.
After your laser treatment, it is advisable to avoid hot showers, steam rooms and saunas which raise skin temperatures or cause sweating; this will allow for faster healing time of treated areas and aloe vera is also often an effective soothing agent.
Sometimes the skin develops redness or bumps around each hair follicle that was treated, which is called folliculitis and typically subsides within a week. While itchy patches may arise during this time, scratching will only irritate and scar further down the road.
Avoid sun exposure immediately following laser hair removal sessions to protect the skin and avoid tanning; this will stop it from getting tanned and misleading the laser as to where unwanted pigment resides, potentially damaging it in future sessions. If necessary, wear broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ when in direct sunlight if possible; tanning also makes your skin more sensitive to laser treatments; therefore it’s advisable that sessions be spread over six weeks or as recommended by a dermatologist.
Swelling
Laser hair removal targets the pigment in hair follicles. However, if your skin is tanned, laser treatments could mistake its color for actual hair and overstimulate the area, leading to side effects like redness and swelling. To avoid this from occurring, stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible and use broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating above 15 each day; additionally shave two to three days prior to laser treatments to eliminate unnecessary stimulation from waxing or tweezing as this could also have adverse affects on this area as well.
After having laser treatment, it’s advisable to avoid hot showers, hot tubs, saunas and heating pads as these heat sources may irritate the treated area and worsen redness and swelling. Instead, taking cool showers will help your skin recover quicker. Likewise, avoid soap or other harsh cleansers in order to speed up recovery time, opt for mild sensitive skin cleansers instead or 100% pure aloe vera gel to clean gently the area after laser therapy treatment.
Another potential side effect of laser hair removal is that the area may appear slightly bumpy or uneven in texture due to hairs that have just started growing out; this usually passes after about six weeks.
Expect some hair loss after treatment with laser. This is completely normal and will continue for four weeks post laser session; exfoliating your area several times each week can speed up this shedding process.
One of the best ways to reduce potential side effects from laser hair removal is visiting a doctor. They will be able to select the appropriate laser and perform treatment correctly while providing advice regarding medications, supplements, essential oils or herbs that could cause photosensitivity.
Avoid side effects with laser treatments by shaving frequently and delaying waxing, tweezing and electrolysis until after all laser sessions have concluded. Shaving will allow growth-phase hairs to shed without becoming trapped beneath your skin and potentially regrow after laser sessions have concluded.
Discoloration
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses light energy to destroy pigment from hair follicles, thus inhibiting their growth. Unfortunately, however, it may also affect skin pigmentation causing temporary discoloration to areas treated.
This is a common side effect, usually dissipating in about a week or two. If the area doesn’t return to its original hue after this period of time has passed, consult your physician for advice and consider other treatment methods such as electrolysis or chemical peels for longer lasting skin discolorations.
After receiving laser treatments, it is recommended to refrain from shaving, plucking, or waxing the affected areas for at least six weeks post-treatment to protect follicles and reduce redness, swelling and bumps. Furthermore, self-tanners or sunless tanning products that contain ingredients that could trigger an adverse reaction should also be avoided due to increased chances of laser side effects.
A key way to reduce the risks associated with laser hair removal is to have it performed by a physician. He or she will be able to assess your type of skin and predict potential outcomes, while providing aftercare instructions designed to minimize adverse reactions.
Before beginning laser hair removal, your skin must be free of makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant and any other potential irritants that could potentially interfere with laser light rays. If you have darker skin, however, a slight discoloration could occur following treatment in areas that were treated.
If you observe any alteration in the color of skin in an area treated by laser therapy, it is imperative that you contact your laser technician immediately and keep the area as cool as possible if treating large portions.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to permanently get rid of unsightly body hair in areas like underarms, bikini lines and elsewhere. Though uncomfortable at times, laser treatment ultimately produces great results that make the discomfort worth your while.
Itching
Laser hair removal often leaves people itching afterward, but scratching can worsen irritation and lead to scarring. Applying soothing cream and limiting contact with the area may help ease this symptom and decrease itching.
Before your laser treatment appointment, it is wise to avoid applying any astringents, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids or Vitamin C products directly onto the treatment areas as this could trigger a chemical reaction between their light energy and that of your laser that results in red bumps, inflammation and itching.
Laser hair removal works by targeting and damaging hair follicles to inhibit them from producing more hair in the future. This may result in itchy or red skin near follicles – this is normal and will resolve over time.
Your best bet for relieving itching after laser hair removal is to use a cooling cream and wear comfortable, loose clothing. Beware of hot showers and baths which may irritate the skin further and intensify itching.
If you’re experiencing persistent itching, consult a dermatologist immediately. He or she can assess if it is related to treatment or whether it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
After laser hair removal, itching may be a telltale sign of infection called folliculitis which is both uncomfortable and potentially painful. Antibiotics may help treat it; however, you should always consult a healthcare provider prior to trying self-medication on your own.
After laser hair removal, itching may occur; to treat it effectively and avoid irritations by taking cool showers and applying soothing creams can help alleviate itching.
After laser hair removal treatments, other forms of hair removal such as waxing or plucking should also be avoided in order to minimize disruption of the hair follicle and ensure maximum effectiveness of treatment. It is advised to wear high SPF sunscreen daily. Also, no more than six to eight weeks should pass between treatments as this can increase hyperpigmentation risks as well as itching issues.
