After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it’s common to experience red bumps and irritation on your skin – this is completely normal!
Laser beams destroy and damage hair follicles to restrict future growth. Skin may experience itching or redness (histamine reaction), which should settle over time.
Red Dots
Laser hair removal may leave you with redness, small bumps and temporary discomfort upon completion. While individual reactions will differ, this should all pass over time. Redness caused by blood vessels denatured by laser light energy can leave a slight pinkish tone to your skin that will gradually diminish over the coming weeks as these vessels disappear naturally from your system.
Laser hair removal uses light energy to selectively target pigment in hair follicles and destroy them without harming surrounding skin. This noninvasive and painless treatment offers long-term results with minimal upkeep needed, yet is necessary before considering laser treatment as an option. However, it’s essential that patients understand all associated side effects and risks in advance.
Hives are an unusual reaction to laser hair removal, yet they do occur. Most frequently caused by allergens or irritants and lasting only briefly, histamine blockers such as diphenhydramine (Aler-Dryl), hydroxyzine (Claritin), or loratadine (Claritin) may help ease symptoms during an episode of hives.
If you are experiencing any kind of reaction after laser hair removal, it’s a good idea to contact a physician or dermatologist as soon as possible. They will advise on how best to treat and prevent further reactions in the future.
To avoid an adverse reaction after laser hair removal, you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight for at least several weeks leading up to your appointment and use caution with any new skin products that you use on the area. Shave 24 hours prior and remove waxes at least a week beforehand.
Follicular Edema
Have you recently had laser hair removal and noticed red, bumpy areas on your skin that look like hundreds of tiny ant bites? Don’t panic; this condition is known as “follicular edema” and it is completely normal. When receiving laser treatment, each hair follicle becomes exposed to heat transmitted from the laser beam causing it to expand; visible as tiny red spots appearing shortly afterwards as visible changes on skin.
Red dots will usually subside within hours to days following treatment, though if they persist it’s important to notify your laser practitioner as it could indicate there are additional issues with your therapy session.
If your red spots are itchy, aloe vera or 1% hydrocortisone cream may help ease itching and inflammation. Avoid hot showers, steam rooms and saunas which may further irritate skin conditions; use cooling cream after every bath or shower to further decrease itching and inflammation.
Before receiving laser treatments, it is wise to refrain from shaving or other hair removal methods that disturb hair follicles, as this increases the likelihood of skin damage and scarring. Furthermore, it is a wise idea to protect the treatment area with high-SPF sunscreen when going outdoors.
For optimal results, multiple laser treatments may be required in order to reach your goal. If this is the case for you, make sure that at least 4 to 6 weeks pass between each session in order to minimize risks such as follicular edema, red spots and blisters.
As with any procedure, it’s essential that laser hair removal services be obtained through a doctor-led medical spa. This ensures the equipment used is safe and being utilized appropriately to reduce risks of side effects. Furthermore, doctor-led spas have access to information about all lasers being utilized so they can recommend optimal settings tailored specifically to each person’s unique requirements.
Blisters
Laser hair removal works by vaporizing hair follicles to destroy them so they are unable to produce new hair growth. When this occurs, pigment released from vaporized hair can release into the skin causing red spots similar to a mild sunburn that generally fades within weeks; however, tanning beds or too much sun exposure after treatment could worsen this side effect; in such instances apply a cool compress on the area until its effects have subsided.
Laser hair removal side effects frequently include itching and blistering due to inflammation in the hair follicles. While both itching and blisters are normal responses to body’s attempts at clearing away damaged tissues naturally, picking or scratching at them could worsen inflammation and leave permanent scars behind. Blisters should be left alone as this allows your body to heal naturally without risk of infection caused by popping.
If you are experiencing side effects related to laser treatments, it is essential that you visit a reputable clinic with a doctor on staff. Avoid “cheap deals” or backdoor offices offering laser services at significantly discounted prices. Be wary of “cheap deals”, such as cheap “deals”. Ask about who will be providing your laser treatments, their qualifications in medicine and make sure their team has received training in proper procedures.
As part of your post-treatment protocol, it is equally essential to follow your provider’s advice regarding when and how frequently to exfoliate the area that was treated with laser hair removal. Doing this regularly will speed up shedding while also helping minimize red spots after laser hair removal.
Before and after receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is also advisable to avoid tanning beds and any artificial UV rays, and wear broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. If any adverse side effects arise as a result of laser hair removal treatments, contact a board-certified physician with expertise in dermatology for advice.
Acne
If you have sensitive skin, laser hair removal could cause acne outbreaks. The heat generated from the laser may irritate or inflame it further, leading to overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria responsible for acne breakouts; such infections usually result in breakouts.
Folliculitis: Follicular inflammation caused by laser treatments may also result in acne-like red bumps and pustules due to heat from the laser disrupting normal bacterial balance in pores, leading to overgrowth of bacteria which trigger an inflammatory response from your body and produce extra melanin production causing hyperpigmentation and becoming apparent on affected areas. This hyperpigmentation often mimics acne’s appearance, leading many people to mistake it as such.
Topical medications can help to relieve inflammation, unclog pores and eradicate acne-causing bacteria after laser hair removal. Some effective options for post-laser hair removal acne treatment are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids which are available both over-the-counter or via prescription.
Other methods for treating acne post laser hair removal may include using abrasive scrubs, chemical peels and electrolysis regularly to clear skin and prevent future breakouts.
Avoiding sun exposure and donning high-SPF sunscreen are also key steps in minimizing acne after laser hair removal, since UV rays can aggravate inflammation and contribute to breakouts.
Select an Experienced and Trustworthy Provider: It is essential that the provider you use has experience and training in laser hair removal, with extensive knowledge of equipment used and its effects on the skin.
Establish a Proper Skincare Routine: This should include twice daily cleansing with noncomedogenic cleanser and application of moisturizer, in addition to avoiding applying makeup or deodorant directly after laser sessions as these can clog your pores.
Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothing can trap sweat against the skin, creating an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria that could potentially cause acne breakouts. Maintaining an effective skincare routine and adhering to any aftercare instructions given by your dermatologist can greatly decrease side effects after laser hair removal.
