Electrolysis treatments may cause side effects that are uncomfortable, so to minimize them, it’s crucial to abide by any postcare recommendations from your electrologist.
On dry skin, it is not unusual for a scab to form at the follicle opening the day following treatment – this is part of its natural and normal healing process and should not be seen as something abnormal or concerning.
Keep the Area Clean
Cleanliness after electrolysis is of utmost importance as open follicles can become vulnerable to infections. Bacteria can enter empty follicles during healing processes and cause redness, swelling and irritation – to avoid this happening, avoid touching treated skin while using antibacterial soap and soothing products designed specifically for post-electrolysis use; they will help soothe irritation while decreasing redness and itching.
As well, it’s advisable to refrain from shaving the treatment area until your next appointment and ensure hairs are trimmed to at least 1/2 an inch in length; too short hair will make removal more challenging with tweezers and may require further treatments. Furthermore, hair dye should be used on blonde or red-hued clients so the treatment area can be easily identified and for the electrologist to quickly locate any hairs.
When selecting an electrologist, it is a wise move to seek recommendations from friends and family who have previously undergone electrolysis treatment. Furthermore, it’s crucial that you inquire into their cleanliness and sterilization procedures; make sure the electrologist wears exam gloves while employing medical-grade sterilization for all instruments used during an appointment.
After an electrolysis session, the initial 24 hours are the most crucial in terms of post-treatment care. At this time, it’s recommended that Sterex witch hazel and Aloe Vera gel be applied directly onto treated areas using clean cotton wool pads; these products will soothe skin conditions such as redness or itching while also protecting open follicles against potential bacteria invasion. It is suggested to apply at least twice per day.
After surgery, your treatment area may become red and itchy; this is normal and will subside in a few days. To maximize results from treatment, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and always wear high SPF sunblock. Exercise that involves rubbing against or otherwise exacerbating an affected area as excessive sweating increases risk for infection and irritation of skin cells.
Avoid Excessive Sweating
To minimize side effects from electrolysis treatments, clients should refrain from excessive sweating for some time after their procedure. Excessive moisture accumulation on the skin can lead to infection while excessive sweating causes hair follicle inflammation which could cause breakouts.
Clients should also avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda before their appointment in order to preserve skin hydration and make electrolysis sessions more successful. It’s also wise to refrain from tanning both prior and post electrolysis sessions since exposure to UV rays increases hyperpigmentation on darker skin types.
Electrolysis is a safe, permanent way of hair removal that works on all hair colors and skin types, but may take multiple sessions to reach its desired results. Therefore, it is crucial that our clients follow the aftercare guidelines that are provided following electrolysis treatments; especially as hair grows in cycles; more time goes by between visits, the less effective their electrolysis treatment will become.
Electrolysis sessions involve using a fine needle to penetrate individual hair follicles before applying heat to them in order to destroy them. This process may take minutes or hours, depending on the size and area being treated.
Since hair follicles become vulnerable to bacteria after electrolysis, it is vital for patients to keep the area as clean and dry as possible afterward in order to prevent infection and promote healing. Furthermore, activities which could increase sweating after electrolysis should be avoided as this could result in overproduction of oil and waste products that cause breakouts.
For optimal results, clients should wait at least several months after each treatment before tweezing or waxing the area in question, since these processes can reactivate hair roots that could pull out and create more stubborn growth than previously anticipated. Applying soothing gel provided to our patients after every appointment will also aid their speedy healing timeframe.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure immediately following electrolysis hair removal and skin care treatment to protect the newly vulnerable skin from excessive pigmentation. A sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide should provide maximum protection, both avoiding hyperpigmentation as well as hypopigmentation.
After an electrolysis appointment, you may experience some redness or swelling on your skin. Applying a cold compress to reduce discomfort. In addition, drinking plenty of water will speed up healing time after an electrolysis visit.
If you are scheduled for electrolysis during the summertime, it is essential to understand that your skin may be more vulnerable due to UV rays from the sun. Therefore, it would be advisable to apply at least SPF 30 prior to leaving for your appointment.
Electrolysis in the summertime may be advantageous as it saves both time and effort when compared with other hair removal methods; however, clients must be wary of potential UVA/UVB radiation damage to their skin caused by prolonged sun exposure.
After an electrolysis treatment session, one effective way to protect skin from sun damage is to use a product specifically formulated for post-epilation care and follow its instructions. Such products will encourage new cell growth while protecting empty follicles from potential bacteria infections – several light coats should be applied several times each day for best results.
Once after each treatment, it’s recommended to use a mild cleanser, first aid ointment, and Epsom salt on the affected area. Tweezing between appointments should be avoided as it can interfere with skin’s natural healing processes and damage hair follicles; should you decide to shave, please use an electric foil razor for best results – using such will decrease chances of ingrown hairs or broken ones occurring.
Avoid Tweezing
After electrolysis treatments, your skin may experience some mild irritation that needs to be managed. Tweezing, waxing or plucking the area after an electrolysis session can only aggravate this response and create ingrown hairs in places they wouldn’t usually grow – creating an unsightly appearance and the possibility for future ingrowns. Furthermore, using tweezers increases the risk of infection; which is often difficult to treat and could leave permanent scarring.
After your electrolysis treatment, it is also common for a small scab to appear at the opening of your follicle, particularly if this is your first experience with electrolysis. Do not be alarmed about this as it should resolve itself within a day or two as nature provides its own band-aid solution that protects healing skin until its own breakdown takes place naturally.
Pitting can be another potential side effect of electrolysis that affects only some people, and may take up to a year before fully maturing into smooth tissue. When dead space created by the follicle opening fills with wound collagen that forms lumpy-bumpy appearances.
To prevent damage and ensure that your follicle remains healthy, it is vital that between electrolysis appointments you do not bleach the hair. Bleaching makes it impossible for an electrologist to see the root and therefore cannot perform an accurate removal procedure.
Following your appointment, it is advisable to apply a numbing cream prescribed by your electrologist to reduce any discomfort that may arise and to keep the area moisturised; natural, pure aloe vera products should be preferred as harsh chemicals may irritate and increase skin sensitivity.
Your electrologist will provide a thorough Aftercare Form which details advice about keeping the treated area clean, avoiding sun exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreen, applying ice packs as needed and refraining from activities that cause sweating or irritation for a specified period. Should any questions arise regarding this form or treatment please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
