Laser Hair Removal is an excellent way to rid yourself of unsightly fuzz such as unibrows and 5 o’clock shadows, but before scheduling an appointment there are a few key points you need to keep in mind.
One of the most essential tips is avoiding sun exposure, including tanning beds and self-tanners that can lead to hyperpigmentation, blistering and burns during treatment.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
Prior and after laser hair removal, sun exposure must be limited in order to minimize potential side effects such as blistering or hyperpigmentation. When out in the sun it is wise to use SPF 30+ on all parts of the body treated by laser and avoid using tanning products such as self-tanners that might impede with its effectiveness.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is also wise to avoid other forms of hair removal such as plucking, waxing and electrolysis as they can disrupt hair follicles and compromise its effectiveness.
If you are considering using an at-home laser hair removal device, it is advisable to seek the advice of a qualified expert before beginning. They will be able to assess whether or not you qualify as a candidate and help select an option suitable for both your skin tone and hair color.
At-home laser tools often feature compatibility charts on their websites to indicate whether or not the device is safe to use. Prior to making a purchase, always consult this compatibility chart as this could save both time and money in the long run.
On the day of your laser appointment, it is wise to avoid applying creams or makeup. Their ingredients can interfere with its effects; therefore, using soap and water instead.
2. Avoid Shaving or Waxing
Nothing wrong with keeping things natural, but if hair-free faces are what you strive for then laser hair removal could be the way to go. Laser treatments can reduce hair growth while eliminating the need for daily shaving, tweezing or waxing which often leads to razor burn and ingrown hairs. In order to maximize success from laser treatment it’s essential that you know all of the required preparation steps beforehand in order to achieve maximum effectiveness from treatment.
Plucking or waxing the area to be treated should be avoided for at least six weeks prior to laser therapy, as this will remove hair roots, making laser treatment harder to target. Laser works by targeting pigment in hair shafts as well as their roots. Shaving may still be done up until just before your appointment so as to retain some natural pigmentation in skin color.
Two weeks prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it is also wise to avoid tanning beds or self-tanners in order to achieve the best possible laser treatment results and avoid discoloration post procedure.
Prior to receiving laser treatment, it is also advised that you cleanse the area with soap and water, as perfumes and deodorants can impair a laser’s ability to identify hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin, thus potentially failing to target these follicles or even causing permanent damage.
3. Keep Your Skin Clean
Laser hair removal results may be compromised if the treatment area is dirty, so it is wise to ensure your skin is free from lotions, creams, makeup, deodorant and sunless tanning products prior to scheduling an appointment. Cleansing with soap and water is the ideal way to prepare it for laser treatment.
Before getting laser treatment, it is also advisable to avoid plucking your skin. While plucking may seem like a good way to remove stubborn bits of unwanted hair quickly and painlessly, this actually interferes with the laser procedure as plucking pulls the root from its location which prevents laser from targeting all follicles effectively and causes unwanted hairs to return more rapidly than they would if left alone.
After your treatment, it is also imperative that you wear sunscreen every day afterward in order to protect the treated areas from sunlight exposure. As your skin will likely be more vulnerable than usual to UV rays, using a high SPF sunblock is advised. Niki recommends reapplying this protection at regular intervals in order to ensure full protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Once laser treatments have concluded, it’s best to stay away from hot showers, tubs, and saunas for 24 hours afterward to prevent burning, blistering or reddening of your skin. Instead, take cool showers instead and use gentle cleansing agents on affected areas instead. In addition, make sure you moisturize after each laser session by applying fragrance-free lotion or aloe vera gel; both options can keep the skin hydrated and help ensure its recovery.
4. Stay Hydrated
Laser hair removal provides a permanent solution to unwanted facial hair, eliminating the need for shaving, waxing, plucking and other temporary methods of hair removal. But in order to maximize results from treatment it’s crucial that skin be prepared accordingly – this means limiting sun exposure while using clean clothing and skincare products, staying hydrated, etc.
Be sure to stay hydrated prior to beginning laser hair removal treatments; this will help minimize inflammation and redness. Also, drinking plenty of water after your session is beneficial as it will promote healthy skin maintenance and maximize results from laser hair removal sessions.
If it is necessary for you to use sunscreen, make sure you choose a broad-spectrum formula and apply it generously, especially to areas that will be treated. Furthermore, avoid sun exposure and tanning two weeks before your appointment in order to ensure the laser doesn’t cause burns or discolorations.
Before your treatment, opt for gentle cleanser with no harsh ingredients such as non-scented soaps or body scrubs to protect sensitive skin from irritation. Avoid soaps scented with fragrance, shower gels and body scrubs as these could aggravate sensitive skin conditions.
Before your laser hair removal session, it is wise to avoid harsh scrubbing and exfoliation methods like scrub brushes. Instead, gently rub the area with a damp washcloth or towel until completely covered by moisture. If redness or swelling arises in any part of the area, a cold compress should be applied for several minutes at a time until relief comes.
As this can irritate the skin, you should also try to minimize sweating after receiving laser hair removal treatments. To do this, limit exercise such as gym workouts in the days before and after treatment and use an anti-inflammatory gel like Restorative Gel to soothe any inflammation if necessary.
5. Wear Sunscreen
Laser hair removal utilizes light energy to disable and destroy hair follicles, leaving your skin without the ability to produce new hair growth. As this leaves it particularly susceptible to sun damage, after treatment it’s vitally important that it receives protection as much as possible – be sure to apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher rating and reapply regularly!
Before and after laser hair removal, tanning beds should also be avoided to minimize risk to skin health. They emit ultraviolet rays which can cause irreparable harm, including scarring and discoloration of skin tissue.
After laser hair removal treatments, you may experience redness or swelling in the treated area. While this is normal, you can help minimize it by applying ice to the area for several minutes at a time; taking an anti-inflammatory drug like acetaminophen or another anti-inflammatory may provide pain relief as well.
Avoid using products with fragrances or ingredients that could irritate the area, such as makeup and perfumed body care products, such as perfumed body sprays. Instead, opt for unscented, moisturizing lotions containing aloe vera to soothe the area.
Doing your best to stay out of direct sunlight and use sunscreen is always advised, but after laser hair removal treatments it becomes especially critical. Apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily, and reapply it frequently; additionally don’t forget to cover up when going outdoors – this will protect sensitive areas like your head and neck from direct sun rays!
