Before initiating laser hair removal sessions, it is vital that the treatment area be thoroughly cleansed of lotions, oils and deodorants to allow the laser to penetrate deep enough into skin to reach hair follicles for efficient hair removing results.
Avoid waxing, depilation creams/powders and tweezing in between appointments as this helps prevent new hair growth from starting up again.
Moisturise
Before undertaking laser hair removal, it is vitally important to hydrate the skin as the procedure can leave your complexion parched and sensitive. A moisturizing lotion containing aloe vera or vitamin E will provide maximum hydration for your specific skin type and condition; cooling aloe vera lotion may be especially useful in relieving redness and bumps that might arise after laser treatment; additionally using cold compresses wrapped in paper towels may also help relieve any swelling due to laser therapy sessions.
After your laser hair removal session, it is recommended that you wait 24 hours before shaving the area again in order to prevent nicks and cuts, helping your razor blade cut only through hair follicles rather than surrounding skin. If necessary, do so early so as to minimize irritation; also make sure any other products such as deodorant, antiperspirant or moisturizers don’t interfere with its effectiveness!
SPF lotion should also be worn after receiving laser hair removal treatments in order to protect newly smooth skin from sun damage. Skin can become particularly delicate immediately following laser hair removal sessions – this is particularly true for people who have darker complexions – therefore using an SPF that suits your specific skin type is crucial.
As soon as the hair begins shedding and falling out – which typically happens a few days to one week post-treatment – exfoliate again gently for smooth skin. Furthermore, avoid hot showers, baths and saunas as this heat could irritate or even blister the skin after laser hair removal treatments.
Exfoliate
Use of an exfoliator with lactic acid can help loosen and prevent ingrown hairs. Just be sure not to exfoliate right before your laser appointment as this could irritate the skin and increase discomfort or pain from treatment. Also avoid scrubbing areas with loofah sponges or washcloths since this may actually cut rather than exfoliating skin cells.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, scrub the area that needs treating with an exfoliating mitt or liquid exfoliator for at least five minutes the night before using warm water and pat drying the area without rubbing against any laser beams applied that day. This will not only slough away dead skin cells and improve appearance but will also make laser hair removal much more efficient and successful. Rinse this area thoroughly with warm water afterward before pat drying thoroughly while being careful not to rub the laser beam onto skin you plan to have lasers applied later that day!
Be sure to shower before arriving for laser hair removal treatment as arriving with unblemished, oil-free skin will allow the laser to effectively target hair follicles beneath your skin’s surface. Shave prior to or on the day of your session so you arrive with smooth, untanned skin for your session.
If you have recently had Botox or dermal fillers, it is advisable to wait at least four months after treatments have taken full effect before scheduling laser hair removal treatments. This is due to chemicals used during these cosmetic procedures interfering with its ability to target and destroy hair follicles effectively.
Before scheduling your laser appointment, it is advisable to avoid tanning beds, saunas and hot baths as these activities can increase blood flow to the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation. Furthermore, makeup or any topical beauty products should not be worn as these can irritate and delay its healing process; you can resume normal skincare practices after your laser appointment has taken place.
Tone
Laser hair removal is the ideal way to permanently eliminate unwanted hair. Not only is it effective, but its benefits go beyond saving you from razor nicks and cuts. Before switching off the razor altogether however, it is essential that you prepare your skin adequately prior to scheduling an appointment.
Prior to laser hair removal, exfoliation of the area to be treated should be performed. This will remove dead skin cells and make it easier for the laser to target pigment found in your hair roots. However, you don’t want to overdo it and cause irritation on the day of your appointment, therefore only exfoliate several times throughout the week leading up to it.
Plucking or waxing the area prior to an appointment should also be avoided, as this can damage follicles and make for an unfavorable environment for treatment. Shaving will also lower your chance of laser burn.
Avoid applying any scented products on the area being treated, as they can irritate the skin. Also, it’s advisable to refrain from exercising or taking hot showers 24 hours before an appointment as this could increase skin temperature and thus make you more susceptible to laser treatment.
Before your laser appointment, tanning should also be avoided to preserve melanin levels that allow the laser to operate properly and to avoid fake-colored products that leave an artificial hue behind. Also avoid sunless tanners as these will leave fake colors behind that won’t fade naturally with age.
Finally, it is best to avoid medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication. Furthermore, products with retinol could make your skin sensitive.
Apply Lotion
Before your laser hair removal appointment, ensure the area to be treated is free from lotions or creams that could potentially interfere with treatment. Simply cleanse with soap and water until all substances have been eliminated from the skin surface – to be extra sure!
If the pain associated with laser hair removal concerns you, numbing cream may help to ease it. Available over-the-counter and designed specifically to numb skin without discomfort, before applying any such product you must read all associated instructions to ensure its use correctly.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to refrain from shaving the area being treated, as shaving may compromise its efficacy by blocking laser light from reaching hair follicles and stopping treatment altogether.
Prior to any of your treatments, it may also be beneficial to utilize a numbing gel. Available over-the-counter, these products can numb the area so as to minimize discomfort during treatments as well as reduce redness and irritation afterward.
One thing to keep in mind when preparing for laser hair removal is to avoid sunbathing or tanning beds as their UV rays can make skin more vulnerable to laser light during treatment.
Consideration should also be given when preparing for laser hair removal to the use of common skincare products that could increase photosensitivity. If any such items are used on a daily basis, such as facial cleanser, creams that remove hair, or tanners – and their discontinuation 2-3 days prior to laser hair removal session is advised. If concerned, speak to your patient consultant during scheduling.
