Prior to receiving laser treatment, make sure your skin is free from lotions, creams and perfumes. Also avoid waxing, tweezing and chemical peels at least two weeks in advance of your appointment.
Avoid taking hot showers or baths for up to 48 hours after receiving any treatments, as too much heat may irritate newly shaven skin and cause discomfort.
AHA and BHA Exfoliating Body/Facial Cleanser
No doubt exfoliation is an essential component of an effective skin-care regime, yet finding an exfoliant that meets your individual needs and skin type can be challenging. With endless scrubby exfoliants available on store shelves claiming to rid dead cells and leave your complexion radiant; but if you are having difficulty in finding an exfoliant that meets these expectations, perhaps switching from scrubs to cleaners containing AHAs or BHAs might be more suitable.
AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are water-soluble acids that work at the surface of your skin to break down dead skin cell adhesion, encourage cell turnover, help fade discolorations from sun damage, boost collagen production for plumping effects (although don’t forget sunscreen use as these acids may make your more susceptible).
BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate deeper into your pores to dissolve excess sebum and other debris that clogs them, and may help soften fine lines, although not as effectively as AHAs.
Murad Hydration AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser offers an ideal solution to both pore congestion and hyperpigmentation: its formulation contains salicylic and lactic acids to exfoliate skin effectively; while its polishing jojoba beads further polish and retexturize. Plus, glycolic acid has been scientifically proven to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles; plus it acts as a powerful moisturizer!
Be careful to use cleanser with care, as too much exfoliation may be detrimental to skin health. Also, avoid applying any additional products over the treated areas for at least 24 hours following laser hair removal treatments as these could interfere with healing processes and potentially slow recovery time.
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Scrub
After laser hair removal, exfoliation should become part of your skincare regimen to avoid ingrown hairs and stimulate new cell growth. But it must be done gently; avoid harsh scrubs like loofahs that might irritate sensitive areas like knees, underarms, and ankles; instead opt for sugar scrubs which will remove dead skin cells without irritating skin irritation, while their natural oils also moisturize it while clearing away dead cells without irritating.
To optimize the results of your treatment, it is best to exfoliate twice every week in addition to doing laser treatments. Exfoliation helps protect the hair follicles from becoming blocked with dead skin cells, making it easier for laser beams to access and destroy each hair follicle.
If you’re confused about which products to use, consult a dermatologist or aesthetician for advice. They can suggest products tailored specifically to your needs and skin type – for instance if you have very dry skin you might benefit from an AHA such as glycolic acid as it’s one of the more effective yet less irritating AHAs such as lactic acid; conversely if your oily skin needs attention then BHA’s like salicylic acid might work wonders in treating breakouts as well as conditions like psoriasis.
BHAs not only exfoliate but can also help minimize pepper spots caused by laser hair removal sessions by penetrating into your skin to dissipate any excess oil that may be contributing to their formation. This process is called transdermal penetration.
BHAs can also help repair sun damage and enhance skin texture, including decreasing discoloration and increasing collagen and elastin production. However, they can increase sun sensitivity so it is advised that users always wear sunscreen when using BHAs.
As part of your treatment process, it’s also vitally important that the area you’re having treated be free from all skincare products such as creams, oils, and deodorants – this includes creams, oils and deodorants – that could obstruct laser accessing hair follicles. Apply these after your appointment. Furthermore, no waxing, tweezing or chemical peel treatments should take place for two weeks prior to having an appointment scheduled in this area.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has long been considered a miracle plant, serving as an effective medicinal solution for over 6000 years. This succulent plant stores large amounts of moisture and nutrients within its leaves which can be extracted and used to treat various skin issues like sunburns, irritations and antioxidant protection. Furthermore, Aloe vera serves as one of the best natural moisturizers able to keep skin hydrated without leaving an oily film behind.
Aloe Vera contains anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties that make it ideal for use post laser hair removal treatment. Furthermore, its soothing and cooling gel qualities help alleviate redness and swelling around hair follicles that is common after laser treatment, and help relieve any associated discomfort due to heat from laser.
Aloe vera plants contain two hormones known as auxin and givverellins that have been proven to promote wound healing and decrease inflammations. Furthermore, this plant also boasts anti-ageing benefits as it contains vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, zinc and other elements to keep skin looking supple and youthful.
Aloe Vera gel offers another advantage in helping prevent dandruff. Applying it directly to the scalp stimulates hair growth, promotes circulation and heals dry scalps or irritated skin conditions. In addition, its proteolytic enzymes have anti-ageing effects by breaking down dead cells that build up on our bodies over time and clearing away flakes.
When purchasing aloe vera gel, always choose an organic and unscented option. Make sure that it contains no synthetic fragrance or alcohol as well as being free from parabens and phthalates; these requirements should be easily fulfilled at your local drugstore or supermarket; online purchases should also meet these criteria carefully to ensure you’re purchasing high-quality product.
Sunscreen
Laser hair removal employs both heat and light energy to destroy unwanted hair follicles. Although laser treatment can treat many different skin types safely, including darker complexions, it does make your skin more susceptible to sun exposure – therefore making sunscreen an integral component of treatment for laser hair removal. Sunscreen can help protect from sun damage as well as reduce premature aging, sunburns and risk of hyperpigmentation or skin cancer, so ensure it contains a high SPF factor with easy application capabilities for the optimal experience during laser hair removal! For optimal results ideally, laser treatment requires choosing sunscreens with an SPF index of at least 35+ for easier application when protecting from sun exposure after laser hair removal is complete.
Prior and post laser hair removal treatments, sun exposure must be limited for best results. Laser treatments can cause redness and swelling that is compounded by exposure to direct sunlight. To get optimal results from laser hair removal treatment sessions, it’s ideal to stay out of direct sunlight entirely two weeks before beginning laser treatment sessions, giving your skin enough time to heal while decreasing risks such as sunburning or hyperpigmentation afterward.
Maintain a routine of wearing sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, no matter what time of year it is. Sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher should be preferred and regularly applied; one labelled broad spectrum offers additional UVA/UVB protection; it may even protect against both types of radiation! For optimal results it would be wise to find one marked SPF 30+
After laser hair removal, skin may feel itchy and irritated for several days post-procedure. This is normal and can be alleviated with cool compresses (ice cube wrapped in cloth or paper towel are great) as well as anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol for pain relief.
If you are concerned about the safety of laser hair removal on your face, consult with a dermatologist first. They will explain the procedure and what you can expect during treatments; in addition they can suggest dermatologists with experience treating your type of skin. Choosing a physician who does not allow nonmedical personnel such as spas or salon staff perform laser hair removal treatments can also be an option.
