Before your skin has fully recovered from treatment, it is wise to avoid products which increase photosensitivity in the treatment area such as tanning beds, medications or cosmetic ingredients such as glycolic acid.
Waxing, tweezing and plucking should also be avoided since this interferes with the laser’s ability to target hair follicles effectively.
1. Do not use any products with salicylic acid
Anytime someone experiences blemishes or blackheads, salicylic acid is an invaluable acne-fighting product. Found commonly in anti-acne and exfoliating cleansers, salicylic acid has the power to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and decrease oil secretion – yet its application differs between individuals; many may ask if pregnant women can safely use it and what its benefits exactly are.
Salicylic acid (BHA), a carbon-based organic compound naturally found in willow bark, fruits and vegetables. As a lipid/fat-soluble BHA it has the capability of penetrating deeper into skin pores to remove excess oil and dead cells while also fighting any bacteria which could potentially cause breakouts, according to Danusia Wnek of Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab senior chemist Danusia Wnek’s Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab senior chemist.
Dermatologist Caren Campbell, MD advises that you can find salicylic acid in many forms of products, including cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments and serums. She suggests reading product labels carefully and following their instructions – particularly if you have sensitive skin – and seeking oil-free and noncomedogenic options as these will likely provide greater benefits than their counterparts.
2-3 days prior to beginning laser hair removal treatment, it is advised to avoid products which increase photosensitivity (i.e., those which make your skin more light-sensitive). This is important because laser treatment involves light targeting hair follicles directly and increased photosensitivity can cause skin burn. Also make sure that all of the area has been completely shaved until all hairs have fallen out before proceeding with treatment.
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, it’s advisable to avoid hot showers, steam rooms and saunas for at least 24 hours after each laser hair removal session. Exposing skin cells to excessive heat can irritate it further and delay the shedding process of dead cells. Exfoliation sessions between laser sessions may help speed up this process as well.
2. Wait at least 24 hours before exfoliating
Exfoliants or other products designed to remove dead skin cells may aggravate skin post laser hair removal treatment, as this opens your pores up further and could potentially irritate them further. It is therefore wise to wait 24 hours after using laser hair removal before engaging any form of exfoliant product, allowing your body to reabsorb any extra acid that has accumulated within its pores and heal from treatment and absorb any acid build-up that occurs as your pores expand post laser treatment.
When starting over with exfoliation, it is best to opt for gentle products without harsh ingredients or fragrances, such as pure aloe vera gel. Furthermore, avoid products known to cause photosensitivity like salicylic acid, retinols or benzoyl peroxide which could increase photosensitivity levels on your skin.
Salicylic acid can serve multiple functions beyond being an effective skin exfoliant, including treating various conditions and issues. For instance, it has proven useful against scaling skin conditions such as Psoriasis and Ichthyoses, as well as dandruff and corns/calluses/warts on hands/feet.
Salicylic acid can be an effective tool in treating acne by breaking down bacteria cell membranes that lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Furthermore, this ingredient is ideal for oily or breakout-prone skin as it regulates sebum production while simultaneously shrinking enlarged pores.
Salicylic acid can be found in many skin care products, from facial cleansers and scrubs to scrubs, masks and lotions. When purchasing and using such a product, make sure to follow all instructions on its packaging closely – doing otherwise could further irritate or delay healing of treated areas. Also remember not to rub the area being treated, as this could further irritate and exacerbate symptoms.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to refrain from using hot showers, baths, saunas and jacuzzis – as their heat can further irritate your skin, leading to redness, swelling or blistering of your skin. If any symptoms arise following treatment it would be wise to contact a laser hair removal professional immediately.
3. Apply a cold compress to the area
Laser hair removal uses pulsed laser light to permanently deactivate active-growth hair follicles, rendering them incapable of growing new hairs indefinitely. While the procedure is safe and well-proven, temporary side effects such as redness or swelling may arise during treatment; however, there are several homecare techniques you can implement to mitigate any side effects experienced during or after your sessions.
Applying a cold compress to the area where your skin was treated can help alleviate pain and swelling, whether using an ice pack or washcloth soaked in cool water. A moisturizer rich in hydrating nutrients may also be used to rehydrate and promote healing, or you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol to ease any pain or discomfort experienced from treatment.
Your local drugstore should carry products with salicylic acid for over-the-counter purchase, however a higher concentration may be found in prescription skincare products like peels and wart removers. If you would like prescription-strength salicylic acid products, however, then consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon first.
When using products containing salicylic acid, it’s essential that you follow all instructions exactly. For instance, do not exceed recommended use frequency or duration and apply near eyes or mucous membranes such as your nose and mouth where acid could potentially absorb through and cause chemical burns.
As part of post-procedure care, it is also crucial that the area treated with salicylic acid avoid using harsh cleansers such as soap or cleanser with harsh acids, products which increase photosensitivity like sunblock, retinol, benzoyl peroxide or facial products which increase photosensitivity (sunblock, retinol or benzoyl peroxide) as well as hot showers/baths as the area may still be vulnerable. Also try to limit how hot showers/baths may become during treatment sessions as the area may become sensitive.
After having undergone laser hair removal treatment, it is normal to experience some shedding of old, dead hair follicles; typically between five and 30 days after. It is important not to pick at or pick at crusting as doing so could lead to infection and scarring.
4. Avoid sun exposure
If you’re planning on getting laser hair removal this summer, it is essential that you protect yourself from UV rays as this increases the chance of side effects such as redness, swelling and small bumps after treatment. Most often, these symptoms fade within hours after receiving their treatments; otherwise, cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol may help ease discomfort.
Beginning months prior to beginning laser hair removal treatments, protecting your skin from sun damage should become part of your everyday life. In particular, try not to expose yourself to direct sunlight for at least two weeks prior to any sun exposure or tanning sessions as this will protect from unnecessary skin damage while simultaneously helping ensure optimal results from laser hair removal treatments.
Avoid products that could increase sensitivity to sunlight, including salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinol. Shaving and waxing should also be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to an appointment as this could interfere with how laser treatments target hair follicles.
If it becomes necessary for you to shave, use only gentle razors that won’t cause irritation or redness. Furthermore, any other hair removal methods (tweezing or plucking) could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments.
After your laser hair removal treatment session, it is wise to stay clear of products like exfoliants, alcohol-based toners and harsh astringents that could further irritate or delay healing processes – these items could irritate and slow recovery time for your skin.
Keep in mind that following laser hair removal treatments, your skin may be extra sensitive. Since laser and heat can irritate the skin and require time for healing and recovery, it’s best to refrain from going back into direct sunlight until all inflammation has resolved itself. Therefore, until fully recovered from laser hair removal appointments it may be wise to forgo tanning beds or the beach altogether.
