Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment for unwanted hair, but it may also result in breakouts for some individuals as it opens up pores that have become blocked with dead skin cells and unclogs them with its laser beams.
To prevent heat rash from developing on treated areas, avoid engaging in activities which expose it to heat and sweaty environments, use gentle skincare products and avoid applying heavy ointments or salves.
Acne
Acne is a condition that can be managed with proper skincare products and regimens, including professional treatments such as laser hair removal. Laser hair removal serves two functions that help prevent acne breakouts: it removes hair from clogging up pores; and eliminates hair follicles that promote excessive hair growth – however it must be noted that alone it cannot eradicate acne as there are numerous underlying factors at play that contribute to it such as hormones, genetics and stress which all play their part.
Many individuals who undergo laser hair removal treatments report experiencing acne breakouts after laser therapy sessions, possibly due to sensitive follicles that become susceptible to irritation after being subjected to the procedure and thick, coarse hairs that require removal. This side effect usually resolves after 2-3 laser sessions as your skin adjusts and the body adapts.
At this stage, it is advisable to use a gentle cleanser, and avoid picking, popping or scratching any emerging spots as this can lead to scarring and other adverse side effects. An antibacterial ointment or mild skin-repairing cream may help, while some plastic surgeons may recommend light therapy using various wavelengths of light to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation – this treatment can either take place at their office or from your own home and is an effective way to manage mild acne outbreaks after laser hair removal.
Blemishes
Maintaining flawless skin is the dream of many, yet many struggle to reach this goal. Two major concerns with their skin that many experience are unwanted hair and blemishes. Blemishes are dark marks or spots on the skin caused by various reasons and include papules, blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Although generally harmless they may still cause emotional distress for some individuals.
Laser hair removal should come with the understanding that it may cause temporary blemishes; this usually only lasts a short while. One reason laser treatments cause these side effects is by heating up your skin, leading to pus-filled bumps or even scabbed areas forming due to a delayed healing time afterward.
After laser hair removal, you can lower the risk of blemishes by taking some simple steps. Moisturize the area after each session to keep it soft and hydrated; furthermore, avoid picking at or squeezing at any blemishes as this can irritate skin further and may result in scarring.
Beyond the above suggestions, it is also wise to avoid direct sunlight as this can exacerbate acne. When venturing outdoors, use high quality sunscreen products. Furthermore, avoid scrubbing treated areas as this may irritate them; rather use salicylic acid-based products every three days for exfoliation to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. It would also be a good idea to seek professional help if any issues arise; contact a dermatologist in case this becomes an issue for you.
Burns
Unwanted body and facial hair growth is often an unpleasant problem. Shaving, waxing and plucking may leave red, itchy skin resulting from shaving or plucking alone; alternative solutions like waxing can leave redness caused by shaving as well as reduced risk of infection and folliculitis. Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution, leaving skin smooth and even. Regular depilation sessions become unnecessary with laser removal; discolorations from waxing/shaving is eliminated as is risk for infections/folliculitis risk reduction!
Laser treatments work by targeting light energy at cells that produce hair. This causes it to fall out, though this process could take days or weeks – it is therefore essential to protect oneself against sun exposure during this period by wearing sunscreen and wearing protective eyewear.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is recommended to arrive with clean skin and avoid products like sunless tanners that could irritate the area. Furthermore, exercising or taking hot showers the day of your appointment should be avoided in order to lower body temperature and sweat more freely, potentially increasing risk for pimple formation and bacteria build-up in sweat glands that leads to sweaty patches on your body and pimple formation.
Picking or squeezing pimples should also be avoided as this can worsen them and lead to scarring. Instead, keep skin moisturised using gentle creams containing aloe vera or specially tailored for acne-prone skin. Furthermore, saunas or steam baths should also be avoided whenever possible as their heat sources can increase sweat production, leading to bacteria formation that then lead to pimples.
Infections
Traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, tweezing, waxing and electrolysis can leave facial skin vulnerable to infection from traditional methods like shaving, tweezing, waxing and electrolysis. Such practices can disrupt follicles and cause them to become inflamed resulting in bumpy appearance and breakouts; inflammation may also clog pores accumulating excess oil and bacteria leading to acne outbreaks – effects which are worsened when people with acne-prone skin use laser hair removal treatments.
If the lasered area is prone to acne breakouts, topical treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help. These medications can reduce inflammation while unclogging pores – thus helping prevent future breakouts. It is also important to keep skin hydrated post-laser treatment to avoid dryness and itching; touching affected areas with dirty hands could spread bacteria that irritates them further.
Before beginning laser hair removal on your face, it is wise to consult a dermatologist first. This can ensure you are suitable for the procedure and provide guidance on how best to prepare. This may include limiting sun exposure prior to your appointment as it’s not advised having laser treatments on tanned skin; additionally, avoid skincare products likely to irritate such as sunless tanners and bleaching creams which could potentially irritate or inflame the skin as well as any hair removal methods such as tweezing, plucking or waxing which could hinder its effectiveness and possibly interfere with its efficacy.
Scarring
Laser hair removal may be more effective at eliminating facial hair than waxing or plucking; however, its heat may also irritate the skin in ways that cause tiny pimple-like bumps to form; in order to prevent this, always ensure you use a skin-repairing product after each session of laser treatment.
Prior and after laser appointments, it’s also essential that sun exposure be minimized as this treatment doesn’t work effectively on tanned skin. Peels or chemical treatments, as these could irritate it further. Shave the area prior to your session. Also avoid darkening creams which could interfere with laser treatment.
At the conclusion of each session, it is vitally important to follow all aftercare instructions carefully. Most providers offer cooling creams and ointments designed to soothe skin. Furthermore, it’s vital that any new blemishes that arise as a result of treatments be left alone without picking or popping!
Laser hair removal can be performed safely at medically-run clinics and spas, provided you seek expert assistance from trained practitioners. Before booking an appointment, always inquire as to the qualifications and certification of each practitioner; any reputable practitioner should be registered with a governing body demonstrating they meet set training and skill standards, providing advice as to which laser or machine is suitable for your skin type as well as how often high SPF sunscreen should be worn to protect treated areas.