Shaving is an inevitable part of life for most, yet can also be extremely inconvenient. Laser hair removal offers an effective solution to these hair removal woes.
Laser technology works by heating hair at its root and destroying it, thus preventing further growth from the area in future.
Shaving
Maintaining hair at a manageable length reduces time spent shaving and waxing as well as eliminating issues with folliculitis and discoloration associated with unwanted hair growth. “Laser treatment is one of the most permanent solutions available,” states dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen.
Laser hair removal works by heating and destroying hair follicles so they no longer produce hair, so it’s crucial that in the days leading up to your appointment you shave, as well as refrain from waxing and plucking the area. Plucking and waxing disturb follicles by only taking off top layer hair; leaving vulnerable follicles open for destruction by laser light; while shaving gets rid of surface-level hair while leaving its base intact for destruction by laser.
Shaving should take place at least 24 hours before scheduling a laser hair removal appointment; however, you can shave at any point prior to this if not on the day or day prior. The reason is because laser treatments only target hair follicles in their entirety without surrounding tissue affecting its targeting capabilities; otherwise they might become confused and fail altogether or cause injury to skin cells.
If you choose to shave prior to your laser appointment, using a new razor is advised for maximum skin comfort and avoidance of irritation. A fresh blade prevents bacteria build-up that could aggravate sensitive areas while also helping avoid cuts that could potentially become painful and cause infection post treatment.
After your laser hair removal treatments, you may notice that any new growth is finer and sparser than before – an encouraging sign that the treatments are working! Unfortunately, results won’t show themselves immediately; give patience time.
Hormonal fluctuations, testosterone levels and other physical changes can have an adverse impact on hair growth, prompting unwanted expansion. Therefore, taking supplements that support the endocrine system – like Biotin – may help promote optimal thyroid functioning and limit excessive hair production.
Waxing
While waxing may be cheaper than laser hair removal, results only last for several weeks and appointments must be scheduled regularly to maintain results. Furthermore, waxing often leaves skin red and sensitive; thick or pigmented hair may make removal difficult due to being deeper within follicles than expected. In comparison, laser treatment leaves your skin silky smooth without stubble or prickly hairs remaining behind.
Laser hair removal is much faster than waxing, covering an entire small area in less than one minute. Lasers target pigment in hair follicles to disable them so the hair doesn’t grow back; while it may be uncomfortable or even painful at times, this method doesn’t produce as many side effects like waxing or tweezing can do.
Laser treatments also can significantly decrease the risk of ingrown hairs, an issue often encountered when shaving, by targeting hair follicles where they typically grow from. When selecting your practitioner for laser treatments it is crucial that they possess extensive experience as well as use top quality equipment in order to guarantee safety and efficacy.
Before getting laser treatment, lightly shave the area being treated. This will help remove any unwelcome hair, while shaving right before your appointment gives the laser more of a chance at targeting individual follicles rather than trimming just surface-level locks.
Before beginning laser hair removal, it is wise to avoid depilatory creams as these only trim hair on the surface without pulling it from its root. Furthermore, tanning beds or sunlight exposure on the day of treatment could alter your skin tone, impacting its effectiveness. Finally, after each session it’s beneficial to apply aloe vera gel as this will provide long-term moisture and support to treated areas.
Moisturizer
If you want the maximum benefits from laser hair removal, be sure to moisturize after each session. This will prevent your skin from becoming dry, irritated and flaky after each session; fragrance-free moisturizers work best with your specific skin type. It is best to opt for fragrance-free moisturizers which don’t clog your pores and may lead to infections such as folliculitis. Furthermore, products containing glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid as exfoliating agents should also be avoided after laser hair removal treatments.
At least three days prior to your laser appointment, it is advisable to use a gentle exfoliating scrub with antibacterial agents in it in order to clear away dead skin cells and dirt that might be contributing to ingrown hairs or other undesirable side effects. You should also refrain from applying makeup, lotions or deodorants over the treatment area in order to ensure a bacterial-free surface upon which to conduct your procedure.
Before scheduling laser treatment, it is recommended that you refrain from plucking or waxing the area 4-6 weeks in advance, to allow natural hair follicle growth at its own rate and to maximize results.
Following your laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended to apply a lightweight, fragrance free moisturizer. There are plenty of great choices at your local beauty store or you could create your own homemade recipe – but avoid harsh soaps or exfoliating products which could irritate the skin further.
Moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated while also helping to minimize redness caused by laser treatment. Furthermore, taking extremely hot showers could strip it of its natural oils, leaving your skin dry and irritated after therapy.
Avoid self tanners as these could interfere with laser hair removal treatments and cause changes to your skin color. Wait 4-6 weeks post treatment before using self tanners again.
Sunscreen
At any age and skin type, sun protection should be prioritized for maximum effectiveness when getting laser hair removal treatments. Sun’s rays can change your skin’s hue, making it harder for laser beams to target hair follicles efficiently – leading to ineffective treatments and even scarring or discoloration of skin pigmentation.
Make sure to refrain from applying fake tanners or sunless tanning creams before beginning laser hair treatment on any areas, as they can create unnatural and uneven colors that cannot be addressed with laser therapy. Furthermore, these products can interfere with melanin levels in hair shafts which will make targeting hair follicles and inhibiting further growth impossible for laser devices to do efficiently.
After laser hair removal, it is recommended to remain out of direct sunlight as much as possible; however, that may not always be practical due to commuter and shopping needs. When this is not an option, frequent applications of sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection should be applied every 2 hours, especially after sweating or swimming to safeguard skin from UV rays.
After laser hair removal, skin becomes extremely susceptible to heat and light exposure, making it vulnerable to hyper-pigmentation, burns and other forms of damage from direct sunlight. Without proper protection it could result in hyperpigmentation, burns or other types of damage which could significantly impact its health and appearance.
By adhering to the rules and always wearing high SPF sunblock, even on cloudy days, it is critical to stay safe. Also ensure to use physical sunscreens that physically block sun rays rather than absorb them.
These simple measures will help ensure smooth, beautiful skin while increasing the chance of laser hair removal sessions being effective. Don’t be shy to ask questions if something is unclear! We also offer appointments with dermatologists who would be glad to answer all your queries.
