Laser hair removal may cause temporary side effects, although these should be minor and manageable. You can lower the chances of these side effects by following certain practices.
Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the area post-treatment. Furthermore, avoid lotions, deodorants and scented cosmetics until your skin heals completely.
Avoid Sun Exposure
After laser hair removal, skin becomes increasingly susceptible to UV rays; therefore, it is imperative that you limit exposure. This means staying away from tanning beds and spending most of your time indoors in the shade or wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen for maximum protection from UV rays which cause sunburn, premature skin aging, and even cancer.
Wear a hat or long-sleeved shirt when venturing outdoors; this will reduce sun exposure and protect the area where laser hair removal took place.
Redness, small bumps and irritation are all normal reactions of laser hair removal treatment and should subside within hours or days on their own. If any discomfort arises afterward, cooling creams like fragrance-free aloe vera or non-comedogenic aftersun products should help soothe skin discomfort; you could also try applying cold washcloths or ice packs directly on affected areas to reduce redness and reduce swelling; remember not picking at or scratching it as picking may result in scarring.
After your appointment, it is recommended that you remain out of direct sunlight or tanning beds for two weeks in order to give your skin time to recover and reduce any risk of hyperpigmentation after treatment.
Avoid Sweating
To achieve optimal results from laser hair removal, it’s essential that you refrain from certain activities before and after your appointment – among them heavy exercise. Exercising can open your sweat glands which in turn clogs pores leading to breakouts.
Prior to engaging in any intense workout or swimming activity, it is advised that at least 48 hours have passed after laser treatment as this leaves your skin vulnerable to infections and bacteria, especially in sweaty areas where laser treatments have taken place.
Sweating is an integral part of living, but after laser hair removal it may become problematic as laser light destroys sweat glands. You may experience increased sweat production that causes itching or irritation in the areas treated.
Before embarking on laser hair removal, it’s best to shower and cleanse the treatment area to eliminate dirt or oil build-up. In addition, avoid moisturizers or lotions which might obstruct access of laser light into hair follicles; avoid makeup applications or deodorant which might clog pores as this will allow the laser to access them more freely.
If you do need to use skincare products after laser hair removal, look for light creams or ointments with anti-inflammatory and/or antiseptic ingredients such as witch hazel or tea tree oil. A triple antibiotic ointment may also prove effective; for best results consult with your dermatologist regarding which one would best meet your needs; they’ll recommend one that gives safe results as well as suggest any additional therapies such as topical steroids or benzoyl peroxide that might help.
Exfoliate Regularly
Following laser hair removal, your skin may experience minor discoloration; this is a common side effect and typically clears itself within several weeks. If it persists beyond this timeline, visit your laser clinic for assessment – they may suggest limiting sun exposure or applying sunscreen more regularly – especially while swimming or towelling.
Exfoliate the area where you received laser therapy on a regular basis between sessions to prevent ingrown hairs and speed up hair shedding post-procedure. Wait 24 hours post-session before beginning this practice; use gentle exfoliators such as sugar or salt scrubs instead.
If you decide to shave after receiving laser treatments, be sure to wait until the skin has fully recovered before beginning shaves. Shaving too soon could cause irritation, inflammation and hyperpigmentation of the skin – all which could have undesirable side effects.
After your initial few shaves, it is normal to see some ingrown hairs; these are caused by damaged hair follicles still trying to grow hair and should not be forced out through waxing and tweezing methods which would negate the benefits of laser hair removal.
Metro Dermatology in Elmhurst, NY can offer laser hair removal treatments to give you smooth, hairless skin for years! Contact us now to find out more and book an appointment – our team of experienced aestheticians offer complimentary consultations so we’re here to help you realize the skin of your dreams!
Avoid Over-the-Counter Topical Medications
Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and retinol are generally safe pre-laser hair removal treatments; however it’s best to stop taking these products at least two weeks in advance of your appointment. You should also refrain from using acne creams with salicylic acid content at least three days beforehand as these may clog pores and lead to red bumps.
Once laser hair removal begins, acne and pimples may form as a side effect of heat from the laser device opening pores and allowing debris like dead skin cells and bacteria to escape into your system, which then leads to pus-filled infections in your pores (pimples). By keeping the treatment area clean and free of debris from previous sessions, these side effects may be reduced significantly. Keeping it as germ-free as possible will help combat them effectively.
If you’re experiencing a breakout after laser hair removal, one way to reduce swelling and redness is applying a cool compress to your skin. Wet a washcloth or paper towel with cool water and apply it over several minutes at a time; alternatively use an ice pack wrapped in paper towel.
Avoid taking supplements such as garlic and gingko biloba that could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising from laser hair removal, such as garlic and gingko biloba. These herbal remedies make your skin more sensitive to light, increasing its chances of damage after laser hair removal.
Prior to laser hair removal appointments, shaving is highly advised, as it helps make treatments more efficient while decreasing side effects. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water before each laser session can help keep the body hydrated and minimize pain and discomfort during treatments.
Schedule an Appointment
Once you have conducted sufficient research and identified a reputable laser hair removal clinic, arrange for a consultation session. It is vitally important that this step not be skipped, as this provides the perfect opportunity to pose all of your queries and assess if laser hair removal is suitable for you.
Before heading into your laser hair removal appointment, take special care not to expose too much skin to direct sunlight – particularly the treatment area – during these days of preparation. Furthermore, refrain from getting spray tans or using tanning beds; both could prevent your laser’s ability to target and destroy hair follicles efficiently.
Shave the area that will be treated two to three days before your appointment to ensure that hair remains as short as possible and achieve optimal results from laser hair removal treatment. If your thick hair requires multiple sessions before treatment can begin, shaving it all may be necessary.
One common side effect of laser hair removal is pimples and acne in treatment areas. This is often due to heat from the laser causing pores to become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria resulting in pus-filled bubbles forming as a body-wide response and eventually leading to breakouts.
Avoid picking, popping or scratching acne spots as this may lead to scarring. Instead, if they appear, apply triple antibiotic ointment prescribed by your physician as soon as possible.
