Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy hair follicles, typically performed by doctors or specialist hair removal practitioners.
Your practitioner presses a handheld device against your skin and activates the laser, creating what may feel like multiple stings with an earthy-smelling scent that lasts from minutes to over an hour.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Laser hair removal is an effective solution for eliminating unwanted body hair using light energy. This treatment uses light to target melanin pigment in hair follicles to destroy them and stop further hair growth, however excessive sun exposure can make it more difficult for the laser to differentiate between skin cells and hair cells, and may require multiple sessions in order to completely get rid of body hair – this is why it is crucial that sun exposure be limited before and even after treatments have taken place.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure before and between laser hair removal treatments in order to keep your skin from darkening further. This includes staying out of the beach or pool and always wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen when venturing outdoors, using physical sunscreen instead of chemical one as physical ones act as shields against UV rays while chemical ones absorb them directly into your system.
Avoid plucking or waxing to keep skin from darkening after laser treatments by not plucking or waxing hair follicles, as this will cause them to produce more melanin pigment and make it harder for laser to target necessary follicles for destruction. This issue becomes even more acute if you have dark hair as this can increase treatment frequency significantly and prolong results.
After laser hair removal treatments, it is recommended that you remain out of direct sunlight for two weeks to allow your skin time to recover and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation or other issues. If necessary, apply thick layers of protective sunscreen and cover yourself with a hat or parasol when exposed to sunlight; taking such measures not only protects you from darkerened skin after laser hair removal treatments but can help avoid long-term sun damage as well.
Keep Shaving to a Minimum
Shaving is often recommended between laser treatments as it doesn’t disturb the hair follicle and thus disrupt results, while waxing or plucking disturbs it further. Shaving also allows specialists to identify regrowth patterns so they can plan future sessions at the optimal times for you. Unfortunately, shaving can leave your skin irritated or sensitive after laser sessions; to minimize any razor bumps or soreness resulting from it it may be wise to limit shaving between sessions while using an electric razor equipped with sharp blades and exfoliation beforehand in order to help remove dead cells which might aggravate them or provide closer shave.
Laser hair removal has become widely available and safe for people of all skin tones; however, those with darker complexions may experience hyperpigmentation following treatment due to laser beams affecting deeper layers of their skin, where melanin stores itself causing it to appear discolored afterward.
Most cases of hyperpigmentation are temporary and will resolve on its own, however if that fails a topical treatment or hydroquinone cream may help fade hyperpigmentation. Patients must allow several months after treatment for complete healing to occur before expecting results to show.
One way to lower the risk of PIH is by forgoing any other forms of hair removal in the days and weeks leading up to your laser hair removal appointment. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis all interfere with laser’s ability to target individual follicles properly; so they should all be avoided for at least four weeks prior. Furthermore, avoid sunless tanning and all tanners in addition to taking medications that thin blood.
Furthermore, some skincare products can increase photosensitivity, making your skin more vulnerable to UV radiation exposure. If you are taking any medications which could potentially cause phototoxicity it is essential that your practitioner knows so they can adjust your treatment appropriately.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after and successful dermatology treatments currently available, using intense laser light energy to target pigment in hair follicles and stop future hair growth. Most patients see significant reduction in unwanted hair after three to six sessions – but laser treatments may cause side effects; sometimes their intensity destroys melanocytes, leading to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation on affected areas – this often happens with darker complexions.
To avoid this happening, it’s essential that you treat your skin carefully following laser hair removal sessions. In particular, avoid skincare products containing exfoliants, alcohol, harsh astringents or scrubs that contain these components; also, hot showers, saunas and jacuzzis should be avoided in favor of cooling showers which won’t irritate it as much; additionally use fragrance-free moisturizer several times each day on any affected areas on your body.
Staying hydrated after treating can help ease dryness and irritation in the post-treatment period, but be wary of using harsh cloth or brush scrubbers such as loofahs on treated skin; instead use soft toweling for gentle massage of moisturizer into skin. Finally, any tanning treatments on affected area could increase risks of hypopigmentation or burns.
After laser hair removal, it’s also important to be mindful when it comes to sunscreen application and use. Always choose broad spectrum SPF protection and apply frequently throughout the day or when sweating heavily – particularly after being outdoors or working out.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat when going outside after laser hair removal to protect the treated area and avoid direct UV radiation exposure. By taking proper precautions, dark spots or hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal can be prevented and you’ll achieve smooth skin.
Keep Your Skin Clean
If you’re planning to undergo laser hair removal, be aware of its side effects. They include itching, redness, swelling, tingling and burning which typically subside within several days – however severe reactions could include blisters, scabbing, scarring or extreme irritation that will postpone another treatment session and prolong overall hair removal process.
Heat from laser beams is often responsible for side effects associated with treatment. On darker skin tones, this heat can heat up melanin and result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation – therefore making it extremely important to use only lasers designed specifically to be safe for dark complexions as well as have treatments performed by professionals with experience treating people of color.
Are You At Risk of Post-Laser Hyperpigmentation? Being vigilant with sunscreen use can help minimize post-laser hyperpigmentation. In addition to using broad spectrum SPF daily and avoiding sun exposure or tanning beds as much as possible can reduce post-treatment hyperpigmentation – it’s especially important after laser treatments since your outer layers will be especially susceptible to UV rays that can damage or discoloration from UV radiation exposure, leading to more sun damage and discoloration than usual.
Exfoliation can also help minimize post-laser hyperpigmentation by gently exfoliating twice weekly over the treated area. This will remove dead skin cells which clog your pores and dull your complexion; either physical or chemical exfoliants work best, but be gentle when choosing which method.
After your treatment, it is wise to avoid hot showers or baths for 24 hours afterward to protect the area being treated from being burned by hot water and consequently cause more pain than necessary. Hot tubs and saunas should also be avoided in this regard.
Eliminate skincare products containing harsh ingredients, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, that contain harsher compounds than what your laser treatment requires, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Such ingredients may increase sensitivity during laser treatments and cause allergic reactions that could result in burns or other serious side effects. Furthermore, avoid wearing deodorant or applying any other products directly onto the area being treated prior to your laser appointment.
