Laser hair removal uses pulses of light energy to permanently destroy unwanted dark pigment. Though results can last, occasional maintenance treatments may be required.
Even though the laser only affects the surface of your skin, patients often describe its effect as feeling like a light rubber band snapping against it or experiencing an intense pinprick sensation.
No shaving or waxing
Unwanted facial hair can be an embarrassing problem. It makes finding clothing that fits properly difficult, as well as obscuring red or inflamed skin with makeup, more challenging. Luckily, there are ways to permanently rid oneself of unwanted facial hair; laser hair removal being one of the best. Though more expensive than waxing or shaving treatments, its results usually last longer and it usually involves less discomfort during treatments than either one of them.
Laser hair removal on the face begins with a brief consultation to assess whether or not laser treatment will suit your skin type, then preparation using pencil marks to mark out areas to be treated, shaving existing hair or both, then application of gel over treatment area as well as eye protection.
Laser hair removal on the face may cause temporary skin lightening as a side effect of how the laser interacts with melanin in your skin, turning it into heat when it absorbs it. Although not dangerous, this side effect should be avoided in any laser hair removal procedure.
Before going in for laser hair removal, it is wise to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen on your face – tanning skin is more prone to discoloration after treatment, so avoid self-tanners or tanning beds as much as possible.
At least 24 hours before your appointment, shave the area. This will prevent thermal injury to the surface of the skin and ensure that laser can target hair follicles effectively. Furthermore, exfoliation is strongly suggested as this will remove dead skin cells that may clog hair follicles.
No shaving cream
Laser hair removal is a safe, cost-effective way to permanently eliminate facial and body hair. Though multiple sessions may be necessary to completely rid yourself of unwanted facial and body hair, laser removal often proves more successful than waxing or electrolysis methods and takes much less time overall compared to these options. Additionally, it requires less time and money in the long run than its alternative solutions.
Before your treatment begins, your face must be free of makeup or skincare products. A practitioner will give you goggles to wear while they mark where they’ll direct the laser beam. While most find the process painless, some individuals experience sensations similar to rubber band snapping against skin or sunburn; if this causes discomfort for you ask your practitioner for topical numbing cream prior to beginning.
Avoid direct sunlight until after receiving laser hair removal treatments as exposure can damage hair follicles on your face and change their skin color, making it harder for laser treatments to target them successfully. Also use broad spectrum sunscreen protection on exposed areas to protect skin from developing tans.
Based on the size and location of your target area, laser treatments may require multiple sessions that last up to an hour each. Prior to each treatment it is essential not to shave, tweeze or pluck and also keep skin dry by not using moisturizers or exfoliators.
Laser hair removal often causes redness and tenderness, which may be mitigated with an application of ice to the area being treated. Some individuals may also experience temporary burning, scabbing, or skin tone changes; should these arise it is important to consult your physician immediately.
No shaving after
Laser treatment can be an excellent way to rid yourself of unsightly facial hair. Lasers target the dark pigment at its source and lead to permanent reduction. Safe and painless compared with traditional shaving or waxing, laser hair removal also prevents ingrown hairs while saving time spent grooming; in most cases four to six sessions will suffice with occasional maintenance required in between sessions.
Before the procedure begins, your face will be thoroughly cleansed and numbing gel may be applied to any affected areas. Your practitioner will then don protective eyewear before directing a laser beam at the targeted area – the sensation may feel similar to rubber band snapping against skin or sunburn; some patients experience slight swelling. Overall discomfort levels should be manageable with cold compresses or moisturizers as needed.
Before commencing laser treatments, it is best to limit direct sunlight for several weeks and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. UV rays can alter the color of skin around hair follicles, interfering with laser’s ability to target them effectively. You should also avoid self-tanners and sunless tanning products which also alter skin tone.
Laser treatments are extremely effective and many patients report no longer needing to shave or wax their face. It’s crucial that patients find a qualified provider to conduct this procedure, however. Untrained practitioners could cause damage to your surface skin layer while poorly maintained equipment could produce patchy results with uneven and patchy results. It is wise to avoid products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol before their appointment date for optimal results.
No tweezing or plucking
Unwanted hair can be an enormous source of frustration. From arms, legs and face areas, unwanted hair can take up valuable time shaven off with razor blades or waxed off with hot wax strips. Laser hair removal offers an effective yet safe solution; multiple treatments may be required before achieving permanent results.
Before your appointment, it’s essential that you avoid sun exposure in the weeks leading up to it as laser treatments don’t work well on tanned skin. In addition to sun protection measures, plucking, shaving or using wax or dissolving creams on the area prior to treatment as this could interfere with its performance and active ingredients such as glycolic acid or retinol cosmetics should also be avoided in these instances.
Laser hair removal is typically a fast and relatively painless procedure. Your practitioner will start by cleaning the target area before applying topical anesthetic for added comfort, followed by giving goggles as protection from laser light exposure. Once treatment begins, they will apply laser beam to area – you might feel similar sensations to snapping of rubber band or sunburn sensations during application of the laser to target area.
After laser treatment, damaged hair follicles will vaporize and stop producing new hair growth, leaving your skin smoother in its wake. Some individuals may experience temporary changes to skin tone or mild scabbing post laser treatment; these side effects usually last no longer than an hour or two.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, it is essential to discuss your goals and expectations with a physician or professional hair removal specialist beforehand. Laser treatments won’t remove all unwanted hair; some complexions or types may not respond as effectively.
No shaving before
Shaving is strongly discouraged the day or days prior to any laser hair removal treatment for two reasons. First, freshly shaven skin can become more fragile during treatment and more likely to be injured during laser penetration; secondly, shaving removes natural oils that nourish the skin while targeting hair follicles directly, potentially decreasing effectiveness or even leading to it not taking place at all. Furthermore, tanning your skin prior to an appointment could impede its success; furthermore sunless skin creams could darken it further, making laser penetration impossible – something taning cannot.
Your patience will be tested during laser treatment as it could take multiple sessions before you see significant results. This is particularly important if you have dark skin as the heat from the laser may trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is difficult to clear away. To minimize this possibility, find a clinic offering treatments specifically tailored for women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which causes thick facial hair in certain women.
Once you understand how many treatments will be necessary, you can start preparing for the procedure. Your initial session may feel unsettling as the laser snaps against your skin like an elastic band; some individuals have reported temporary redness and swelling similar to a mild sunburn – these symptoms will pass in an hour or two; for added comfort try applying topical cream containing aloe vera or calamine as it will help alleviate irritation.
