How Long After Laser Hair Removal Can I Use AHA and BHA?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
9 Min Read

After laser hair removal, skin should be completely clear of all beauty products other than aloe vera gel to minimize risk of irritation to the area. Applying any other product could irritate this sensitive spot on the body.

Laser hair removal sessions must be repeated regularly for long-lasting results to appear, with touch up treatments recommended every four to six weeks.

Exfoliation

After laser hair removal, it is recommended to avoid all exfoliants – both physical and chemical – for 48 hours post treatment to minimize irritation and allow your skin to recover properly. Once this period has passed, however, exfoliation should occur 2-3 times weekly between laser sessions to help clear away dead skin cells, hair follicles, debris and potential ingrown hairs or red marks caused by them.

Gentle physical exfoliators such as loofahs or washcloths combined with mild scrubs like sugar scrubs will be particularly effective after laser hair removal treatments. Scrubs that contain AHA or BHA acids should be avoided in the first 24 hours post treatment as these substances can irritate skin. Aloe vera gel should also be applied after every laser hair removal session for added benefits.

After having laser hair removal performed, it is advisable to avoid products containing alcohol such as perfumed lotions and soaps, which could dry out and peel your skin post-treatment.

After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is also wise to avoid shaving the area immediately afterwards, as doing so may disrupt the growth cycle and negate its effects. If necessary, only shave areas where hair grows in cycles (i.e. underarms or bikini line). Subsequently do not shave again until just prior to your next laser hair removal appointment nighttime.

One laser hair removal session may remove 10-25 percent of the targeted hair in one sitting; however, multiple treatments will likely be necessary for more permanent results. Some patients require additional visits depending on hormone levels and genetics – though after several sessions you should notice thinner, lighter regrowth that in many cases no longer stands out as noticeable hair.

AHA/BHA Cleansers

Laser hair removal can be an effective way of permanently eliminating unwanted body hair. However, it’s important to remember that this solution will not last forever and so to avoid regrowth after treatment it is wiser not to shave, wax or pluck your hair for several weeks afterward in order for hair follicles to die and naturally shed. This will allow smooth and hairless skin.

Exfoliating after laser hair removal is safe, but it is wise to wait several days before using products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA), as these ingredients have the potential to irritate skin and should be avoided where possible. You may also wish to stay clear from topical beauty products like makeup, body washes or deodorants which may aggravate sensitive areas immediately following laser hair removal treatment.

AHA and BHA cleansers are designed to remove dead skin cells and promote the production of new ones, aiding your body in creating healthier new cells. You’ll find them in various body washes and skincare products; however, when undergoing laser hair removal it is wise not to use these ingredients due to how deep penetration they may cause laser light penetration, potentially leading to side effects like redness or swelling of skin tissue.

Avoid shaving, waxing and plucking for two weeks prior to receiving laser hair removal treatment as this will allow your skin to heal properly post-procedure and will also decrease chances of irritation during your session.

Researching laser hair removal clinics prior to booking an appointment is advised. Be sure to review each facility’s website, read all Google and Yelp reviews, as well as arrange for a free consultation with a physician before you decide on receiving treatments. Doing this can ensure they possess all of the appropriate equipment needed and meet qualifications needed for laser treatments, plus check before/after photos of previous clients to gauge effectiveness of treatments.

Sugar Scrubs

After laser hair removal, it is common to experience redness and dry skin. To minimize scarring and infection risk, instead gently patting the area with a clean cloth. Also important: keeping treated areas out of direct sunlight as they will be highly vulnerable; broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF protection can help safeguard this sensitive area against sun damage or hyperpigmentation risks.

Within 24 hours after laser hair removal, it’s wise to avoid hot showers or baths, using only lukewarm water instead of hot tubs or saunas if possible. Also try not to wax, pluck or tweeze any area where laser treatments have taken place as this could affect their effectiveness and possibly cause permanent skin damage. If stray hairs needing removal between treatments arise, we advise shave them off using curved scissors or razor.

Sugar scrubs after laser hair removal are an effective way to exfoliate the skin and speed up the shedding of dead hairs. Be wary of harsh or coarse scrubs as these may irritate or inflame your skin – instead opt for one made with natural ingredients for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

An easy and straightforward DIY sugar scrub recipe that works on all skin types is an avocado, olive, or sunflower oil-based exfoliation scrub. Add extra skin-loving ingredients such as shea butter, honey or oatmeal for additional hydration benefits.

Once your hairs start shedding, exfoliating regularly after each laser session can help your skin remain smooth and healthy while showing you exactly how successful the treatments have been. When your hair stops growing back in after exfoliating, then you know your laser treatments have worked effectively!

Moisturizers

Laser hair removal robs skin of moisture as it removes hair, meaning frequent moisturization will be needed to avoid dryness and promote healing after each laser hair removal session. A light oil-free moisturizer without alpha hydroxy acids or fragrances should be used, or alternatively aloe vera gel can provide soothing comfort following laser hair removal treatments.

Coconut oil has become increasingly popular as a beauty product due to its moisturizing benefits for skin. However, you should use caution when applying it after laser hair removal sessions since applying coconut oil directly can aggravate existing irritation in treatment areas and worsen them further. Therefore it’s wise to wait at least several days after an oil-based procedure before using coconut or any other similar product on your body again.

After your laser hair removal session, the first thing you should do afterward is wash the area that was treated with warm water and a gentle cleanser, taking special care not to rub or scrub at it as this can aggravate it further. Apply a cool compress over any affected body parts as this may help ease pain or swelling. It is also important that any exposed areas, particularly your face where treatment took place, be protected by sun rays with high-SPF sunscreen – either through loose-fitting hats/scarves/SPF sunblock.

Waxing, tweezing or plucking the hair in the area where laser hair removal has been performed should also be avoided in order to minimize irritation and maximize laser targeting of hair follicles. If necessary, make sure your razor is new without any cuts or nicks before scheduling an appointment for laser hair removal.

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