Laser hair removal treatments can be quite painful for some areas. Some temporary skin irritation may arise but should subside quickly; you may wish to use fragrance-free aloe vera ointment on those areas as it will soothe them further.
However, 24 hours prior to treatment it is necessary for the skin to be free from lotion, sunless tanning agents, deodorants and any other products on it.
Do not shave
Shaving can leave behind cuts that require cleaning prior to laser therapy treatment. Razor blades can also strip away thin layers of skin which could become sensitive during laser treatment and result in burning the area. Therefore, it’s recommended that shaving be put off at least 24 hours prior to laser treatment as shaving leaves the hair follicles open and will reduce its effectiveness; for those that must shave, try using a clean razor blade with light pressure applied; if in doubt about what to do instead consider professional shave or dermaplaning services instead as these procedures might provide better solutions than shaving alone.
At least four weeks prior to your session, it is wise to refrain from waxing or plucking hairs as these methods won’t effectively remove hair follicles but will instead cause irreparable damage to both hair follicles and surrounding tissue.
Be mindful to inform your skincare specialist of any medications which could increase photosensitivity such as aspirin, antidepressants and antibiotics as these could alter how your skin responds to laser light treatment.
If you use facial products containing glycolic acid, retinol, or any other ingredients that increase skin sensitivity for laser hair removal appointments, stop using it two to three days (and fourteen for chemical peels) prior to your scheduled visit. It is also wise to forgo other treatments like microdermabrasion or chemical peels before going in for laser hair removal treatments.
Arrive for your treatment session with clean, dry skin that is free from lotions, creams or oils. Exfoliate the area you intend to be treated a few days prior so all dead skin cells have been cleared from its surface so the laser can access hair follicles easily. It is also wise to avoid deodorant or other topical products on this area that might prevent your hair follicles from being taken up by laser.
Do not apply any topical products
Laser hair removal requires that the treatment area be free from lotions, creams, deodorant products, sunless tanning products and anything else which might obstruct its path. Ideally, before coming in for an appointment shower and thoroughly clean the treatment area to eliminate dirt or oil that might interfere with the procedure as well as help avoid skin irritation afterwards.
Avoid exposure to sunlight before and after laser treatments for optimal results. Sun exposure makes your skin extra vulnerable, increasing risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring after laser therapy if you already suffer from any sort of skin discoloration or pigmentation issues. This is particularly true for individuals who already struggle with these issues.
If you are taking any medications known to cause phototoxicity, such as anti-inflammatories and antibiotics as well as oral contraceptives or vitamin C supplements, it is advisable to stop them several days before your appointment. If in doubt about what medication might cause phototoxicity speak with your physician beforehand.
Before your appointment begins, it’s essential that you use an effective numbing cream. Over-the-counter options exist and will ensure your skin is completely numbed when your appointment begins.
As with any laser treatment, there may be some discomfort after receiving one; however, this should last no more than an hour or two. Be patient and allow your skin time to heal; if sensitivity arises during this time period cold compresses or topical numbing creams can provide temporary relief.
After treatment, it is vital that you refrain from any activity which increases your heart rate or blood pressure for at least two hours afterward. This will help avoid blood pools in the treated area from forming. Should a minor skin reaction arise after your procedure, don’t scratch or irritate it as this could cause scarring; rather apply aloe vera gel or another topical numbing cream instead to ease any discomfort.
Do not sunbathe
To maximize the efficacy of laser hair removal treatments, it is crucial to avoid direct sunlight before and after treatment. At this time, your skin is extremely susceptible to heat exposure, leading to painful blisters or hyper-pigmentation of skin cells. Furthermore, tanning beds should also be avoided.
If you plan to go outdoors in the sun, make sure you apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat when planning on being exposed for any extended period. Cooling aloe vera gel may also provide relief after laser sessions by soothing any burning sensations, redness, or swelling that may arise from exposure.
When venturing outdoors, ensure that you wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen and wear long pants, a hat and light-colored clothing to shade any areas where sun exposure could occur.
Remember to steer clear of hot tubs, saunas, swimming in ocean or chlorinated pool for at least two days post laser hair removal session as exposure to heat may cause your pores to expand and cause rashes. Furthermore, exfoliating tools like loofahs and body scrubs should also be stopped immediately following.
As chemicals found in these products can irritate your skin and lead to an adverse reaction during laser hair removal, it is wise to avoid cream hair removers that contain chemical ingredients as much as possible. If necessary, apply these sparingly without rubbing over any areas where you apply it.
As part of your laser hair removal treatment, it’s advisable to schedule treatments a few weeks apart so your skin has time to heal between treatments and achieve smooth, radiant skin! Doing this will eliminate any negative side effects while helping you reach smooth and radiant results!
Do not tan
As laser hair removal becomes increasingly popular during the warmer months, it’s essential that those being treated keep their skin protected from direct sunlight – this includes both tanning beds and self-tanners that promote darker hues on your skin. Tanned skin contains more pigment that the laser targets during treatment; if your tanned skin responds poorly it could result in skin discoloration, heat rash or blistering; most laser professionals won’t treat clients who appear visibly sunburnt and instead advise them to reschedule their appointment instead.
Beginning two weeks prior to your laser hair removal treatment is an optimal timeframe to start protecting yourself against sun exposure and using sunscreen on any exposed parts of the body. Apply sunscreen regularly as laser treatment has caused pores on skin to open wider, leaving more vulnerable to bacteria and environmental toxins found in the environment.
Avoid Sun Exposure in addition to increasing Body Temperature With saunas, jacuzzis and other hot tubs until the skin has had enough time to recover and reabsorb moisture from UVB rays.
If you do need to exercise, using a shower loofah or sponge and mild cleanser with which you are familiar will help remove sweat from the skin after each workout. This will prevent irritation or infection during healing processes.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it’s essential that you refrain from applying lotions, ointments or any other substances directly onto the skin – this includes perfume and any other items on the surface of the skin – which could act as a barrier between hair follicles and laser treatments, decreasing results significantly. A good tip would be to lightly exfoliate three to four days beforehand to rid yourself of dead skin cells and leave an uncluttered surface ready for treatment.
