Hairless skin has long been considered an aesthetic goal. Now there are multiple effective techniques for attaining it, such as laser hair removal.
Before attending a laser session, clients should shower and remove creams, makeup and deodorant from the area being treated. They should also avoid prolonged UV exposure; any medications which increase photosensitivity such as Accutane, Retinoids or some antibiotics must be stopped two weeks prior to treatment.
1. No Exfoliation
After laser hair removal, it’s essential that patients wait at least 24 hours after treatment before exfoliating their skin with exfoliants or scrubs containing alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid as these exfoliators may irritate and inflame the skin, potentially increasing discomfort post-laser hair removal. Once that period has passed, gentle exfoliation with gentle scrubs that don’t contain these exfoliants should be done as these could aggravate and inflame it further.
Avoid harsh exfoliants, harsh astringents and alcohol-based toners as these products can irritate and delay healing processes of treated skin. Instead, opt for gentle sugar scrubs with soothing + hydrating ingredients that contain soothing properties.
After laser hair removal sessions, skin can become especially delicate, so it’s best to limit hot showers or baths for at least 48 hours following treatment. You may still take lukewarm ones after that; but keeping heat levels as low as possible to prevent further irritation to the skin is ideal.
Redness and bumps may appear following treatment, which is perfectly normal. While itching may occur, beware of scratching it as this may lead to scarring; instead use aloe vera gel or products from Dr Murad’s range specifically designed to ease irritation several times daily for relief.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it’s wise to refrain from waxing, tweezing and chemical epilation of the area being treated for two weeks prior to receiving laser hair removal treatment. Furthermore, make sure any moles or spots present are addressed by medical professionals as these may make laser targeting more challenging and cause further damage than desired.
2. No Sunscreen
If you use AHAs (made of milk, sugars and other natural ingredients) or BHAs (from botanical sources like tree bark or leaves), your skin can become extra-sensitive to sunlight, making you susceptible to sunburns and tans more often than usual. To minimize their adverse effects, try applying these exfoliators during nightly routines while wearing broad spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
AHAs and BHAs can be combined with other exfoliators, like scrubs or enzyme peels, for maximum exfoliation results. If you suffer from active acne or have other sensitive skin conditions that make your skin extra vulnerable, using products containing AHAs or BHAs could irritate the surface of your skin further. If one of these acids seems particularly irritating to you, test a small dose to see how your body reacts before increasing exposure over time.
Before attending your laser hair removal appointment, ensure the area will be free from products such as moisturizers, oils, or deodorants – these can inhibit laser accessing hair follicles effectively. Shave any extra hair off from the treatment area prior to your visit as well.
After shaving your treatment area, it is best to apply AHA and BHA products so as to not inadvertently shave over any fresh skin. If unsure which exfoliants would best fit with your needs and goals, consult with a dermatologist who can recommend the most effective product and timeframe for application of exfoliants. They will also help determine which times of day best suit these products.
3. No Shaving
Laser hair removal has proven itself an efficient solution to eliminating the need for repeated waxing and shaving, typically taking 6-9 treatments to reach “hairless happiness”. There are certain things you should keep in mind while going through laser hair removal; one of the more frequently asked questions about shaving in between laser sessions should be directed toward medical professionals as this varies from person to person.
Shaving too soon can cause skin irritation, so it is wise to wait until all hair follicles have fully recovered from your previous session before attempting another one. This may take two weeks; until that point arrives it’s best to wait with shaving the area in question.
At this stage, it may help to reduce any temporary discomfort and swelling by applying a cool compress to the treated area several times throughout the day. You could try dampening a washcloth with cool water before applying, or using an ice pack wrapped with paper towel as an effective strategy that may alleviate pain caused by laser therapy. This strategy is safe and can reduce discomfort caused by laser treatment.
Avoid other hair removal techniques, like plucking and waxing, in order to prevent disrupting skin and follicles which have been damaged by laser treatment. Such practices are less effective at eliminating unwanted hair than laser therapy does – leading to less-than-ideal results from laser therapy treatments.
4. No Waxing
Waxing to remove hair can be very damaging to the skin, both physically and psychologically. Waxing not only irritates but also causes friction that can cause redness and bumps. Laser hair removal Miami strongly advises patients avoid waxing or any form of epilating before and after their treatments as the heat from epilators or wax can aggravate your skin, potentially burning and blistering it to reduce results from laser hair removal Miami treatments.
Before attending your laser hair removal appointment, ensure to thoroughly exfoliate the area to be treated. It is advisable to do this one or two weeks in advance so all dead skin has shed and can be eliminated by the treatment lasers. On your appointment day be fully shaven without creams, lotions or makeup covering the treatment site as this will allow the lasers to access all follicles unimpeded by interference from these substances.
After laser hair removal, some redness, swelling or small bumps are common; however, this should subside quickly for most people. Applying a cool compress or some Aloe Vera gel may help relieve any discomfort or pain experienced from laser treatment; alternatively you could take anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen to address pain and swelling issues as needed.
Remember, after laser hair removal your skin will be extra sensitive. Therefore, it is recommended that you limit sun exposure and tanning products for at least a week after treatment, including steam rooms, hot showers or baths, chlorine swimming pools and steam saunas. When going outdoors it is always wise to wear high SPF sunscreen with regular reapplication for maximum protection.
5. No Retinol
Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to permanently reduce unwanted body hair. While this treatment is safe for all skin types, there are certain steps you should take prior and after each session in order to maximize results and achieve optimal results.
Before scheduling your laser session, it’s recommended that all hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, plucking and electrolysis be stopped for at least 2-4 weeks prior to treating an area with laser treatments. As these hair removal methods can alter hair growth cycles and cause further follicle regrowth; furthermore it should also be avoided in this timeframe to protect the skin further from further damage.
Before your appointment, take care to shower and ensure the treatment area is free from lotions or creams that could block laser light from reaching follicles and cause reactions or extreme sensitivity. Deodorant and perfumed products should also be avoided whenever possible, while anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen and similar may increase bleeding or bruising around follicle sites.
After receiving treatment, it’s also advisable to moisturize regularly with a fragrance-free moisturizer without alcohol or dyes – typically one with no alcohol or dyes – such as one from Dermaceutic. Some individuals may experience redness, swelling and small bumps after their procedure but these effects usually subside within several hours – cool compresses, ice packs or aloe vera may help minimize discomfort until these effects subside; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol might also come in handy in case it’s needed.
