Laser hair removal is an innovative and safe solution to unwanted hair growth. The procedure uses focused beams of light to damage hair follicle roots, effectively stopping their future regrowth.
After receiving treatment, however, you should take extra caution in how you care for your skin. Too early showering could lead to burns and blistering of the affected areas.
Wait at Least 24 Hours
Laser hair removal is an increasingly safe and effective solution for permanently eliminating unwanted body hair. While downtime following laser hair removal sessions is minimal, you should avoid doing certain activities while your skin recovers in order to maximize effectiveness and minimize complications such as irritation or infection. In particular, you should wait at least 24 hours after laser hair removal sessions before showering – taking care when doing so to ensure proper healing afterward.
As part of your post-laser hair removal treatment, it’s also essential that you select an appropriate shower or bathing experience. Lukewarm water instead of hot will help reduce swelling and discomfort during recovery from laser hair removal treatment, and mild soaps along with gentle scrubbers/sponges are recommended to cleanse your skin thoroughly after laser hair removal treatments. Fragrant body washes that contain harsh ingredients should also be avoided since these can further irritate sensitive skin caused by laser hair removal treatments.
As part of your shower or bath experience, it is also important to avoid exaggerated rubbing of treated areas of skin, as this can irritate and inflame them further. If after your shower or bath you find yourself itchy afterward, try resisting scratching in favor of applying hydrocortisone cream instead. This should reduce itching.
After each shower, be sure to apply moisturizers on any affected areas to keep them soft and healthy. In addition, it is a good idea to wear clothing designed to shield skin damage.
Waxing, plucking and shaving should also be avoided to maintain optimal hair removal results. Shaving may disturb the roots of hair follicles causing unwanted changes in both color and texture to your skin. If shaving becomes necessary after laser hair removal sessions only should this occur in the direction of growth and with care taken to shave with caution in the direction of growth.
Avoid Hot Water
Hot showers may aggravate your skin after laser hair removal, especially in the treatment area. They can cause pain, swelling and redness and decrease effectiveness as they force blood closer to the surface which exacerbates its effects.
Showering should only involve using lukewarm water with fragrance-free soap or body wash and gentle loofahs or sponges for cleansing; loofahs, sponges or exfoliating mitts may cause severe skin irritation, leading to clogged pores or even scarring after laser hair removal. Excessive scrubbing can damage treatment areas after laser hair removal as it could potentially expose sensitive tissue underneath and result in scarring.
As it’s also essential to avoid activities which cause sweating or friction on the treated area of skin for at least 24 hours after treatment, it’s wise to avoid gym classes, sauna sessions or any other physical activities which cause excessive sweating such as running. Wear loose clothing which doesn’t irritate or rub against it as this will also help.
After your laser hair removal appointment, it is also best to avoid swimming for 48 hours afterward, both as swimming pools contain chlorine and lakes/rivers/oceans can harbour bacteria that could irritate your skin further. Furthermore, tanning should also be avoided for this period.
After several days have passed, you can resume showering as normal; however, using cold water rather than hot can help your skin recover faster and reduce any itching that might arise following laser hair removal.
Putting some hydrocortisone cream on an itching area may provide relief and alleviate discomfort caused by laser treatments to damaged hair follicles; this is a normal response and will fade once your skin has fully recovered from their treatment.
Once your laser hair removal treatment has been completed, it’s crucial that you follow any post-treatment tips recommended by your laser technician. If you aren’t sure what steps are needed for you, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from them as they will have specific advice based on your individual needs and type of laser being used – these will allow for smooth skin for many weeks ahead!
Avoid Exfoliation
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, your skin is very delicate and should be protected from excessive heat sources such as hot showers, baths and other heat sources. Heat can lead to blistering of the skin. Furthermore, exfoliation should be avoided for several days after your procedure as this could cause severe irritation and lead to blocked pores.
If you must shower following laser hair removal, using cool rather than hot water is recommended to minimize redness and inflammation caused by laser treatment. An unscented body wash may be beneficial as well, ensuring you’re not using products with harsh chemicals or perfumes which could irritate the skin.
After your laser hair removal treatment session, it is also wise to avoid swimming, hot tubs and saunas as these facilities may contain chlorine or other harsh chemicals which may irritate the skin. If swimming becomes essential for you then wait until redness and swelling have subsided before proceeding with swimming.
After laser hair removal sessions, excessive sweating should also be avoided as excessive perspiration can lead to the build-up of bacteria and debris on your skin, potentially irritating and making itchy areas worse.
Itching can be an uncomfortable side effect of laser hair removal. To prevent further scarring or other health complications, apply hydrocortisone cream directly onto your skin in order to soothe its itchiness and ease discomfort.
After laser hair removal, you should avoid plucking, tweezing or waxing any new hairs that appear, as this may prevent the laser from doing its job of eliminating those hairs. Furthermore, it would be wiser to forgo any abrasive scrubs or exfoliating sponges in the shower in favor of unscented body wash as an effective alternative.
Avoid Excessive Sweating
Within 24-48 hours following laser hair removal, it’s best to avoid activities that might lead to sweating such as gym classes, sauna sessions and hot yoga classes. If necessary, showering at this time should use mild soap with cool water for maximum effectiveness.
After laser hair removal, it’s also essential that hot water be avoided on the treated area as it can irritate and burn the skin, leading to pain, swelling and the risk of infection. Cool or lukewarm water is gentler on skin and will aid recovery faster after laser hair removal.
After their first laser hair removal treatment, some individuals may experience intense itching of the treatment area, especially if this was their first experience. Although the discomfort of itching may be bothersome at times, it should dissipate within days; if necessary, try using hydrocortisone cream to alleviate symptoms of itching.
At least 24 hours should pass before showering after laser hair removal, as excessive sweating can lead to an infection in your skin which is very painful and sweat clog pores which causes redness, irritation and blisters.
If you must shower following laser hair removal, it is recommended that you pat the skin dry with a towel rather than rub it dry as this could irritate or further harm its delicate structure. Furthermore, any scrubs, loofahs, or exfoliating products such as scrubs should be avoided until all damage has healed completely.
Lastly, if you must shave after laser hair removal, use only a razor that’s either new or has been professionally sharpened. Avoid shaving too frequently as this may lead to redness, irritation and itching of the skin – wait until these symptoms have subsided before trying waxing or shaving the area again.
Avoid swimming in lakes, rivers and the ocean as their chlorine-laden waters may irritate skin irritation and increase risk of infection. If swimming becomes necessary, always wear waterproof sunscreen that offers UVA/UVB ray protection.
