Burn scars can be an unfortunate reality of life, but they don’t need to remain permanent. Laser treatment provides a safe and noninvasive means of removal.
Those seeking laser scar removal should make sure to select an experienced provider, by researching online reviews and doctor ratings in their chosen procedure.
1. Apply Aloe Vera
Burn marks are scars caused by thermal injuries to our skin. These injuries may be due to direct contact with hot objects, fire, electricity or certain chemicals like acids as well as sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn mark, hypertrophic or keloid scars may develop which are shiny, fibrous and raised or depressed on their surfaces.
As soon as a burn occurs, it is essential to soothe its pain quickly in order to promote skin healing and reduce discomfort. A quick way of doing this is running a cold or lukewarm bath; beware however of using any greasy ointment or spray that could trap heat further and worsen your injury.
To soothe a burn, cold compresses can be applied directly onto the affected area or by wrapping ice cubes in clean cloth or paper towel and applying this directly on top of it. Both methods will effectively relieve pain and swelling but you should refrain from placing ointments or creams directly on it to avoid infections that could arise later.
As part of your post-laser treatment care, ensure your wounds are taken proper care of to reduce scarring. This includes avoiding sunlight as well as using moisturizers that increase melanin, leading to greater laser light absorption by the skin. In addition, paracetamol or ibuprofen should help alleviate pain associated with these treatments.
As another natural way of treating burns, mixing coconut oil with aloe vera gel may also prove effective. You can then apply this combination several times daily on the affected area; coconut oil acts as a moisturizer that will aid skin healing faster, while aloe vera gel soothes burned skin while relieving any itchiness or redness caused by any burns.
If you need to treat an extensive area, make an appointment at a beauty center where a trained professional can assess and provide guidance on proper care of the burns. They can also suggest treatments or products which could work for your particular skin type and types of burns you have.
2. Apply Ice
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment option for unwanted facial and body hair, yet some individuals experience burns during this process. Thinner skin tends to be more vulnerable, while those who recently received an ultraviolet tan may also be susceptible to laser-induced burns.
An effective method for treating laser hair removal burns is to rapidly cool the affected area with cool or lukewarm water until pain subsides. Ice or extremely cold water should be avoided as this could restrict blood vessels near the skin, potentially inhibiting its healing potential.
After soothing the burn, apply a thick layer of protective ointment such as petroleum jelly to the area to help soothe pain caused by laser hair removal burns. Do this at least twice daily, or whenever necessary. In addition, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may provide temporary relief from pain caused by laser hair removal burns.
Another method is soaking a washcloth in cold water and ringing out any excess. Hold it against the burned area for several minutes – this should reduce swelling and itching while soothing inflammation. However, be sure to switch out this wash cloth regularly.
Laser hair removal burns may result in blisters. To avoid infection and bacteria-laden fluid entering through any openings created in these blisters, it’s best not to pop or burst them. Instead, allow the blisters to heal on their own before cleaning out any dead skin that clings and trimming with disinfected scissors that have been disinfected with alcohol.
Laser hair removal burns typically heal in 10-15 days with the appearance of a scab that will eventually peel off, though more serious burns may require medical intervention and medication from a provider.
3. Apply Vitamin E Oil
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, your skin may develop dark marks known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While this is a normal side effect of laser hair removal, you can reduce or even completely eradicate this pigmentation with some simple home remedies.
Follow all first aid instructions given by the clinic where you received laser hair removal treatments, such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease swelling. It’s also essential that blistered areas be kept clean and dry to avoid infection from spreading through. Do not pop blisters or scratch at your skin which could result in infection.
Vitamin E oil can help soothe burns and make them less itchy by providing moisture and soothing antioxidant properties to soothe the skin, making it feel smooth and comfortable again. Furthermore, its photoprotective properties help safeguard it against sun damage – available as lotions and ointments or as capsules with gel inside to use directly onto wounds.
Vitamin E can also act as an excellent moisturizer and anti-scarring aid by supporting collagen and elastin production, in turn encouraging scar tissue healing. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective at treating burns or treating other skin issues. For maximum sun protection of scarred tissue it would be wise to opt for moisturizer with high SPF protection.
Exfoliation can also help diminish laser burn marks on face by clearing away dead cells and stimulating new growth. You can find exfoliating scrubs at most skincare stores or make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and olive oil together in equal parts. Exfoliate affected area twice daily until mark has faded away completely.
Select a qualified and experienced provider when seeking laser hair removal treatments. Read online reviews or doctor rating sites to understand what others have experienced before consulting your dermatologist for recommendations.
4. Apply Moisturizer
Moisturizer can help prevent scars from becoming too rigid and unsightly, and over-the-counter (OTC) emollient creams are widely available at pharmacies and large drugstores. Apply it daily until it heals completely – avoid products containing antibiotics as these could potentially cause infection to set in.
Prior to your laser hair removal session, apply a moisturizing product as this will cool the skin and enable the laser to pass over smoothly. In addition, use topical cooling gel from your laser hair removal service provider in order to avoid burns.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against both ultraviolet A and UV B rays) of at least 30 SPF after your laser treatment to the burned area, taking extra care to avoid tight clothing that rubs against it; tight clothing could aggravate burns further and increase scarring.