Laser hair removal can be a highly effective way to get rid of unwanted body hair, yet can sometimes be painful. There are some things you can do to minimize its discomfort.
Prioritize selecting a qualified laser technician. Becoming knowledgeable with lasers takes considerable training.
1. Avoid Sunlight
Preventing sun exposure after laser hair removal is especially essential, as the treatment makes your skin especially susceptible to UV rays which can lead to burns and hyperpigmentation.
Avoiding sunlight is beneficial as it will assist your body in healing more rapidly and effectively after any procedure. While you may experience some discomfort following surgery, loose clothing will help alleviate symptoms.
When venturing outdoors in the sun, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. UV rays still penetrate clouds; so always ensure you use sunscreen even on days that appear cloudy.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is advised to refrain from shaving, plucking, waxing and/or using any sunless tanning products on the treatment area for several weeks prior to using these methods on it. These hair removal methods may interfere with melanin pigment, misguiding the laser beam as an unwanted target and lessening effectiveness of treatment. It’s best to stay clear of beaches, hot tubs or pools within 24 hours after receiving laser therapy treatments as these activities could open pores which lead to infection and compromise results.
2. Apply Cold Compresses
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular solution to unwanted hair because it provides long-term relief with no damage to the skin. Unfortunately, however, laser treatments can sometimes cause discomfort in clients with sensitive skin; fortunately, there are ways you can minimize pain before and after each appointment.
Applying a cold compress can be helpful in relieving swelling and discomfort, while hot showers and saunas should be avoided in the days after your session to protect the skin from becoming overheated and blistering. Furthermore, regular moisturization will keep it hydrated as part of its healing process.
Prevent any discomfort and inflammation before your appointment by taking acetaminophen or Tylenol before hand. Not only can this help ease any physical ailment, but it may also aid with any potential inflammation issues that might arise.
Some individuals experience redness and swelling after laser hair removal treatment. Although these side effects usually subside within hours, they may still be uncomfortable for some individuals. If this occurs to you, cold compresses or an ice pack may provide temporary relief, while taking an anti-inflammatory drug such as Ibuprofen may provide lasting comfort from pain and swelling.
Topical anesthetics may also help alleviate the pain of laser hair removal. Many salons provide numbing creams which you can apply prior to your appointment – be sure to inform your technician of this so you can prepare accordingly!
3. Avoid Sweating
Excessive sweating can interfere with laser treatments and cause skin damage, so it is best to avoid activities which will induce heavy perspiration in the days leading up to your procedure. If this cannot be avoided, apply broad spectrum sunscreen with high SPF to protect the area to reduce sun exposure and help reduce risk of hyperpigmentation after your appointment.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as both dehydrate the body, increasing skin sensitivity and potentially leading to side effects such as pain. Also important is getting enough sleep as lacking rest can alter how your brain processes pain signals.
After any procedure, it’s natural for skin to feel tender and itchy for some time afterward. Scratching can aggravate and prolong recovery; to soothe any itching, try applying a cold compress or taking over-the-counter pain relievers as soon as possible.
After laser hair removal, it’s also wise to avoid exercising for at least several days as excessive sweating can interfere with treatment. If necessary, wear loose-fitting clothes in order to keep sweat away from the treatment area and shower using only mild cleansers; moisturizers or oils on treated areas could prevent laser from accessing follicles effectively.
4. Wear Loose Clothes
Laser hair removal is a popular solution to unwanted hair, making the skin feel smoother and making life simpler. Unfortunately, tight clothing that rubs against treated areas may cause irritation; wearing loose, breathable clothing will help avoid this happening. Furthermore, it is wise to protect yourself from sun exposure by wearing long sleeves if getting treatment for legs or arms.
Laser hair removal sessions rely on targeting pigment in hair shafts; therefore if these hairs become too long they won’t respond as effectively to treatment. If necessary, shaving very lightly before an appointment and applying an emollient afterwards will enhance results.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is crucial that the area be prepared. This includes avoiding direct sunlight and tanning beds while applying sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50+ on affected areas. Furthermore, getting enough restful sleep prior to your appointment will help lower stress and anxiety levels significantly.
As part of your laser technician consultation, be sure to request some type of numbing cream prior to your session – this could make the experience painless!
5. Avoid Tweezing
Laser hair removal is an efficient and quick way to rid yourself of unwanted body hair. Not only is it quick, effective, and time-saving; you may save even more by forgoing razor shaves, tweezing sessions, cream applications or waxing altogether! However, some individuals experience pain during laser hair removal sessions; there are ways you can mitigate this including applying ice packs prior to an appointment and taking pain relievers beforehand.
One effective way to reduce pain during laser hair removal is shaving the area prior to your appointment. This will enable the laser light to directly target follicles, making your treatment less uncomfortable and making laser treatment more efficient. You should also refrain from plucking or waxing in this area so as to maximize effectiveness of laser treatment.
One way to minimize pain during laser hair removal is taking a pain reliever 30 minutes prior to your appointment. This allows the medication time to work its magic and make you more comfortable throughout the procedure.
Be mindful that it may take anywhere between three and thirty days for treated hairs to come out. While scratching may tempt you, doing so may cause further irritation and damage the skin. Instead, use loofa or gentle soaps for washing the area and apply a cool compress if itchy; over-the-counter medicines or soothing lotion may provide temporary relief; for additional support contact our office directly.
6. Avoid Shaving
Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution for unwanted body hair. Although generally safe, laser treatments may cause discomfort; there are several things you can do to mitigate pain during laser hair removal treatments.
Before your treatment session begins, it is recommended that you refrain from shaving on the day or night prior. This will make it easier for the technician to identify and target hair follicles more efficiently. In addition, waxing or plucking in the weeks leading up to it could prevent laser light reaching hair follicles directly.
Before your appointment, it is wise to avoid using products containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid on the area that needs laser treatments, as these chemicals may interact with laser light and make treatments more painful. Sunbeds should also be avoided and wait two weeks before applying a fake tan on this spot.
Finally, try to schedule your appointments outside of your menstrual cycle and avoid caffeine intake as this may increase sensitivity to pain and make laser treatments more uncomfortable. After your treatments, it is normal for the area to become red and swollen but this should diminish within several hours; cold compresses may help relieve any swelling or discomfort in this regard.
