Laser hair removal may seem straightforward, but results require patience to see. During treatment, a laser beam passes over the skin and damages hair root pigment by targeting its pigment.
Permanent damage must be corrected through multiple sessions held every 4-10 weeks for optimal results.
Do Not Wax or Shave
Laser hair removal offers one of the greatest advantages over traditional methods: permanent removal. Where shaving and depilatory creams only remove the surface hairs, only to see them regrow shortly thereafter, laser treatments target the root of each follicle to stop new hair from growing; waxing or plucking of affected areas must be avoided in favor of laser treatments; only shaving areas that need it is appropriate (not an entire body!).
Shaving is generally permitted prior to receiving laser treatments, since shaving removes hairs that could otherwise get burned by the laser beams. However, shaving may leave little grazes that need healing after your procedure and could prove uncomfortable during recovery.
Additionally, it is wise to forgo any type of skin bleaching or lightening products in the weeks leading up to laser treatment as these could alter your skin tone and increase its sensitivity to laser.
On the day of a laser treatment, it’s also wise to avoid tanning or sun exposure as this can make you more sensitive to its results and compromise its efficacy. Laser treatments have the potential to darken and discolour some parts of your skin which could be particularly difficult on darker skin tones and those with very sensitive skin.
On the day of a laser treatment, it’s wise to wear sunblock with at least 30 SPF for added skin protection against UV radiation that could otherwise damage and prematurely age your skin – this is important when striving for beautiful hair-free skin!
As part of your laser treatment sessions, it’s also important to refrain from plucking hairs that have been targeted. Laser treatments work by targeting pigment in hair follicles located at the roots, so if you have been pluckeding these areas regularly it can hinder their effectiveness; multiple sessions may be required until your follicles no longer produce active hairs.
Avoid Sunbathing
Laser hair removal can be an ideal summer solution, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without being embarrassed about body hair. To get optimal results from this procedure, it is essential that certain precautions be followed in order to achieve maximum effectiveness from the treatment.
Prevent sunbathing before and after treatment as prolonged exposure to the sun may damage skin cells. Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating throughout the day, as well as wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves as additional forms of protection for your skin.
Niki Garcia of Boom Boom Brow Bar in Greenwich Village in New York City indicates that laser hair removal treatments can still be carried out during summer, but preparation is key. When receiving laser treatments, she advises shaving your target area one or three days prior to your appointment and refraining from applying perfumes, lotions or any other heavy products on the day of your appointment.
Before scheduling laser hair removal sessions, it’s wise to avoid exfoliating with any exfoliating tools such as shower loofahs and sponges as their heat can open your pores more readily, increasing their susceptibility to infection. Saunas and jacuzzis should also be avoided since these hot tubs provide ideal conditions for bacteria growth.
Avoid tanning before and after laser hair removal sessions as this can increase your susceptibility to UV rays from sunlight. Furthermore, any part of your body being treated should remain out of direct sunlight for two weeks following treatment.
People sometimes assume that after several sessions of laser hair removal, their skin is less vulnerable to damage from sun’s rays. Unfortunately, this isn’t true – your skin remains hypersensitive and should be treated accordingly for 2-3 weeks after every laser hair removal session, especially if tan lines appear during summer months.
Avoid Retinoids
Bob Dylan famously noted, “the times they are a-changin.” This statement holds true within the laser hair removal industry as well. Over time, doctors and cosmetic laser technicians have gained invaluable experience using lasers to treat various skin types safely and effectively; one key lesson they have taken away from their training sessions includes how to avoid certain products/ treatments before attending laser treatment sessions.
Dermatologists often advise their clients to forgo products containing retinol prior to laser hair removal treatments in order to minimize potential side effects like redness and skin irritation, since retinol increases skin sensitivity. It does so by stimulating your natural process of exfoliation – prompting it to shed dead and outdated cells more readily – making your skin susceptible to hot wax, chemical peels and laser treatments.
For your own safety, to reduce any adverse reactions associated with laser hair removal treatments it is advisable to avoid products containing retinol for several days prior to any appointments and heat sources (hot tubs and saunas) until after your treatments as this could trigger histamine reactions causing irritation and swelling in the treatment area.
Laser hair removal treatments may cause some mild irritation, but that shouldn’t be cause for alarm. Following laser treatment, skin may turn red and may swell up for several hours afterward before returning back to normal as soon as healing takes place. For added comfort and to help alleviate any discomfort from treatment, you may apply a cool compress or ice pack directly over the treated area.
In order to prevent histamine reactions from laser treatments, it is best to refrain from taking certain medications and supplements before your appointment. In particular, antibiotics should be avoided in the days leading up to your laser procedure as they have been known to trigger them. Furthermore, products which irritate skin such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids or vitamin C products could make your skin more sensitive and cause further irritations.
Prevent self-tanning products and tanning beds from stimulating hair follicles and encouraging regrowth by wearing broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily on treated areas.
Avoid Acne Treatments
Laser hair removal works to stop future hair growth and unclog pores that contribute to acne breakouts, helping decrease clogged pores that lead to breakouts. Unfortunately, however, it doesn’t address oil production which leads to blemishes – thus not completely eliminating acne symptoms – so additional products and lifestyle adjustments will likely be required in order to keep skin unclogged and inflamed after laser treatment.
Your dermatologist may advise avoiding certain skincare products in the days prior to laser hair removal, such as exfoliants, scrubs and glycolic acid creams as well as hydroquinone, alpha hydroxy acids and retinols. In addition, chemical peels, sunbathing and fake tanning should all be avoided.
Following your laser hair removal treatment, it is common to experience redness and irritation as part of the recovery process. It should pass within several days; for those with sensitive skin applying ice packs can help relieve this discomfort; otherwise an anti-inflammatory cream should provide soothing relief from redness and irritation.
If you’re experiencing breakouts, it is essential that you discuss them with a physician or laser technician as soon as possible. Being honest about your skin type and treatment requirements (for instance if you have darker skin tones more treatments may be required for satisfactory results.) For laser hair removal a tan may prevent results being seen immediately and require waiting before treatment can start.
Treating mild acne typically involves topical treatments like retinol or benzoyl peroxide products to unclog pores and clear away bacteria. If you suffer from severe acne, however, other forms of treatment might be necessary.
If you suffer from severe or persistent acne, your physician may recommend corticosteroid creams to lessen inflammation and regulate your immune response. They may also recommend light therapy, which uses different wavelengths of light to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation on the skin. This treatment may take place either at your plastic surgeon’s office or using special equipment at home.
