Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution to rid yourself of unwanted body hair. The procedure uses laser light to target and destroy hair follicles, sometimes producing an uncomfortable stinging sensation during treatment.
Before laser treatment, it is vitally important that skin be free of makeup, lotions, tanners, and deodorant in order to decrease risk of hyperpigmentation or burns.
1. It can interfere with the laser
Laser hair removal is a popular and effective solution to unwanted hair removal, working by targeting and destroying individual follicles to stop new hair from growing back. Before scheduling laser treatments, it’s essential that patients know which products to avoid; deodorant being one such item that could interfere with laser light waves and cause skin irritation.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is imperative that deodorant not be applied as it could block the light being produced by the machine and make targeting and destroying hair follicles more difficult, leading to less effective results.
Furthermore, it is also essential that any topical products be kept off of the area that will be treated, including makeup, body wash and deodorant products, since they may irritate and cause sensitive skin reactions after laser hair removal treatments. It is advisable to wait 24-48 hours after having had laser hair removal treatments before applying antiperspirant or deodorant products such as deodorants.
If you have any doubts regarding whether it is appropriate to use deodorant prior to laser hair removal, always seek advice from a healthcare provider. They can advise on the most effective course of action and help ensure you achieve the smooth, hair-free appearance desired.
Laser hair removal may be the ideal long-term solution, with safe, effective results and minimal discomfort – and especially suitable for people with sensitive skin.
As part of your preparations for laser hair removal, it’s essential that you shave the area where treatment will occur at least 24 hours before your appointment so that the laser can effectively target hair follicles. Furthermore, make sure you wear loose clothing that won’t restrict or hinder the procedure; tight clothing may cause friction during treatment and make for an unpleasant experience.
Before your appointment, it is also wise to avoid tanning as UV rays from the sun can heighten skin sensitivity and render treatment less effective.
2. It can irritate the skin
Anytime you make changes to your skincare and hygiene regimen, the potential exists for irritation or allergic reactions to occur. This is especially true with deodorant which contains many synthetic ingredients which your body has become used to over time. Switching from an aluminum-containing formula to natural deodorants with aluminum-free alternatives may cause your armpits to develop an itchy rash as your body adjusts; however if this persists or worsens seek medical advice immediately.
Some individuals also experience yeast infections when switching to natural deodorant, due to an alteration in underarm pH levels that leads to Candida growth that causes itching and flaking. If this occurs to you, applying some vinegar may help restore an acidic environment and eliminate your yeast infection.
Opting for natural deodorants may lead to redness, dryness and bumps on your skin. If this happens to you, use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion on the area until its symptoms subside.
Prior to receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is vitally important to avoid tanning or using tanning cream, as this can alter your skin pigmentation and impede results. Furthermore, shaving, plucking and waxing should be done 4-6 weeks in advance so that hair roots remain undamaged when your appointment arrives.
On the day of your laser appointment, it is also wise to forgo using any skincare or deodorant products and perfume, makeup and perfume or any other personal care items to the area being treated by laser. Makeup, perfume or any other personal care items should also be avoided in that area. Exfoliation should also be saved until after treatment as harsh peels or scrubs can irritate the skin further – gentle exfoliation using non-comedogenic products free from talc, alcohol and dyes is acceptable – your treatment specialist may even apply an anesthetic cream for optimal relaxation during their session!
3. It can increase your risk of infection
Deodorants contain chemicals that may irritate your skin and increase your risk of infection, so it’s best to wait until after having undergone laser hair removal before using deodorant or antiperspirant products as this will give your body time to heal from infection, which could result in scarring, discoloration and increased sensitivity in the area.
Maintaining clean skin is key when it comes to laser hair removal, so avoid lotions, tanners, deodorants, and makeup prior to your appointment. Also important is not picking or rubbing at treated areas and being aware that redness and bumps may occur following treatment; choose loose clothing when heading out as tight clothing can rub against this sensitive area and cause further irritation.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it is best to refrain from plucking or waxing the area being treated, since laser hair removal works when its root remains in place and plucking/waxing can remove this root and make it harder for the laser to target and destroy its target follicles. Furthermore, bleaching your hair could alter its pigment and make targeting the laser harder than necessary.
When choosing deodorant, opt for natural, unscented options as commercial deodorants often contain ingredients which can irritate sensitive skin. Furthermore, perfumed body sprays should also be avoided as these may aggravate existing issues with your skin as well as increase risk of infection.
Make sure to cleanse the treated area prior to leaving for your appointment in order to help avoid rashes on treatment day, and bring wipes as you might need reapply them during your session. If rashes do develop on treatment day, contact your physician immediately in order to discuss appropriate remedies for treating it.
4. It can interfere with the results
Your laser hair removal provider should give you a list of rules to abide by prior to scheduling an appointment for laser hair removal, such as not wearing makeup or applying lotions to areas being treated, and refraining from certain skin products (deodorant) for 24 hours post session in order to optimize results while minimizing discomfort. These steps will ensure optimal laser performance and minimize your discomfort.
After laser hair removal, it is also vitally important to avoid antiperspirant or deodorant as these products can aggravate the area, rendering it more sensitive than necessary and leading to an unpleasant rash and increased discomfort after the procedure. Hot showers, baths, or saunas should also be avoided for 48 hours after having laser treatments as this will increase sweating and cause skin irritation.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it is also advisable to refrain from plucking or waxing the hairs in the area, as the laser must target pigment in hair follicles in order to work effectively. If you pluck or wax beforehand, the laser may be unable to locate them effectively and may produce unfavorable results. Furthermore, for several weeks prior to your visit it is wise to stay out of direct sunlight in order to minimize hyperpigmentation and burns risks.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution to unwanted body hair. While it may seem painful at first, laser hair removal treatments have become much less so in recent years, so following these basic rules to maximize results makes your experience successful and enjoyable! If you are ready to rid yourself of unwanted body hair for good, reach out for more information regarding laser hair removal today – we can find the ideal solution tailored to meet your unique needs and goals – contact us! We look forward to speaking to you!
