Is Laser Hair Removal Safe on Face and Body?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

Pro: Laser hair removal is much gentler on your skin, saving time on maintenance costs while eliminating ingrown hairs from growing back into place.

Before going in for any session, it is recommended to refrain from exposure to direct sunlight and use of self-tanners as these may increase the risk of temporary side effects.

It’s Safe

Laser hair removal should not cause permanent side effects when performed by an experienced practitioner; however, people should adhere to all pre and post treatment instructions to minimize risk of skin irritation and other potential issues.

Before beginning laser hair removal sessions, practitioners typically begin by cleaning and applying a numbing gel to the treatment area. Next, the laser emits pulses of heat which damage hair follicles so they no longer produce hair; this painless process usually only involves several small pulses with certain areas being more sensitive than others.

Following laser treatment, skin may appear red and tender afterward – similar to a sunburn. Moisturizers and cold compresses may help alleviate this reaction; sunscreen should also be worn when heading outdoors after laser therapy treatment has taken place; as should avoidance of waxing, plucking or shaving the treated area for several weeks afterward.

After laser treatments, when hair does regrow it tends to be thinner and lighter in color, making them less visible than before. Laser therapy often provides people with an almost hair-free surface for months or even years after just one or two sessions.

Note, however, that laser treatments should not be administered to individuals suffering from certain medical conditions or taking specific medications – including men with gynecomastia, those taking testosterone or other hormones and those experiencing hormonal imbalances such as PCOS. Furthermore, receiving laser treatments while pregnant or breastfeeding would also not be advised.

No matter its risks, most people find laser hair removal safer and more effective than alternative solutions for getting rid of unwanted body hair. Plus, it requires far less upkeep than shaving, waxing or threading!

If you are contemplating laser hair removal, it is wise to first consult a dermatologist. He or she can assess if laser treatment is a safe option for your circumstances and goals as well as recommend a provider who has sufficient expertise and training in order to perform it safely and effectively.

It’s Effective

Laser hair removal differs from shaving or waxing by targeting the actual hair follicle that produces your hair growth, rather than simply targeting its surface area. By targeting this follicle directly, it destroys it to stop future hair growth by permanently stopping future cycles of follicular renewal. Although results typically require four to six sessions for full effectiveness, once achieved it will save money in the long run by no longer paying for waxing services or purchasing razor packages every month.

Laser hair removal is generally safe for most individuals, though it may cause side effects including red skin, itching and swelling (follicular edema). These symptoms typically subside within two or three days. If you suffer from allergies or have preexisting medical conditions that could make undergoing laser treatment dangerous, please consult a healthcare provider before beginning.

Some patients may experience pain during their procedure, which is entirely normal. You might feel something similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin – the exact sensation will depend on which area is being treated. If this becomes bothersome for you, your aesthetician will provide topical anesthetics to reduce any discomfort.

Before your laser treatment, it is wise to forgo any activities such as tweezing or waxing that could interfere with hair follicles and reduce its effectiveness. Furthermore, avoid prolonged sunlight or wear high SPF sunscreen because lasers make your skin hypersensitive to UV rays; excessive exposure could result in hyperpigmentation in treated areas.

As part of the laser hair removal process, your skin may become itchy or swollen as it heals. If this happens to you, don’t scratch as this could lead to infection; apply a cold compress instead.

At home, it is also wise to avoid applying over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams as these could impede how your skin responds to laser treatments. Furthermore, exercise and hot showers may irritate sensitive skin post-laser treatments which is healing.

It’s Fast

Laser hair removal can reduce the time spent shaving, waxing and tweezing your face. A full face treatment takes as little as 15-20 minutes, with permanent results so you won’t ever have to deal with unwanted hair again; however, annual maintenance treatments may still be needed for optimal results.

Before your treatment starts, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and a numbing gel may be applied. A practitioner will use a handheld device against your face to activate the laser, giving a sensation similar to rubber band snapping against skin; although individual responses can differ. You will also be provided with goggles so as not to get laser in your eyes.

Some individuals may experience redness, swelling and even a light rash after having cosmetic procedures performed. While this is completely normal and can be reduced with frequent applications of an ice pack to the face. You can also apply moisturizer to soothe any affected areas afterward. It is wise to stay out of direct sunlight after having had such procedures done; however, normal activities and exercises can resume immediately afterwards.

Use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily can protect the treated area. Avoiding sunless tanning products that interfere with laser targeting hair follicles as well as chemical peels or other skincare treatments in the week leading up to an appointment can reduce irritation risk.

Before going in for treatment, it is essential that any hair in the area be shaved or trimmed. You should also reschedule if you experience sunburn or other open cuts as this could damage epidermal layers and prolong treatment time. Furthermore, aspirin and any medications which might increase bleeding should also be avoided as these could prolong healing process and delay its outcome.

Laser hair removal works best on dark hair due to melanin pigment. Lighter-colored hair may require multiple sessions before visible results become evident, although once they do appear they should last months or years.

It’s Affordable

Laser hair removal can be an ideal investment for anyone who’s grown weary of shaving, tweezing and waxing their body hair. By conducting adequate research you should find a clinic offering affordable sessions. Opting for laser hair removal for both the face and body can save time, money and pain – so do it now!

Lasers use light energy to target melanin in hair follicles and destroy it, thus stopping new hair growth. Over time, this will prevent unwanted growth while making existing hair appear much thinner. As technology improves, laser hair removal becomes even more effective for all skin types and colors – becoming increasingly accessible to everyone.

Finding an experienced laser hair removal practitioner is of utmost importance. A laser is an incredibly powerful tool which can cause irreparable harm if misused; be sure that the practitioner you select meets set standards of training, skill and insurance before proceeding.

Most people experience redness and irritation immediately following laser hair removal for several hours following treatment, which can be managed using ice packs or cool baths. Some individuals may also experience skin crusting or blisters which should be addressed immediately to avoid long-term issues. In addition, your treated skin may temporarily darken or lighten in response to laser therapy; usually these effects will fade over time; they could persist however.

Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is wise to minimize sunlight exposure as much as possible and make use of broad spectrum SPF sunscreen daily to safeguard the healing of your skin.

Laser hair removal may not be suitable for everyone, but it remains one of the best treatments available to achieve permanent hair reduction and prevent future growth. Before proceeding with laser treatment, consult a dermatologist first as they will know which treatments will be most appropriate to meet your unique needs and how many sessions may be required for effective hair reduction.

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