Laser hair removal works by making hair fall out and die, but this process takes several weeks for full sheddery. Exfoliation can speed up this process in preparation for future treatments.
Soft washcloths or very gentle loofahs combined with an exfoliating body/face wash can do just the trick; avoid scrubs that leave your skin feeling parched and rough.
Preparation
If you are fed up with constantly shaving or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser treatment could be your solution. But to ensure it works as effectively as possible, there are some details you must learn prior to scheduling an appointment.
First, it is necessary to prepare your skin for treatment by stopping plucking, waxing and tweezing of the area that needs treating for at least 4-6 weeks prior to scheduling an appointment. This will allow the hair follicles time to form enough hair follicles that will respond positively during treatment.
Exfoliate the area where you will receive laser treatments two to three times every week in order to loosen any trapped hairs that need to shed, and prevent ingrown hairs from forming. However, avoid exfoliating immediately prior and post treatment as this could irritate the area and make it sensitive.
On the day of your appointment, it is essential that you use a gentle soap or body wash that is unscented to clean the area where laser treatments will take place. Aloe vera or soothing cream should also be applied in order to reduce sensitivity and irritation in this region. Avoid applying powders, perfumes, lotions or body oils onto this region for the best results.
As part of your laser hair removal treatment, be sure to shave the area 12-24 hours in advance. This is important so the laser light can target hair follicles rather than growing out hairs; therefore, it is wise to choose a razor that won’t leave razor burn on the area. Alternately, try opting for dermaplaning which uses similar techniques but will leave skin smoother afterwards.
After your laser treatment, the skin may feel slightly irritated and swollen for about 24 hours afterward. To relieve this discomfort, a cold compress or soak the affected area in cool (not hot) water can help. Be careful not to rub the area, which could open pores leading to infection; or over the counter pain medications like Paracetamol could provide comfort as well.
Laser hair removal should not be treated as a one-off treatment, it requires multiple sessions spaced out over 4-8 weeks for best results. Once complete, long-lasting results should no longer require shaving or waxing and maintenance treatments may be needed to catch any remaining hairs that escaped during treatment plan. Once this process has concluded, enjoy summer with beautiful skin!
Treatment
As soon as the treatment commences, a laser will emit light onto hair follicles to destroy them. Some clients may experience redness or sensitivity in the area during treatment – this is normal and aloe gel or hydrocortisone cream should help calm skin down and reduce sensitivity. If irritation continues beyond this point it should be called in at your clinic for additional support – avoid direct sunlight as prolonged exposure could further irritate it further.
After laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended to exfoliate the area once or twice weekly in order to clear away dead skin cells and promote new cell growth, thus decreasing the potential of ingrown hairs post laser session. A sugar scrub is an ideal method as it is gentle on treated skin without causing damage.
Other than exfoliation, it is also crucial that patients who undergo laser treatments avoid plucking, waxing or trimming hair in the treated area as this could disrupt its natural cycle and negate its beneficial effects. Instead, manual hair removal methods should only be employed after all laser sessions have concluded and only then if absolutely necessary.
After receiving laser treatments, it is advised to avoid hot baths and showers in order to minimize skin irritation. Furthermore, using harsh or heavily scented soaps should also be avoided as they may further irritate and clog up pores on your skin. Furthermore, applying lotion on affected areas is also highly advised in order to keep them moist and prevent dry skin formation.
After undergoing hair removal, it’s common for the area treated to appear darker and thicker than before due to hair being shed out of follicles by shaving, exfoliation and shaving multiple times a week – this will accelerate its process and give way to smoother skin in the future.
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is wise to only take cool showers and avoid hot tubs or saunas which could potentially burn and blister the skin. Wear loose clothing which allows easy slipping off over treated areas for maximum comfort and healing.
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, some additional tips should be kept in mind afterward: do not apply sunless tanning products to the area, use makeup or beauty products sparingly, do not shave or tweeze the area to avoid damaging its hair follicles and refrain from shaving/tweezing for at least 6-8 weeks between appointments to allow enough time for healing between appointments thereby optimizing results of each laser session; taking these precautions will yield satisfying and long-lasting results of laser hair removal treatments!
