Laser hair removal provides an effective solution to unwanted hair growth, eliminating the need for depilation, waxing and shaving while creating an evener skin tone.
After laser hair removal sessions, skin may feel like itching stings; red or swollen areas might also occur; this itching typically lasts one or two days and subsides over time.
Causes
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted body hair. While laser removal is usually used for aesthetic reasons, it may be used to treat medical conditions like hirsutism (excessive hair growth in women), hypertrichosis (extra hair on male skin), or psoriasis. Furthermore, it may reduce stretch marks or scars as well.
Procedure is generally safe, and any side effects experienced are generally temporary. To be prepared for them and be aware if any arise, it’s essential to understand why certain side effects arise and know what actions can be taken if any arise.
Hair removal lasers work by targeting pigment in hair follicles. If your skin becomes tanned, however, this could confuse the laser for hair follicles and damage surrounding tissue – to avoid this, avoid sun exposure or use high SPF sunscreen before treatment begins; additionally it’s advisable to shave 12-24 hours prior to any appointment for best results.
Moisturizing the treatment area prior to your appointment is also crucial for minimizing dryness and irritation, which can worsen pain during treatments. Furthermore, caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided as these dehydrate skin.
Laser hair removal often causes ingrown hairs, or hairs that grow back into the skin rather than outward, leading to redness and itching. On rare occasions, they may even form bumps similar to acne; these post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) marks may appear several hours to several weeks following laser hair removal treatment.
Rare but possible adverse reactions of laser treatments include blistering, changes to skin tone and texture, or scarring. These side effects are most likely to arise if you use at-home laser kits or receive treatments from someone untrained and certified for laser therapies.
Most side effects associated with laser hair removal treatments can be avoided by adhering to the pre and post treatment instructions provided by your laser clinic. If any concerns arise, be sure to speak with one of their medical staff members or speak to a doctor on staff directly.
Symptoms
Laser hair removal treatments may cause irritation due to heat from the laser destroying hair follicles and can result in redness, swelling, burning sensations and itching if left untreated. In order to reduce these symptoms before and after treatments it is important to drink plenty of water and use fragrance-free moisturizer on the treatment area in the days leading up to them; additionally it is wise to wear broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen after the procedure to minimize sun exposure risk and further protect skin health.
Treatment typically lasts anywhere from several minutes to over an hour, and afterward it is crucial that sun and tanning bed use be avoided, with steroid cream available to reduce discomfort after therapy and help avoid blisters. Furthermore, follow all instructions provided by your practitioner regarding after-care for best results.
Some patients may experience a histamine reaction after laser hair removal, leading to itching and hives. Although this side effect is uncommon, it can typically be prevented by taking an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl or Zyrtec prior to beginning their procedure and applying soothing creams or gels post procedure in order to alleviate itching.
Other side effects of laser hair removal may include changes in skin tone, such as darker or lighter patches on your body. While these changes usually vanish over time, permanent ones could occur if an incorrect laser type or setting is used. These issues can be avoided by consulting with a dermatologist experienced in laser treatments and following their recommendations for care.
Laser treatments may also be unsafe for some individuals. Pregnant women should avoid receiving laser treatments while their hormone levels return to normal; other people who should forgoing laser treatment include those who have experienced keloid scarring or skin healing issues.
Treatment
If laser hair removal inflammation is an issue for you, there are various treatments to help decrease it. A gentle scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells clogging hair follicles can be effective. Also try applying cooling gel or applying cooling strips directly over affected area to soothe irritation. In order to minimize irritation before your session begins, avoid skincare products which irritate your skin like shaving 12-24 hours prior to laser session as well as caffeine and alcohol prior to being treated.
Laser hair removal should also be carried out with great caution when exposed to direct sunlight, as prolonged sun exposure increases your risk of burn marks or scars. If necessary, wear high SPF sunscreen that has been specifically developed for laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal can be used to address many different skin issues, from ingrown hairs and razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) to excess hair from birthmarks or grafts. Unfortunately, some parts of your body such as eyes or pregnant bodies should not be subjected to laser treatment, including pregnancy-related issues or extra hair growth in such areas as birthmarks or grafts.
Laser hair removal inflammation can be reduced by following your laser hair removal specialist’s pre- and post-treatment instructions, including avoiding direct sunlight and using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day; additionally, tanning beds should be avoided as much as possible.
When seeking laser hair removal, it is essential to inform the provider if you have any sensitivities to light. This will enable them to determine if this treatment will be successful for you. In addition, be sure to inform them if any medications or supplements may cause photosensitivity on the skin.
If you experience laser hair removal inflammation after treatment, it is wise to avoid the affected area until its redness and swelling subside. A cooling cream containing aloe vera or non-comedogenic lotion may speed the healing process.
Prevention
Laser hair removal can be an efficient, long-term way to get rid of unwanted hair, without the pain associated with shaving or waxing. Furthermore, it also eliminates ingrown hairs and razor bumps more effectively than shaving or waxing can. Unfortunately, some individuals experience laser hair removal inflammation that affects results of treatment as well as causes irritation: this issue could negatively impact results and cause discomfort for them as a whole.
Laser hair removal treatments can irritate the skin when they heat it up, creating an effect similar to sunburn. To avoid this happening, after each laser hair removal session it is wise to avoid direct sunlight for some time, using instead a soft wash cloth or ice pack as cooling measures; additionally you may benefit from taking anti-inflammatory or cooling medication in order to decrease any redness and swelling afterward.
Choose a technician with experience performing this type of procedure to optimize results and minimize side effects like blistering and inflammation. A knowledgeable professional knows how to customize their laser’s parameters depending on your skin color or type, thus lowering risks of side effects like blistering.
Before embarking on laser hair removal, ensure you get plenty of rest the night before. A lack of sleep can alter hormone levels in your body and increase pain receptor activation during your session. In addition, stay hydrated before your appointment and try not to take caffeine or over-the-counter medicines that thin blood or increase pain levels as these could reduce overall comfort levels during treatment.
The number of sessions required to fully remove unwanted hair will depend on its thickness and color as well as any hormonal influences at play, and on your dermatologist’s recommendations regarding frequency. It is also important to avoid overdoing it by having too many treatments in an unexpectedly short amount of time; doing so could reactivate hair follicles which produce new hair, so best follow his or her recommendations regarding frequency. Typically, people require five treatments spaced four weeks apart, which is significantly less upkeep than shaving or waxing which typically require regular trips back to their dermatologist for results to last.
