Red bumps appear right after laser hair removal may seem alarming, but are actually part of the natural healing process. They’re caused by inflammation of hair follicles.
Utilizing a cooling lotion or compress can be very effective at soothing irritation and discomfort. Furthermore, avoid shaving or other hair removal methods like plucking or waxing as this could disturb follicles that produce hair growth.
Redness
Redness and swelling are two of the more frequent side effects of laser hair removal treatments, though most individuals should see these symptoms decrease within weeks of receiving their treatments. Applying aloe vera gel or lotion can help soothe skin symptoms quickly after treatment has concluded; exercise, saunas and hot showers should be avoided until skin has returned to its usual state; over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be taken for discomfort relief.
After laser treatments, some people may also experience itching due to heat from the laser damaging hair follicles and leading to their destruction or killing, which causes the skin to react with itching. While scratching may temporarily reduce symptoms, prolonged scratching could exacerbate them and result in unsightly scarring that worsens over time.
There’s also the risk that blisters may form after laser therapy treatment; this is more common with darker complexions as their melanin can absorb more laser energy than lighter complexions. It is important not to pick at or scratch at these blisters, as picking and scratching may cause infection.
Laser hair removal often leads to pimples and acne breakouts as its heat opens the pores in the treatment area, filling them with dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt particles which cannot escape their host bodies and become trapped inside a pus-filled sac. When this happens, an immune response kicks in to try and expel them resulting in pus-filled sacs filled with pus forming under your skin as part of its defense mechanisms against invasion by these pathogens.
Makeup, deodorant or any other products should not be applied directly onto areas where you have had laser hair removal sessions as this will irritate the skin and make it more sensitive to laser heat. Furthermore, plucking or waxing should be avoided as these methods can disturb hair follicles causing inflammation; sun exposure should also be limited since tanned skin attracts laser light more readily and could burn or blister more readily; hence why wearing high SPF sunscreen daily is advised.
Swelling
Some individuals experience red bumps, irritation and temporary discomfort immediately following laser hair removal sessions. This is normal and should dissipate over the following few days on its own. You may want to use cooling aloe vera lotion or non-comedogenic moisturizer in order to soothe the area; additionally, an ice bag wrapped in paper towel could provide additional cooling relief from burning sensations, swelling and redness.
Laser hair removal treatments performed by medical professionals will reduce your risk of side effects. Your laser technician should be licensed physician, nurse or laser technician with training in dermatology or cosmetic surgery – not spas or salons where nonmedical staff perform laser hair removal services.
Your doctor will advise you on how best to prepare and care for your skin prior and post laser hair removal sessions. Avoid sun exposure; apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply as needed; also shave before laser hair removal session since the laser targets pigment in hair follicles, so too tanned skin could fool it into mistaking hair follicles for hair.
Once your laser hair removal treatments have been completed, it is wise to wait several weeks before shaving again. This is because only approximately 1/3 of hair follicles are currently active growth phases; those which weren’t at the time of your treatments will return with new growth and produce additional hair.
Hair that does come out during this waiting period should fall out naturally over time; while you still may need to shave regularly between treatments.
If your skin becomes irritated, scaly or bumpy after laser hair removal treatments, consult with a dermatologist immediately. They can assess if this is a normal side effect and how long it should persist before offering suggestions to alleviate its symptoms.
Irritation
Do not panic if your skin appears bumpy after laser hair removal; this is perfectly normal and will pass. The bumpiness is due to dead hairs being shed from hair follicles as you undergo your laser sessions; to accelerate this process, exfoliate several times each week between appointments in order to speed up this process of shedding them faster.
Apply a cooling lotion containing aloe or 1% hydrocortisone directly onto the affected area for relief of any burning sensations, redness or swelling. If itching persists however, contact your laser technician as they may prescribe stronger medication that can alleviate itching.
After your laser hair removal session, it is recommended to avoid hot showers, baths and saunas as these can further irritate the skin. In addition, sweaty workout clothes should be changed out immediately post workout and tight clothing should not cover treated areas; such fabrics trap sweat against skin surface and block pores leading to an increase in bacteria that could potentially cause acne outbreaks.
After your treatment, you may notice that the hairs you had removed become bumpy and prickly for several hours following irritation from the laser energy. A topical steroid cream should be applied directly to the area or cool compress or bath may help alleviate discomfort in this instance.
Within weeks after laser hair removal, your hairs may start falling out naturally – this is a normal and desirable side effect, as it demonstrates its success. In this time frame it’s also helpful to refrain from plucking or waxing them as doing so can cause them to grow back quicker.
Laser hair removal treatments often cause redness or discoloration to the skin due to treatment and inflammation, though this should typically subside within several days on its own. If not, OTC painkillers like Ibuprofen may help relieve discomfort.
Acne
Sometimes acne may arise following laser hair removal treatments, typically due to the body’s response to heat from the laser beams. This process causes pus-filled bubbles, commonly referred to as pimples, which appear on the skin after laser treatment has taken place. They usually resolve themselves on their own over time as your body heals itself – however you could try moisturizing after each session to help avoid future breakouts.
Laser hair removal often leaves patients with itchy skin, which can lead to scratching which aggravates and irritates it further. Scratching increases risk for infection and scarring; instead try cooling creams, ice (do not directly apply ice), or over-the-counter itch relief creams instead.
People with sensitive skin may notice their acne flare-up shortly after receiving laser hair removal treatment, as the hair follicles remain open for several hours following the procedure and more susceptible to irritation from bacteria and environmental elements. Furthermore, the removal of thicker hairs from their pores may lead to them becoming blocked more quickly.
Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective solution to unwanted hair growth. But if you notice red bumps weeks post-laser treatment, it is wise to consult with a physician as they can provide tailored advice tailored specifically for your skin type and symptoms.
If you are seeking long-term relief from unwanted hair growth, Nao Medical’s experienced dermatologists offer tailored solutions for smooth and bump-free skin. Schedule your consultation now.
As part of your consultation, we will assess your skin health history and discuss what you hope to get out of laser hair removal treatment. Based on this assessment, we will recommend the most suitable option. Reach out today so we can get you underway!
