Laser hair removal involves pressing a handheld device against the skin in order to emit laser light, targeting sweat glands located both beneath and on its surface.
Experts generally advise waiting at least 24 to 48 hours following laser hair removal to engage in intensive physical exercise, citing various reasons. Here are a few.
1. Skin Irritation
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, some clients experience an uncomfortable prickling sensation around the treatment area immediately afterwards. This is caused by heat from the laser opening up pores to let out dead cells and bacteria, leading to irritation that could burn or blister skin cells escaping their nests – using cooling or numbing cream after each laser session can help relieve these side effects of treatment.
Do not scrub the area being treated with soap or exfoliating creams as this can further irritate it. Instead, moisturizer should be applied to keep the area hydrated; additionally it’s wise to use sunscreen, as sun exposure can irritate skin further leading to pigmentation or blistering of skin cells.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, sweat glands in the treated area may temporarily stop functioning – this could last from several days to even weeks depending on individual circumstances and is necessary for the treated area to heal properly and minimize risks of complications. While it can be frustrating, this step must take place for optimal healing to take place and avoid complications that could otherwise arise as a result.
Once the treatment site has fully healed, sweat production should return to its usual levels. For best results, consult with a dermatologist or professional who performed laser hair removal for guidance specific to your situation.
At this stage, it is best to limit physical activities that cause sweating such as running, swimming, weight training, spinning classes and yoga. Furthermore, hot showers, baths or saunas should also be avoided in order to avoid overheating which would trigger your sweat glands in the affected area to start working again.
If exercising, wear loose, comfortable clothing and use sunscreen. In addition, choose a deodorant without fragrances or perfumes to be gentle on your skin and to help avoid further irritation. It is also important to avoid applying lotions directly on treatment areas as this could clog the pores further leading to further irritation; additionally, any scratching can result in scarring which should be avoided at all costs; try soothing any itching with Sudocream or After Inked which have been designed specifically to promote healing while preventing rashes.
2. Infection
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to penetrate the skin and dismantle unwanted hair. Unfortunately, this same energy may also impact surrounding tissues such as sweat glands that produce perspiration to regulate body temperature and cool off. If you experience inability to sweat in an area after laser hair removal treatment, it should usually resolve itself over time as healing takes place in that region.
Histamine reactions are another possible side effect of laser hair removal that may cause itching and swelling in the treated area, though these symptoms can usually be reduced with over-the-counter antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Zyrtec. Cold compresses or soothing creams/gels applied directly to the treatment site may help alleviate discomfort as well.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, some individuals may notice their skin looks darker or lighter following their session. This is due to thermal damage from the laser; it should resolve itself over time as your body repairs itself. In rare instances, people may also experience crusting which can be quite uncomfortable or lead to scarring if left untreated.
If you have recently undergone laser hair removal and cannot sweat in the treated area, it’s essential that you discuss this with your practitioner immediately. They will determine whether the issue is temporary and should resolve quickly or if more serious measures must be taken immediately.
After laser hair removal, it is generally safe to resume exercise immediately provided the area where treatment was done is not overly warm. You must however avoid hot showers and saunas and any type of exercise which causes sweating for 24-48 hours post treatment; this includes running, swimming, weight training spin classes and yoga.
Sweat and bacteria combine to produce volatile organic compounds that create unpleasant body odor, and while deodorants and anti-perspirants may mask it temporarily, they don’t stop bacteria from sticking around your skin. Laser hair removal alters biological structures of hair follicles to significantly decrease sweat production by 90% – not completely eliminating sweat production, but certainly significantly decreasing it, leading to overall decreased body odor.
3. Body Odor
Laser hair removal offers many advantages, from reduced shaving or other hair removal methods to helping decrease body odor. Other factors may contribute to it as well, such as sweating, bacterial growth and hormonal fluctuations; but these can be managed through maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding perfumed lotions that irritate skin.
After your treatment, it is recommended that you avoid exercise, hot showers and saunas for 24-48 hours as your skin may still be sensitive and this can irritate or exacerbate sensitive hair follicles which can result in rashes or infections. Furthermore, any creams or lotions should also be avoided so your skin can return back to its natural state faster and more effectively.
The area around your axilla is home to both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Achieving balance among them requires maintaining hairs which absorb excess sweat; when these hairs are removed this could allow odor-producing bacteria to colonize in their place and form an infection on the skin surface.
Studies have demonstrated a correlation between armpit odors after laser treatments and the predominant bacteria strains present on skin – specifically Staphylococcus epidermidis, M. luteus and S. aureus which tend to produce less pleasant scents.
Laser hair removal cannot control bacterial growth directly, but it can dramatically decrease sweating that occurs underarms and therefore the amount of deodorant and antiperspirant products used to combat body odor. While laser hair removal won’t eliminate it altogether, it may make it less noticeable, particularly after several sessions. Furthermore, many individuals report feeling more comfortable after having their underarm hair removed, helping boost self-esteem and confidence both at work or social settings.
4. Dry Skin
Sweating is a normal part of body function for most individuals; however, for some laser hair removal treatments this ability may become impaired temporarily and vary from person to person; so for best results consult with a dermatologist or professional that performed your laser hair removal treatment and discuss possible guidelines specific to your personal situation.
As soon as your laser hair removal session is completed, any skincare products – including makeup, deodorant, and body wash – should not be applied directly onto the treated area. The heat from the laser reopens pores which leads to build-ups of dead cells and bacteria which leads to pimples – effectively tiny infections within your skin that require medical care treatment to get rid of.
To avoid this from happening, use gentle fragrance-free cleansers known for their moisturizing qualities and avoid taking hot showers or baths that strip your skin of its natural oils. Furthermore, regularly moisturise the treatment area using cream or lotion – especially after your first few laser hair removal sessions as your skin may feel tight and dry.
After your laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended to refrain from engaging in intense exercise for approximately 24 hours post-session. Physical movement may create friction between thighs, leading to friction-induced skin heat up and discoloration in that area. To minimize risk and keep yourself comfortable while exercising safely, loose, breathable clothing such as cotton underwear and shorts would help.
After your laser hair removal session, it is also essential that you refrain from swimming for at least 48 hours post-treatment. Swimming in pools, lakes or oceans may irritate and inflame the skin, further delaying its healing.
Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective treatment option when administered correctly by trained experts, provided all guidelines provided by their dermatologist or professional are strictly abided by for optimal healing and to minimise potential risks.
