Before laser hair removal can begin, your skin must be free from makeup, creams, deodorant, oils, sunless tanning products and any other lotions or potions. Mild redness or swelling may occur post-laser hair removal treatment but is entirely normal; cooling compresses may provide temporary relief.
Plumping, waxing or tweezing should be avoided as these methods disturb the hair follicle and decrease its effectiveness of laser treatment. Shaving is acceptable; just be sure to use a fresh razor.
Makeup and Creams
No matter your skin type, on the day of laser hair removal it is wise to refrain from wearing makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant or sunless tanning products as these may interfere with light penetration and adversely affect results. In addition, sweat or debris should be cleaned away prior to arriving for the appointment using mild soap in lukewarm water – this way arriving with completely clean skin should improve results substantially.
After your treatment, it is also advisable to refrain from hot tubs, saunas and excessive exercise for 24 hours post-procedure as these activities can cause your pores to open further and encourage bacteria growth resulting in breakouts.
Waxing, plucking and tweezing should also be avoided before receiving laser light pulses; these methods can damage hair follicles that will be affected by laser pulses. If necessary, pluck or shave at least two days prior to scheduling laser sessions so your follicles have time to heal.
Prior to laser hair removal, it is advisable to forego Botox, fillers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least three days prior. In addition, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protection every day when outside and apply it regularly over your treatment area – this will protect it from further damage and premature aging.
Sunscreen
Some skincare products can make your skin more photosensitive, potentially diminishing its response to laser hair removal treatments. Therefore, it is recommended that any sunscreens containing padimate O and oxybenzone (both listed on EWG’s “do not use” list) should be discontinued 2-3 days before beginning laser hair removal sessions.
At least two weeks prior to laser treatments, it is wise to refrain from tanning (sunlight and sunbeds), self-tanners, and any creams which dye the skin as this will help reduce hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin).
Shaving areas targeted for laser hair removal is perfectly acceptable and recommended; however, you must refrain from waxing, tweezing or plucking those areas prior to treatment as this will hinder its ability to target individual hair follicles with laser beams.
After your laser hair removal session has concluded, use fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the treated area hydrated and avoid direct sunlight by using high SPF sunscreen (at least 30). Ice packs may help to reduce redness and swelling; but be careful not to scratch as doing so could cause infection or scarring. For optimal results use cool water showers rather than baths for at least 24 hours following each treatment session to keep from overheating the area.
Shaving
Before your appointment, shave any areas to be treated to ensure hairless skin that will make the treatment process simpler and faster. Avoid waxing, tweezing, or plucking as these practices prevent laser from targeting hair roots efficiently resulting in reduced effectiveness of treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinol and hydroquinone can increase photosensitivity of skin, so it’s wise to limit exposure before treatments such as laser and light treatments. Be sure to stop using these ingredients several days prior to starting any therapy sessions that include them – for instance in body washes or lotions containing them.
Exfoliation should be performed carefully before and after your service, in order to avoid cuts in your skin that could take days to heal from. Furthermore, avoid shaving in the treatment area for 48 hours after your service as this may be irritating.
Avoid saunas and hot showers within 24 hours before starting treatment as this could heat up your skin, potentially leading to an adverse reaction. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t rub against the treatment area for maximum comfort during and after your session; finally, avoid picking at any scabs that form after your session as picking at them could result in scarring.
Waxing
Before your appointment, ensure your skin is completely bare of makeup, creams and antiperspirant products as these could impede with laser treatment results.
Prior to your procedure, it is advisable to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as these can dehydrate and sensitize your skin, making it more sensitive to light.
Before scheduling a laser treatment session, we advise shave the area being targeted a few days in advance to encourage hair follicles into an active growth phase, making laser targeting much more successful. Furthermore, plucked, waxed and chemical epilation should be avoided for two weeks prior to your session as this can minimize damage to your skin.
Before arriving for laser treatment, make sure that you cleanse the treatment area with soap and water using soap dispensers or showering prior to going into a salon. Doing this will remove any dirt or oil that might cling onto the surface of your skin before the laser can reach its goal – the root. Furthermore, any lotions, creams or oils applied directly on to this area could obstruct its path towards reaching you hair roots.
If you suffer from a medical condition that makes your skin more delicate, please consult with your physician prior to scheduling laser hair removal treatment. Certain blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medicines or hormone therapies may make laser hair removal too uncomfortable to bear.
Retinoids
Prior to beginning laser hair removal treatment, your skin must be free from makeup, creams, lotions, perfumes and any other skincare products such as perfume. Sunless tanning products and self-tanners interfere with laser light’s ability to target hair follicles effectively; additionally it is wise to avoid caffeine, particularly coffee consumption prior to your appointment as this could give rise to feelings of nervousness.
Additionally, it is wise to utilize gentle exfoliation techniques prior to going in for laser hair removal. Harsh peels and aggressive scrubs should be avoided as these can harm the surface of your skin; alternatively a light moisturizer with exfoliating properties but no alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids is acceptable as an exfoliator.
Following your laser treatment, it may be beneficial to apply aloe vera or vitamin E gel directly onto the area to soothe it and decrease redness. In addition, it’s wise to wait at least 24 hours between sun exposure and using broad spectrum sunscreen, and avoid extremely hot showers and baths as well as patting rather than rubbing your skin dry with towels.
Attaining optimal results requires forgoing other hair removal methods like waxing or tweezing as these methods disrupt follicles that respond positively to laser treatment, so regular sessions every 4-6 weeks is ideal to achieve maximum effectiveness from this procedure.
Anti-Aging Creams
Laser hair removal works by targeting the base of a hair follicle and inhibiting its ability to regrow. Therefore, other methods that disturb or disturb and disturb its ability should be avoided prior to and during your laser hair removal course – this includes methods like waxing, tweezing and plucking which affect hair beyond skin surface which interfere with laser light pulses used during treatment – therefore these should be avoided at least 4-6 weeks prior to commencing any laser hair removal course.
Other steps you can take to prepare for laser hair removal include cleansing the area to eliminate any creams or lotions that might interfere with the procedure, and forgoing products or ingredients which increase photosensitivity such as salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or retinols for several days leading up to your appointment.
At the same time, avoid sun exposure or tanning beds for at least a period of six months. Make use of broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ protection on any treatment area daily regardless of weather.
Finally, to achieve a more natural appearance you should forgoing any self-tanners or sunless tanners and use products like Shea Butter or Vitamin E oil instead to moisturize.
