Laser hair removal works by targeting the base of each hair follicle to slow and stop its growth, so methods like waxing or tweezing that disturb it should be avoided.
Additionally, excessive shaving could cause skin irritation. Also avoid body scrubs with abrasive components.
Sun Exposure
If you are considering laser hair removal, it is wise to avoid going to the beach or tanning in the sun prior and post treatment as your skin will be more vulnerable than usual to UV rays, leading to sunburns and hyper-pigmentation.
Sun exposure can make it more difficult for laser treatments to differentiate between your pigment and that of your hair, leading to decreased effectiveness and potentially damaging side effects like burning, blistering or scarring. If you must go to the beach or tanning bed, it is recommended that you wear long pants and wear a wide-brimmed hat as protection. Be sure to apply an SPF 30 sunscreen.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is advisable to avoid shaving the areas being treated, as this can prevent the laser from effectively targeting your follicles. Furthermore, waxing or tweezing the area before the appointment could remove root of hair which makes targeting harder for laser.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is also wise to refrain from using any products containing chemicals found in sunless tanning products as their chemicals could potentially react with your skin and compromise how smoothly your session goes. Furthermore, any products which could cause sensitivities, including retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid vitamin C and hydroquinone should also be avoided as much as possible. If you do decide to try sunless tanning, opt for one without alcohol content if possible.
Excessive Shaving
Prior to your laser hair removal session, it is recommended that you shave the area being treated. This will reduce thermal injury to your skin and allow the laser beam to target directly at your hair follicles. Also recommended is wearing loose clothing on treatment day and during sessions and drinking one litre of water to regulate body temperature; applying ice in cloth wrap if swelling or itching occur, taking paracetamol for pain relief as anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin can react with laser light light; taking anti-inflammatory medication like these can react negatively with laser light light exposure and cause adverse side effects when targeting hair follicles directly at its source.
After receiving treatment, it’s wise to limit shaving. Although it may be tempting to shave away unwanted growth quickly, excessive shaving will reduce its effectiveness and can damage skin as well as disrupt hair follicles. Other methods for hair removal like plucking, waxing and electrolysis all interfere with these roots as well. Ideally these should all be avoided for six weeks prior to receiving laser treatment.
Scrubbing, exfoliating and using perfumed soaps on areas where laser hair removal has taken place are also to be avoided as your skin will likely be sensitive following this procedure. Any of these actions could lead to irritation and clogged pores – hot showers, baths and steam rooms are best avoided as these may aggravate it further – instead opt for cool water showering instead and don’t scrub harsh or perfumed soaps over this area of your body!
Perfumes
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution to get rid of unwanted body hair. The process uses a light-emitting laser that targets melanin pigment in hair follicles to convert it to heat that destroys them, eliminating or significantly decreasing hair growth in targeted areas, such as legs, arms, underarms or bikini lines.
However, in order to maximize results from laser hair removal treatments there are certain things you should avoid prior to and post procedure – including:
Preferably, for the best possible treatment results it’s wise to forgo lotion, perfume, cologne and baby oil on areas being treated 4-6 weeks prior to beginning any laser sessions. In order for lasers to target dark pigment in hair follicles successfully and be successful with their treatments.
At least 4-6 weeks before and during laser hair follicle treatment sessions, it is wise to refrain from plucking or waxing these areas, since their root must remain undamaged in order for laser technology to effectively destroy hair follicles.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it’s a wise idea to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours prior to each session. Your skin may be extra vulnerable after treatment and direct sun exposure can lead to burns or permanent hyperpigmentation of the treated areas.
Body Scrubs
As soon as laser hair removal has taken place, it is advisable to avoid body scrubs due to their abrasive components that could exacerbate any skin irritation and redness caused by previous laser treatment. Furthermore, scrubs contain fragrances or perfumes which could further irritate an already sensitive area. You should also try not applying deodorant as this could potentially cause rashes in that region.
As part of your preparations, it is also beneficial to avoid applying creams or moisturizers to the treatment area in the hours leading up to your appointment. Doing this ensures the laser can effectively target the hair rather than skin pigmentation. Furthermore, for six weeks before scheduling an appointment you should refrain from plucking, waxing or bleaching hair – doing this will preserve its pigment and ensure successful treatments.
After your laser hair removal treatment, you may experience redness, swelling and/or small bumps for a few days post-treatment. These minor side effects should fade quickly with continued laser sessions; if any discomfort or irritation arises in response to treatment area treatments such as cold compresses; Tylenol or an anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen may be taken for additional support as necessary.
After your procedure, it is advised to minimize direct sun exposure for at least several weeks and apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily on any exposed areas of skin. Furthermore, tanning beds, steam rooms and hot showers should also be avoided in the treatment area post-session as these heat sources can irritate and potentially burn or blister your skin causing burns or blistering. In addition, avoid any form of scratching, rubbing or scrubbing on areas that have received laser treatment while waiting to shave until after healing occurs before doing this step.
Medication
There are certain medications and dietary supplements to avoid prior to laser hair removal treatment, including antibiotics, Accutane, Tretin-A (Retin-A), blood thinners and garlic/gingko biloba extract herbal supplements (which could increase skin sensitivity and risk).
Before your appointment, ensure your skin is as clean and dry as possible by using moisturizer, lotions, oils, deodorant and sunless tanning products sparingly – they could obstruct laser from reaching its target of hair roots. In the days after treatment you may notice itchy bumpy red skin; this is normal and should fade over time; applying a cool cloth containing aloe vera could help soothe any discomfort experienced from these reactions.
Before beginning electrolysis treatment, it is also best to avoid other methods of hair removal such as waxing, tweezing and electrolysis that could interfere with hair follicles and interrupt their natural cycle. It is wiser to forgo these techniques in advance.
If you have any concerns about what should be avoided during laser hair removal sessions, consult with a dermatologist or physician first before scheduling an appointment. They will provide invaluable advice that will best prepare you for treatment; such as which medications and dietary supplements could have an adverse impact on your results – this way ensuring it’s as safe and effective as possible. In addition, consulting will also allow them to assess if you are an appropriate candidate for laser hair removal procedures.
