Laser hair removal is an effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair. Most patients find themselves entirely hair free after treatment; however, in certain instances some regrowth may occur.
This treatment may cause adverse side effects like redness, swelling and acne as well as white bumps known as follicular edema. In this article we’ll cover these potential issues and how best to manage them.
Redness
Laser treatments work by targeting light energy on only the pigment of your hair, not its surrounding skin. Therefore, your technician may apply an icepack during and after each session in order to keep your skin cool so the laser only heats the pigment without harming or burning surrounding tissues – thus avoiding red marks or burns on either you or those around you.
Cooling down the area after laser treatment prepares it to heal more effectively from its action. Although you may still experience some redness or swelling for a few hours post-laser therapy, these effects should subside over time and applying cold compresses or taking soothing baths may help ease irritation and swelling.
If you tend to suffer from breakouts, it is recommended not to wear makeup or deodorant on the day of an appointment to reduce clogging of pores and subsequent acne formation. Instead, pore cleansing products containing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients could be helpful.
Prior to receiving laser hair removal treatments, it’s also advisable to avoid products which darken the skin, such as sunless tanning creams. Such products increase your risk of hypopigmentation while interfering with its efficacy.
As part of your laser hair removal sessions, your skin may shed dead cells quickly – this could leave it looking flaky or dry after just one session! To minimize this problem, exfoliate several times weekly using a gentle scrub wash.
After your laser sessions, it is recommended to stay out of direct sunlight and apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Furthermore, avoid engaging in activities which will cause sweaty activity as these can cause your skin to overheat and produce excess oil, potentially leading to ingrown hairs.
If you are considering laser hair removal, contact LH Spa & Rejuvenation today. Please shave the treatment area 24 hours in advance of your appointment and wear loose, comfortable clothing to help ease into relaxation during your session.
Swelling
Laser hair removal treatments can create enough heat to clog your pores with dead cells, dirt and bacteria to cause infection – leading to red bumps that will clear away in just a day or two – this condition is commonly known as “follicular edema”, making its presence known as one of the side effects associated with laser treatments.
Avoid sun exposure before and after your sessions to minimize follicular edema, apply topical aloe vera lotion with 1% hydrocortisone lotion to soothe itching, swelling, or both. Scratching or picking at your skin will only aggravate inflammation further and potentially lead to infection; for further relief use a cold compress for several minutes on affected areas or create your own ice pack by placing several ice cubes in a plastic bag over them for use as an ice pack on them.
If you want to avoid follicular edema during laser hair removal sessions, speak to your provider prior to initiating therapy. Be sure to disclose all medications or supplements taken, as some could cause photosensitivity which might negatively react with lasers.
Before beginning laser sessions, it’s also wise to avoid waxing, plucking and other methods of hair removal such as electrolysis as these methods can irritate the skin and disrupt hair follicles, leading to thicker-than-ever regrowth of dark-haired locks after they return.
Avoid acne breakouts after laser hair removal with skin lightening cream and by not wearing tight-fitting clothing that traps sweat and bacteria against your skin. Furthermore, do not touch treated areas with unclean hands as this could spread bacteria further and worsen breakouts. In case you experience severe outbreaks after laser treatments, call your provider and inquire about a prescription ointment solution.
Itching
Dependent upon the area treated and the type of laser utilized, people may experience redness or itching immediately following their session with laser. This is normal and should subside within hours following therapy; cooling creams such as aloe vera or 1% hydrocortisone cream may help relieve itching to relieve inflammation while also helping reduce long-term side effects.
While itching is usually temporary, if it persists it should be addressed immediately by consulting their clinic or dermatologist for assistance.
Dermatologists will advise when it is safe for their patient to undergo another treatment, however it is also vital that patients take steps in between treatments to protect their skin from further damage. It is advised to use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and avoid tanning beds and other sources of UV radiation.
Patrice Conditsis from Sydney, Australia recently posted a YouTube video depicting the tiny red bumps and itching that began appearing around her lips and cheeks after having laser hair removal treatments for unwanted facial hair. Although Patrice had initially sought these procedures as a solution to facial hair issues, their effects left red bumps with itching that wouldn’t subside despite numerous treatments.
Patrice’s experience isn’t unique, and it is crucial that patients understand that while laser hair removal may be effective at decreasing unwanted hair growth, there are risks involved with treatment. To mitigate them and ensure safety during and after care are provided by licensed providers. When searching for clinics offering laser services it’s best to find a medically run facility with experienced staff and board-certified doctors available as assistance; rather than opting for unlicensed technicians who may not guarantee quality service or provide proper aftercare.
Acne
As with other major beauty treatments, laser hair removal may come with certain side effects. Acne may appear if skin becomes irritated or inflamed after treatments; moreover, skin may become more vulnerable to breakouts if it is not cleansed and moisturized post-laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal can cause acne by upsetting the natural balance of bacteria on your skin and leading to overgrowth of bacteria, leading to breakouts and pimples.
Choose a provider with experience for laser hair removal treatments to reduce the chances of breakouts and ensure that your skin remains protected before, during, and after procedures.
To prevent breakouts, it’s essential that the treated area be gently cleansed after each session with a mild cleanser and without harsh or abrasive scrubs, which can irritate skin further and exacerbate breakouts. Furthermore, fragrance-free moisturizer should be applied daily as this will keep skin hydrated; furthermore loose-fitting clothing shouldn’t trap sweat against the skin and worsen breakouts further; sun exposure aggravates acne further and increases risk for reactions on skin; finally avoid direct sunlight as sun exposure exacerbates breakouts or increases risk for skin reactions on skin sensitivity or sensitisation to light exposure in general.
If you experience pimples after laser hair removal, avoid picking or pinching. Doing this could irritate the skin and result in scarring. Instead, topical medication with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid could help manage breakouts while simultaneously healing skin tissue.
Plastic surgeons may recommend oral medications to treat any bacterial infections that contribute to breakouts, and chemical peels can remove the outermost layer of skin and unclog pores, helping decrease chances of breakouts. Overall, you should expect some redness, swelling and bumps after laser hair removal but these symptoms typically dissipate within days for most people unless your skin is easily irritated; in such instances you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible for proper treatment.
