While waxing and shaving take time, laser hair removal is faster and more accurate in targeting individual hairs for destruction. It will ensure every single one is removed efficiently.
Although laser hair removal treatments may still be uncomfortable for some individuals, you can ensure a more pleasant experience by prepping the area to be treated by using a numbing cream prior to beginning.
Numbing Cream
Laser hair removal can be an excellent option for men and women looking to remove unwanted body hair, including unsightly pubic hair. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal provides an effective, permanent solution in just a few sessions – yet some people find the treatment uncomfortable. To decrease discomfort during treatment, some use numbing cream beforehand or utilize cooling devices during sessions; additionally using gel may add extra comfort while helping the laser light target hair follicles more accurately.
There are various numbing creams available over-the-counter and from skincare professionals. Many of these compounding pharmacy-made products contain higher concentrations of anesthetic than typical over-the-counter topicals; such numbing creams may help prepare skin prior to cosmetic laser procedures like tattoo removal or microneedling.
Dependent upon the type of numbing cream used, side effects may include itching, redness or irritation of the skin. If these symptoms become severe, seek medical assistance immediately. Other potentially serious adverse reactions could include tingling of lips and tongue; ringing in ears; or blurred vision.
Numbing creams are generally safe for most individuals when applied according to directions, however they should never be applied directly onto irritated or broken skin. If you have any doubts regarding your use of numbing cream, consult your dermatologist immediately.
Before commencing laser hair removal treatment, it is essential to thoroughly cleanse the area being treated and apply a layer of numbing cream; these typically take 30-60 minutes for maximum effectiveness; it is advisable to choose a product containing lidocaine as its active ingredient if possible.
Prior to laser hair removal treatments, waxing should be avoided as laser treatments require intact hair follicles in order to target and destroy them effectively. In addition, sun exposure should be minimized before and after laser treatments while using sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating is advised.
After laser hair removal, you should not wax, tweeze, or epilate the area as this will disturb the follicle and reduce future treatments’ effectiveness. Although red bumps may appear after treatment, these should clear within 24-48 hours and do not pose a health risk.
Cold Compress
Laser hair removal can provide an effective means to permanently eliminate unwanted body hair, yet can be slightly uncomfortable as the laser vaporizes hair follicles to produce small plumes of smoke which exhale a sulfur-like scent. A cold compress can help ease this sensation.
Cool compresses also help protect skin from the heat of laser treatments, so staying hydrated prior and post treatment is vital. Furthermore, smoking or consuming alcohol on treatment day should be avoided to help your body regulate its temperature more effectively and to limit side effects.
After having their laser hair removal session, some individuals experience redness and swelling that resembles mild sunburn, which can be soothed with cold compresses or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Direct sunlight should also be avoided on any area treated until at least a month has passed after having had laser treatment.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, make sure that you select a reputable clinic with experienced practitioners. Also try not to have it during your menstrual cycle as pain receptors tend to be more active at this time. Also consider having your aesthetician use a dynamic cooling device which sprays cryogenic fluid before and after each laser pulse; some lasers don’t require gel but many older machines do require it.
Topical Anesthetics
If your skin is particularly delicate, you may require topical anesthetic before beginning laser hair removal treatment. An anesthetic cream will reduce discomfort and can make your experience much more pleasurable overall.
An effective anesthetic cream should have a fast-acting formula and contain agents capable of penetrating deep into the skin where nerves reside to ensure maximum relief is provided by its anesthetic agents. This ensures full anesthetic effectiveness is attained.
Numbing creams such as benzocaine, lidocaine and tetracaine are often employed in laser hair removal clinics, and these products can be purchased over-the-counter in pharmacies and drug stores. Experienced laser technicians know exactly how to apply the cream properly so it will be highly effective.
Remember to only apply topical anesthetics on the parts of the body being lasered – any creams used should not be applied elsewhere, such as chest, back, or legs as this could impede results.
Additionally, it is critical that you abide by all instructions from your anesthetic product manufacturer. Any misuse or overapplication could cause an adverse reaction that affects the entire area of skin affected by it.
There are various topical anesthetics available, from gels and sprays to creams and ointments, so it is crucial that you choose one that best meets your individual needs and your laser treatment.
Ideal anesthetic choices will include skin penetration enhancers that increase the speed at which active ingredients penetrate the skin. This can reduce potential side effects such as hypo- or hyperpigmentation and burning of the skin that could otherwise interfere with laser hair removal treatments.
Before your appointment, it is wise to lightly exfoliate the area a few days beforehand in order to rid it of dead skin cells and ensure maximum absorption of any anesthetic creams used. Furthermore, sunlight exposure may reduce its effectiveness; sun rays can interfere with how efficiently an anesthetic works.
Gel
Topical gel can help protect the skin from the laser’s prick, helping reduce any risk of side effects and ensure safe treatments. Gels are especially helpful for those with sensitive skin or who experience histamine reactions, available as cream or ointment forms that should be applied prior to hair removal treatments; for optimal results it should remain on your skin for at least a few minutes prior to beginning hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal uses a laser beam that emits light waves that absorb and destroy pigment in hair follicles, leading to the root removal and permanent reduction in number of hairs. Treatment takes place either in a doctor’s office or salon by certified technicians; clients should avoid plucking, waxing and tanning at least six weeks prior to their first treatment session, in addition to using skin irritants such as moisturizers, perfumes or sun products in the area being treated.
Laser hair removal offers several distinct advantages over other methods for eliminating unwanted hair: no pain and discomfort are experienced during each “zap,” targeting only follicles rather than surface hair; thus eliminating pain from shaving or waxing altogether.
Laser hair removal offers several advantages over shaving or waxing in terms of speed and convenience, especially on smaller areas like the upper lip. Even larger areas like legs or back may take longer but this option still much quicker than traditional options such as shaving or waxing every day. Laser is therefore ideal for busy individuals who lack time for shaving and waxing routinely, providing another great option to those on-the-go!
While histamine reactions to laser hair removal may occur rarely, if this does happen it’s important to use histamine-reducing topical cream or gel prior to each session to help minimize this reaction which may cause redness, swelling and itching in the treatment area. This may prevent more serious reactions in future.
