When performing laser hair removal, it's best to arrive with clean skin free from lotions, oils, deodorant, or tanning products, as these could impede its effectiveness.
Your skin may become extra sensitive after treatment, especially in the first 24 hours after your session. To keep it at its best, keep it clean and use pure aloe vera gel from 100% organic sources to nourish it.
This article will discuss the dos and don'ts of laser hair removal aftercare so you can have a safe and positive experience.
Redness & Bumps are normal.
After laser hair removal, redness and bumps are normal and should pass over time. It is important to avoid picking or scratching them as this could result in scarring and infection; aloe vera gel or lotion might help, as could using a cool compress with a towel to soothe your skin.
After receiving laser treatment, it's not unusual for the area to look sunburnt for 2-3 hours post-treatment due to laser light-absorbing pigment in hair and skin cells; darker skin types tend to experience hyperpigmentation.
After laser hair removal, it is not unusual for dead skin cells and scabs to form; this will subside in time. To minimize discomfort during this process, be careful not to pick at or scratch at these sores - instead, pat gently with a clean cloth. You should notice dead hairs beginning to shed five to thirty days post-session; exfoliation can speed this process along.
Cleanse the area and treat it gently.
The area that will be treated should be cleansed with a gentle soap that does not contain harsh chemicals and fragrances and pat dry instead of scrubbing. Also, avoid applying lotions or oils, as this could hinder the laser from reaching its full effectiveness in reaching hair roots. Also, remember to prevent self-tanning products since these could further darken skin and interfere with laser treatment results.
As with any treatment, post-laser treatments often cause some redness and sensitivity similar to sunburn; this should pass within several hours and eventually subside. If symptoms persist beyond this point, we advise applying a cool compress frequently on the area in question.
Once your treatment has concluded, you will likely notice your hair beginning to thin and shed due to dead follicles being destroyed by the laser. To speed this up, gently exfoliate with a washcloth or scrub and avoid sunlight exposure as much as possible.
Potential side effects of laser hair removal
Redness and small bumps are common side effects of laser hair removal but can be reduced with proper skin care afterward. Applying cold compresses or washcloths soaked with cold water directly onto the skin as well as taking Tylenol can help ease pain and swelling; avoid picking at crusting as this could lead to bleeding, scabbing, or scarring; aloe vera gel can also provide soothing comfort to soothe any sore spots on the body.
Finding an experienced technician for laser hair removal sessions is essential. When searching, look for board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, licensed nurses, or physician's assistants with experience providing laser treatments. Speak to the physician beforehand about reviewing your medical history, medications, and expectations for the procedure.
Laser hair removal is often considered permanent, yet a series of four to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart for maximum effect can produce optimal results. Patients may require periodic maintenance sessions as regrowth occurs and any stubborn hairs needing removal remain present. It's normal for some discomfort during a session; most men and women say it feels like tiny rubber bands flicking the skin.
No makeup lotion or deodorant the first 24 hours
Within 24 hours after treatment, all lotions, moisturizers, and deodorant must be eliminated from the treated area to allow the laser to access hair roots effectively and achieve successful procedure results. Furthermore, such products can irritate and potentially worsen existing skin issues.
Moisturizers and lotions may clog pores, leading to rashes and irritation. Sunless tanning creams should not be applied around underarms after laser treatment has taken place for this reason.
Before your appointment, limiting sun exposure for at least 1-2 weeks is also advisable, using self-tanners containing hydroquinone or other ingredients that make your skin sensitive to UV rays. Doing this will decrease sensitivity to UV rays and help you prevent hyperpigmentation and burns; swimming pools containing chlorine, lakes, rivers, and the ocean, have bacteria that could irritate your skin further. When swimming, it is also wise to wear a rash guard. It would also be helpful to bring waterproof sunscreen along!
Dead hairs will begin to shed 5-30 days after
After laser hair removal, dead hairs will begin to fall out from the treated area - appearing like stubble - which is entirely normal and helps the area recover faster. Exfoliation should help speed this up significantly.
Avoiding direct sunlight is vital, as your skin can be vulnerable. If your work or errands require you to step outside, apply plenty of sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
Occasionally, new hairs will sprout back after hair follicles have entered the telogen phase (resting stage). This regrowth can occur at any time and usually appears finer and lighter in color; therefore, it is advised that a series of laser hair removal sessions take place to manage it effectively.
Your skin may become irritated or sunburnt after laser hair removal, so having some soothing aloe vera gel or an ice pack with you may help ease discomfort from treatment and manage side effects such as redness and swelling.
Exfoliate to speed up the hair shedding.
Are You Seeking Alternative Solutions to Shaving, Waxing, or Plucking Unwanted Hair? Laser Hair Removal may be the Solution! Though results can be achieved after multiple Laser Hair Removal treatment sessions, proper aftercare must be observed after each treatment session to maintain desirable outcomes.
Apart from avoiding sun exposure and applying sunscreen, there are other steps to help expedite the shedding process after laser hair removal. Exfoliating can remove dead cells clogging your pores that could otherwise trap hairs within them after they've been detached from their follicles, speeding up their release.
Exfoliation can encourage hairs to move through their growth cycle and shed quickly. Be careful not to exfoliate treated areas until they have fully recovered, as doing so could cause additional irritation or damage. Also, avoid hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, and heating pads which can further irritate sensitive skin; opt for more excellent or lukewarm showers instead.
Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight.
After laser hair removal, you should avoid direct sunlight as UV rays have been known to cause hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions. Wear sun protection outdoors if necessary, and cover any treated areas when venturing outside for any reason.
It is also vital that no harsh skincare products be applied directly to the treatment area, such as scrubs or alcohol-based toners that may irritate and prolong healing processes. Instead, gentle and soothing products like aloe vera gel and cortisone cream should be utilized.
After your laser hair removal appointment, avoiding applying heat to the treatment area is essential. Hot showers, saunas, and jacuzzis should all be avoided, as these can burn the skin. A cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth or paper towels may help alleviate redness or swelling; similarly, avoid picking or trying to remove any scabs that form after the procedure; this can lead to scarring and infection; shave gently when necessary.
Do not pick scratch wax thread or tweeze the area.
Laser hair removal often leaves people with the urge to scratch. We advise against this as this could cause scarring. Instead, use soothing fragrance-free moisturizer multiple times daily on affected areas for hydration; cooling cloths wrapped with ice can also provide extra soft post-treatment comfort.
After having your treatment, we strongly advise against using body scrubs that contain exfoliating ingredients, as these could irritate sensitive skin and potentially exacerbate post-treatment redness and swelling. It is best to wait several days after your session before exfoliating any affected area.
Finally, it is wise to avoid direct UV radiation, which can cause serious side effects, including skin burning and permanent pigmentation. When outside, use plenty of sunscreen. We also suggest forgoing hot showers, baths, saunas, jacuzzis, or steam rooms, which could further increase body heat, irritating and inflaming treated skin.
