Before starting a series of laser hair removal treatments, patients should know a few things, like avoiding sun exposure or waxing beforehand. But, what happens if you exercise after laser hair removal? Proper skin aftercare and following a list of what to do and not to do after laser hair removal sessions are essential for your comfort, including when you can exercise. Board-certified physician Dr. Mukhtar Anees and the dedicated team at Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care)are proud to be leaders in advanced laser services for women and men in the Fort Worth and Burleson, TX areas. Contact one of our team members to schedule an in-person or online consultation today.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Exercising after laser hair removal, what happens if i sweat after laser hair removal, exercise after laser treatment on face, and What activities to avoid after laser hair removal?
Exercising after laser hair removal
Before starting a series of laser hair removal treatments, patients should know a few things, like avoiding sun exposure or waxing beforehand. But, what happens if you exercise after laser hair removal? Proper skin aftercare and following a list of what to do and not to do after laser hair removal sessions are essential for your comfort, including when you can exercise. Board-certified physician Dr. Mukhtar Anees and the dedicated team at Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care)are proud to be leaders in advanced laser services for women and men in the Fort Worth and Burleson, TX areas. Contact one of our team members to schedule an in-person or online consultation today.
What areas of the body can have laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a popular elective procedure for both women and men who want a more long-term solution for unwanted hair. It is a safe and effective way to have smooth and healthier-looking skin while providing long-lasting results compared to more traditional methods, such as shaving, depilatory creams to dissolve hair, or waxing. We will discuss your cosmetic goals and areas of concern for hair removal during a one-on-one consultation at Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care). This allows us to understand your aesthetic needs and determine the right course of treatment. Laser hair removal is highly effective on various areas of the body, such as:
What is recovery like after laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal recoveryOther potential laser hair removal side effects
Is exercise after laser hair removal prohibited?
Patients should avoid hot showers and exercise for at least 24 hours. During sessions, heat is applied to the treated area, resulting in swelling and redness around the hair follicles. While these are temporary laser hair removal side effects, it is essential to avoid any activity that could cause your skin to sweat or heat up, as hair follicles are extremely sensitive for 12 – 48 hours afterward. Body sweat also contains bacteria, which will aggravate sensitive hair follicles, resulting in a rash or possible skin infection. Patients should avoid exercise until temporary laser hair removal side effects have dissipated for best results and optimum comfort.
what happens if i sweat after laser hair removal
Laser hair removalchances
Exercise is one of the best things humans can do to be healthy and feel great, but combining it with laser hair removal requires some thoughtful scheduling. As all of our customers are well-aware, you should not do any intense workouts too soon after getting laser hair removal.
But how soon is too soon? What about exercising before laser? And what does intense mean, anyway? We’ll explain it all in this post!
Can You Exercise Before Laser Hair Removal?
To start, you can exercise prior to getting laser hair removal as long as you give yourself enough time to recover. Heavy exercise increases blood flow to the skin and raises your body temperature. This makes your skin a little more prone to inflammation, but only for the period while your body is still feeling hot from your workout.
To prevent your laser treatment from being too irritating, just plan accordingly! Give yourself enough time to shower and totally cool down after your workout. Waiting 30 minutes to an hour is usually enough. If you know that your body takes longer to cool down then give yourself that time.
When Can You Exercise After Laser Hair Removal?
After laser hair removal, your skin will probably be a little red and tender. Laser works by heating the hair follicle, which leads to a little bit of inflammation and irritation. The last thing you want is to participate in an activity that will make that irritation worse, like exercise.
In most cases, the skin calms down around 48 hours after your laser hair removal, so that’s when you can resume your regular physical activity. However, if your skin is taking longer to calm down, you should wait a little longer to exercise, as well.
What Exercises Should You Avoid After Laser Hair Removal?
Meditative yogaHIIT
You can participate in low-impact activities like going for a walk (as long as it’s not too hot outside) or stretching. On the other hand, any activities that’ll raise your heart rate like jogging, weight lifting, Zumba, crossfit, or an intense team sport are best avoided for at least two days following your treatment.
If you do decide to participate in more relaxed activities, make sure to wear loose clothing that won’t chafe against your skin.
exercise after laser treatment on face
IPL, or intense pulse light, is a laser-based skin therapy that uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat skin conditions. Although IPL is fairly simple and noninvasive procedure, there are some effects that require a few days to recover from.
Exercising may irritate your skin, especially if it is done outdoors exposed to the weather elements. Consult your IPL technician about exercise recommendations and possible limitations after your procedure.
Tip
There may be certain exercise limitations after IPL therapy, so consult your technician for recommendations. You can walk however, but if it’s outside, slather your face with sunblock.
Laser-Based Skin Therapy
IPL is used to treat many skin conditions, including acne and rosacea. It can also help eliminate unwanted hair, skin redness, pigmentation and discoloration. IPL may also improve the firmness and texture of your skin and reduce fine lines and pore size. It is usually done as a series of four procedures, four weeks apart. Each IPL procedure takes around 50 minutes to perform.
The IPL treatments take 20 to 30 minutes on the average according to John Hopkins Medicine. You can expect the treatment are to be cleansed and then covered with a cool gel. Once your eyes are covered with dark glasses, a hand device emitting the light pulses is passed over the are needing treatment.
IPL Post-Treatment Instructions
IPL may cause skin lesions that crust and flake off within two to three days and heal completely in seven to 10 days. Do not pick or scratch the affected areas. IPL may also cause a sunburn-like sensation that usually resolves within few hours to a day but may last up to 48 hours. Help relieve the sensation and hasten recovery by applying ice packs or aloe vera gel to the treatment area every hour.
Exercise After an IPL Facial
Avoid strenuous exercise after laser resurfacing for 48 hours. However, light exercise, such as walking or bicycling indoors, may be allowed and should not cause any harmful side effects. However, avoid exposure to the sun according to Mayo Clinic and other irritating weather elements, such as wind, since the treated areas can be sensitive.
Exercising outdoors may not be advised. Wear protective clothing if you will be walking outside, and apply a sunblock of at least 30 SPF or greater. Avoid swimming for 48 hours. The treated areas should not be soaked in water with chemicals or impurities.
Treat Your Sensitive Skin
IPL treatment makes your skin sensitive, so you should not use any abrasive cosmetics or do abrasive aconites for at least 48 hours. Use mild and gentle cleansers and use lotions that contain vitamins A, C and E.
However, avoid using skin lotions that may be irritating, such as retinol for about six weeks according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Take warm-water showers for the first two days and avoid tubs, saunas and hot tubs. Sweating during exercise may irritate your skin and delay healing.
What activities to avoid after laser hair removal
Laser hair removalhair follicles
A 2020 research review showed that advances in long-pulsed lasers have made it possible for this treatment to address not just dark hair on light skin as in the past, but also darker skin tones, too. Your physician will determine the best lasers to use based on both your hair and skin colors, as well as your hair texture.
Still, despite such advances in technology, laser hair removal remains a complex treatment that requires careful attention to aftercare. The way you care for your skin after the procedure can help reduce the risk of side effects and possible damage.
Read on to learn more about the do’s and don’ts regarding laser hair removal aftercare, and when you should contact your physician for help.
Your physician will give you specific instructions for taking care of your skin after laser treatments. In general, you should do the following to help promote skin healing and to prevent side effects.
Apply cool compresses
Wet a clean, soft washcloth with cool water and place it on the treated area for several minutes at a time. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel. This method helps to reduce temporary swelling and pain after your laser hair removal treatment.
Apply prescription creams as directed
Your physician may prescribe a steroid cream to help minimize any pain and discomfort following your treatment. You may also take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief.
Protect your skin from the sun
Since your skin will be sensitive after laser hair removal, your physician will recommend that you avoid getting direct sun exposure. You should avoid the sun for 1 month before the procedure to 1 month afterward. After this time, apply sunscreen to the area of treatment every day.
Can I shave after laser hair removal?
Your physician will instruct that you shave before your procedure to ensure a more targeted treatment. While you can also shave after laser hair removal, be sure to wait for several hours after skin redness or discoloration has subsided.
According to Oregon Health & Science University, any repeat treatments are typically spread over several weeks or months. The AADA shares that most people need an average of six treatments in total, depending on the area of treatment and individual responses.
Knowing how to care for your skin after laser hair removal is crucial to reducing side effects, but you should also know what not to do after your procedure.
The ASAPS says that redness or discoloration, and swelling are common — but temporary — side effects of laser hair removal. You may also experience mild pain. Such side effects usually resolve within 1 to 3 days, according to the AADA.
An experienced, board certified professional will work to reduce side effects from laser hair removal by using the right types of lasers for your skin and hair color or type. They will also ask you about your medical history and any medications you take that might cause adverse reactions.
More serious side effects of this procedure may include:
According to the ASAPS, while laser hair removal is considered noninvasive and causes minimal discomfort, you should be on the lookout for any possible side effects. You should call your doctor if you notice:
The organization above also shares that due to both general safety and effectiveness, laser hair removal remains one of the most popular nonsurgical procedures in the United States. As with any cosmetic procedure, though, it’s important to follow your physician’s aftercare instructions to help achieve the best results possible.
Taking care of your skin after laser hair removal may reduce the risk of side effects, but not all risks are avoidable. Be sure to discuss the benefits and risks for your hair and skin types with your physician, and to report any new or worsening reactions right away.
