Searches for laser hair removal are on the rise with people Googling on their phones about the permanent solution to smoother legs have risen by 150% recently.
It probably coincides with the time of year, after summer when everyone is back in long trousers and tops is easier to book in for treatments to de-fuzz skin.
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And, as laser hair removal works better when your skin is paler, you will get better results.
To know all about what you should and shouldn't do before checking out a clinic, we've spoken with Specialist Aesthetic Practitioner, Petrina Nugawela of MBA Clinic to break down all the dos' and don'ts.
First-timers to laser hair removal may not know the right way to prep the skin before heading to the clinic or salon.
Petrina says, 'Before laser treatment for hair removal, make sure that your skin is clean, dry and free from any cosmetics, including skincare and sun cream, lotions, deodorants or makeup. Products on the skin can increase the likelihood of adverse responses to the laser.'
'I recommend stopping using any products that contain Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids (AHA/BHA), hydroquinone, retinol at least seven days prior to treatment,' she adds. 'This will make sure that your skin is not too sensitive or fragile.'
A common query about laser hair removal is the subject of when you should shave the area before treatment, and then what do you do between sessions if they are weeks apart?
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'One of the most frequently asked questions is about removing hair in between laser sessions. It is so important to not pluck or wax any hair on the area that is treated or even has been treated in the past. This can disrupt the treatment process and stimulate the hair follicle, leading to potential regrowth.'
With some people just getting from holiday, Petrina has some tips about when to book your session and a good tip to keep ingrown hairs at bay.
She says 'Two to three days after your hair removal session, you need to begin gently exfoliating your skin. Use a soft washcloth, a puffy shower sponge, a gentle loofah, or an exfoliating body wash. Do not use harsh scrubs that can leave your skin feeling dry. Continue to do this two to three times a week for the first two weeks after your laser hair removal as this minimises the risk of ingrown hair and encourages the shedding of treated hair.'
'After treatments make sure you are wearing SPF30 or above daily, even if you are not tanning, this is to protect your skin sensitivity. I'd recommend waiting at least one or two weeks before exposing your skin to the sun intentionally, again you should do this with an SPF 30 or above. After a sunny holiday/sunbathing, treatment shouldn't be done until four to six weeks post-holiday.'
