It can be an absolute nightmare for women to keep up and get rid of hair from parts of their bodies. Social norms often ask that women have smooth legs and armpits even if doing so can be an absolute inconvenience for them.
A news report from 2013 even noted that women spend a total of 72 days shaving their legs over the course of a lifetime of approximately 1,728 hours. That same story said shaving was ranked the most hated beauty ritual by women with 35% of those surveyed saying they loathed shaving their legs more than anything.
The good news is that a less time-consuming and safer non-surgical procedure is now available instead of shaving. Using non-ionizing radiation that is safer than the sun, laser hair removal targets where hair growth begins. The specialized lasers heat the melanin in the hair follicle and destroy the source of hair growth, effectively preventing further hair production.
Things To AVOID Before Laser Hair Removal
Before your appointment, it’s best to remember a few things that you should avoid doing.
Avoid Using Skin Products
The market is full of all kinds of skincare products. Some of these actually increase the photosensitivity of the skin and, since laser hair removal uses light to target hair follicles, they are more likely to increase the risk of burning your skin.
Two to three days before your laser hair removal treatment, stop using products with active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol. Wait another 2-3 days after your procedure before resuming normal skincare routine. A gentle cleanser or lotion can be used on the treated areas.
Another set of products to avoid are depilatory creams. It causes skin to be more hypersensitive and can cause the hair removal procedure to be even more painful so it would be advisable to avoid using them altogether.
Avoid or Limit UV Exposure (Sun and Tanning)
Again, due to the use of light in laser hair removal, ultraviolet (UV) tanning beds should definitely be avoided two weeks before undergoing the treatment. The treatment area should also be kept away from extended sun exposure.
Nd: YAG laser systems are what are used for hair removal and can be used on all skin types, whether light or dark. Yet the UV light used in these machines can make the skin hypersensitive to the laser and might even damage the skin.
The laser can also make your skin sensitive when exposed to UV light resulting in your skin burning rather than tanning. Thus, it is also recommended that you avoid tanning at least two weeks before and after your laser hair removal treatment.
Otherwise, your skin may tan unnaturally with the areas treated by the laser left permanently hyperpigmented. In addition, try using a recommended broad-spectrum mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis.
No Waxing and Tweezing
It is important to note between appointments that the previously mentioned laser targets pigments in the hair. If you go through tweezing or waxing, effectively damaging the follicle, then their laser hair removal will not work and the hair will grow back.
The hair shaft is used as a conduit to transfer laser hair energy down into the unwanted hair follicle before destroying it. Removing the unwanted hair prior to laser hair removal takes away the means for the laser energy to travel into the follicle. Thus, it cannot be destroyed.
After your most recent waxing, wait at least one month before beginning laser hair removal. The success of the laser treatment depends on the preservation of the root and the pigment of the hair.
Avoid Blood Thinners
There is a very low possibility that bleeding will occur during laser hair removal. However, it is probably best to avoid blood-thinning medications, herbs, and supplements for a couple of weeks prior to your treatment to be on the safe side. Aspirin, ginseng, and garlic are other common blood thinners.
Things To DO Before Laser Hair Removal
While there are some things to avoid, here are some things you should definitely do prior to your laser hair removal procedure.
Provide your List of Medications
We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to inform your provider of the oral or topical medications you are taking. This is because some meds can interfere with your laser treatment while others can make the skin so sensitive that it results in burns or blisters.
The provider should also know if you are on antibiotics, birth control, acne, or photosensitizing medications. This way, they can adjust your treatment accordingly and proceed with caution without you having to stop taking those meds.
Should you begin taking new medications, make sure to let the provider know prior to your next appointment.
Shave the Area
By the time you are about to get your laser treatment, there shouldn’t be any hair remaining in the target area. Shave that same area within 24 hours before the treatment. Since the skin in the bikini area is particularly sensitive, do not wait until the last minute to shave it. Instead, leave some time for any post-shaving irritation to subside prior to your treatment.
Come with Clean Skin
When coming for your laser hair removal, do so with clean skin. Avoid having any oil, cream, deodorant, sunscreen, or even makeup on you. If you do have any of these products on your body before the treatment, ask for a wipe so that you can clean them off your skin prior to beginning.
Discontinue any self-tanning treatments for two weeks prior to your appointment. Exfoliating your skin before the treatment is necessary to remove any self-tanner residue.
Wear Loose Clothing
Wear loose clothing the day of your appointment. This is because there is the possibility of irritation occurring in particular areas after undergoing laser hair removal.
Loose and breathable clothing including cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants can help alleviate irritation in places like the bikini area.
Where to Get Proper Laser Hair Treatment in Houston?
Come to The Memorial Spa in Houston for a safe, non-surgical procedure that will save you hours, if not days of shaving in the long run.
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*This blog is created and maintained for informational purposes only. The images present may not accurately reflect actual cases per individual. Individual cases are unique, and the descriptions and solutions will vary per patient.
