Have you ensured that you’ve taken all the necessary precautions before undergoing laser hair removal treatment on your entire body or face? Unfortunately, the process of laser hair removal extends beyond just a single visit to the salon.
Multiple sessions are typically required, and it’s essential to maintain your skin in optimal condition throughout the entire treatment journey. So, are you curious about what steps to take after completing your initial laser hair removal session? Or perhaps you’re concerned about potential side effects of the treatment and wish to take precautions to mitigate any risks?
You’ve come to the right place! This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide on the essential dos and don’ts for post-laser hair removal aftercare. Before diving into these crucial tips, let’s first explore professional laser hair removal equipment and the various alternatives available.
What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal
One of the primary outcomes you can anticipate following laser hair removal is the reduction of unwanted hair. This is indeed the case, as hair regrowth diminishes with each session. After completing a series of 6 to 9 treatments, many individuals experience hairlessness that can last from several months to a few years.
Moreover, laser hair removal is considered safe and has been approved by health and safety organizations worldwide, which might lead you to believe that the procedure is entirely without risk. Unfortunately, this is not entirely accurate.
During your laser treatment, you may experience discomfort or a stinging sensation in the treated areas. The effects don’t stop there; once the session is over, you may also notice redness, swelling, bumps, or irritation in the skin. Additionally, your skin may become sensitive, meaning sun exposure should be avoided. However, rest assured that these side effects are typically temporary and will subside with time.
What to Do After Laser Hair Removal
Here are some valuable tips to help you maintain your skin’s health following laser hair removal while minimizing adverse side effects.
Apply Cold Compresses
The heat produced by the laser can lead to skin redness and inflammation. This reaction often manifests within hours, resulting in redness and swelling around the hair follicles. In most cases, such reactions are mild and can be effectively managed using cold compresses. Research indicates that cold compresses can help prevent long-term changes to the skin post-laser treatment.
Utilize Prescribed Creams
If you find that pain and swelling persist despite applying ice packs, it’s advisable to consult your physician and consider using prescribed topical creams. These creams often contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as steroids and anesthetic agents like lidocaine. While oral medications are an option, topical treatments are often more effective and carry fewer side effects, as noted by Dr. Eric.
Opt for Loose Clothing
Post-laser, your skin will likely be sensitive, making it crucial to avoid aggravating this sensitivity. It’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t cling to the treated areas. Additionally, selecting soft and flexible fabrics for a day or two following your session can facilitate comfort. Refrain from scratching or rubbing the treated zones, as this may lead to peeling of the delicate skin.
Practice Exfoliation
The laser effectively destroys hair follicles, which means the hair should eventually fall out from the roots. However, sometimes hair may remain lodged beneath the skin, leading to the appearance of ingrown hairs and rough patches. To combat this, incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine once a week after your skin has had a week's recovery from the laser treatment. This will help to eliminate dead skin cells and ingrown hairs, resulting in smoother skin.
Treat the Area Gently
As previously mentioned, the skin will be sensitive after laser treatment. It’s wise to avoid using any deodorants that could irritate the skin, refrain from strenuous workouts that stretch the skin, and steer clear of warm environments that induce sweating. Additionally, choose mild skincare products for a period of 2 to 4 days to allow your skin to heal effectively.
Apply Sunscreen
While it’s generally advised to avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours following laser hair removal, this may not be feasible for everyone. If you must go outside, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Additionally, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours to shield your laser-treated skin from harmful UV rays. Consider using antioxidant-rich skincare products to protect your skin from free radicals as well, safeguarding it against potential skin cancer.
Stay Hydrated
Even though healthcare professionals apply soothing, cooling, and anesthetic gels prior to laser hair removal, these may not fully counteract the heat generated by the laser. As a result, moisture loss in the skin can occur alongside the destruction of hair follicles, leaving your skin feeling dry. Therefore, it’s crucial to apply a generous amount of gentle lotion to your skin after each session and maintain hydration until your next appointment. We have suggestions for the best body lotions and facial moisturizers available to assist you.
Only Shave
It’s important to remember that laser hair removal is a gradual process and doesn’t provide instantaneous results. You will likely notice hair regrowth and new strands of hair until your treatment series is completed. The only recommended method for hair removal between sessions is shaving.
What Not to Do After Laser Hair Removal
To achieve optimal results, here are several things you should strictly avoid after undergoing laser hair removal.
Avoid Sun Exposure
It’s essential to steer clear of sun exposure both before and after your laser hair removal sessions. Ideally, remain indoors for 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. Plan your treatments accordingly to accommodate this recovery period. After the initial two days, ensure you wear UV-protective hats, clothing, and consistently apply sunscreen to shield your laser-treated skin from harmful UV rays.
Refrain from Hot Showers
After the exposure to the heat from laser hair removal, it’s important to keep your skin cool and refrain from any activities that may provoke sweating and irritation. Therefore, avoid hot showers, swimming, and saunas for at least two days following your treatment. Instead, opt for cool or lukewarm water when bathing.
Steer Clear of Chemical Products
In the aftermath of laser treatment, your skin is likely to be slightly swollen and thus more susceptible to irritation, peeling, and scarring. It’s best to avoid any chemical products until your skin has fully healed. This includes makeup containing chemicals, chemical peels, scrubs, and retinol. Research underscores the necessity of avoiding such
