If smooth skin that’s free of unwanted hair sits high on your beauty routine wishlist, then laser hair removal is the best way to achieve it. The popular treatment relies on concentrated beams of light energy delivered deep within the hair follicles to destroy the hair and halt its normal growth process. If you’re considering this treatment, knowing the best tips for laser hair removal can help ensure optimal results. While laser hair removal is an excellent solution for removing unwanted hair on the face and body, the laser hair removal aftercare process is an important part of the treatment that you shouldn’t gloss over. Despite all the recent advancements in the world of laser hair removal, the aftercare process remains somewhat detailed, and it requires plenty of attention to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects and skin damage.
How to Take Care of Your Skin Immediately Post-Laser
You’ll be given laser hair removal aftercare instructions before your treatment so you know what you can and cannot do before you even arrive for your appointment. It’s best to follow all the post-treatment instructions so that your skin heals properly while limiting side effects for optimal results.
On the day of your laser hair removal treatment, you can apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft towel to help minimize any swelling and discomfort. You can also apply topical prescription or over-the-counter creams recommended for your skin and take Tylenol or other anti-inflammatory medications to help offset any discomfort.
For the first few days after laser hair removal, you’ll want to avoid sweating and any direct source of heat, like saunas and hot tubs. To keep the treated area comfortable and prevent unnecessary friction, which can lead to skin irritations, wear loose-fitting clothes and abstain from applying skincare or body care products to the area, except for a mild, gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
It’s also important to protect your skin from the sun at all costs, especially since it will be sensitive after laser hair removal. Apply sunscreen to the treated area every day, any time you are outside or in the sun. Also, avoid saunas, taking baths and submerging in water, including lakes and pools, for at least two or three days, because of the potential risk of infection.
In the days following your laser hair removal session, you should stick to a mild skincare routine that voids topical exfoliants, acids, and irritants, which can compromise the skin’s healing process. Also, avoid scrubbing, scratching, or shaving the treated areas.
If you develop bumps, redness, or swelling, you’ll want to apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone with a healing ointment, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, apply cold packs or compresses to the affected areas, and avoid direct heat, tight clothing, and activities that cause you to sweat.
Everything to Do and Avoid During Treatment Sessions
Laser hair removal is not a one-and-done type of treatment, and to reach optimal results, several sessions are necessary. That’s because even after a treatment session, a portion of hair will likely remain since not every hair grows at the same rate, and some are still in the active phase during the treatment session.
Between each session, you’ll be given a set of laser hair removal aftercare instructions that are crucial to follow so that you don’t damage the skin or compromise your results. You must avoid all hair removal methods except shaving any remaining hairs. That means no tweezing, waxing, hair removal creams, threading, or electrolysis since all these hair removal methods pull or extract the hair from its root. In contrast, shaving keeps the hair bulb intact within the follicle and cuts the hair from the skin’s surface.
Maintaining Your Results
Laser hair removal is a process, and to maintain your results, you must follow a few tricks of the trade.
- You should always schedule your subsequent treatment sessions about four to six weeks apart, giving the skin plenty of time to heal.
- Avoid tanning, which can increase your risk of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation (whitening of the skin), and burns.
- Maintenance sessions should be considered as needed to treat areas where required. However, you’ll still need to follow the post-laser hair removal aftercare directions to ensure your results are not compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still shave after laser hair removal?
While you can also shave after laser hair removal, always wait a few days before doing so and ensure the skin is not red, irritated, painful, or swollen. Laser hair removal is designed to replace shaving, but until you finish the complete course of treatment, you may still need to shave here and there.
Are there any post-laser hair removal side effects to know about?
Redness, swelling, and discomfort are common but temporary side effects of laser hair removal. Usually, these side effects resolve within a few days.
Why must I avoid the sun as part of my Laser hair removal aftercare?
Avoid sun exposure to prevent skin damage and ensure your laser hair removal results are not compromised. Always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen before going outside. Also, avoid submerging the treated area in water for two to three days post-treatment to avoid a potential infection.
Are there any products I should avoid using after laser hair removal?
Always avoid products with fragrance, chemical or physical exfoliants, harsh ingredients, and bleaching creams until you are given the green light to resume using them.
Your Transformation
