If you've just had laser hair removal or are thinking about it, knowing how to care for your skin afterwards is key to getting the best results. This treatment uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair follicles, effectively reducing hair on the face, chest, armpits, back, bikini line, and legs.
Thanks to recent advancements, laser hair removal now works well on various hair and skin types, including darker skin. But even with these improvements, following specific aftercare steps is crucial to avoid side effects and ensure your skin stays healthy.
This guide will walk you through the important do's and don'ts after your treatment and tell you when to contact your doctor. Following these aftercare instructions closely will help you make the most of your laser hair removal and keep your skin looking great.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work
During laser hair removal, a laser targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair with a beam of light that the hair absorbs. This light is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicles—small sacs in the skin that produce hairs. This damage either delays or inhibits future hair growth. The process involves directing highly concentrated light at the hair follicles, gradually burning the roots and significantly reducing hair growth over several sessions. While effective, it's important to take careful post-treatment measures to optimize results and minimize potential side effects.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Do's
- Care Right After Treatment
Apply a cold compress
After your laser hair removal, moisten a soft washcloth with cool water and apply it to the treated area for a few minutes. You can also use an ice pack covered with a paper towel. Either method will help calm the skin and lessen swelling and discomfort.
Avoid direct sunlight
After laser hair removal, your skin becomes more sensitive, especially to the sun. Avoiding direct sunlight for a month before and after your treatment is important. During this period, particularly in the week following the procedure, be diligent about applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 if you must go outside. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours, especially if you sweat or wash the area, to protect your skin from UV damage. Not taking these precautions can significantly increase the risk of sunburn on the treated skin.
Keeping away from irritants
Avoid using strong skincare products like retinoids and glycolic acids for a week before and after your treatment to prevent extra irritation. Also, stay away from scented lotions and perfumes while your skin is healing. Instead, use gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated without causing irritation.
Apply prescription creams
After your treatment, your doctor might give you a steroid cream to reduce pain and discomfort. You can also take Tylenol or anti-inflammatory drugs to help with the pain.
Stay cool and avoid moisture
It's important to keep your body cool and dry for at least three days following your treatment. This means steering clear of places and activities that cause sweating or exposure to heat, such as beaches, spas, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, hot tubs, exercising, and getting pedicures. Additionally, avoid swimming for the first three days post-treatment.
Opt for cool showers
Since staying cool and dry is essential, refrain from hot baths and showers. Instead, take brief showers using cool or lukewarm water. Gently pat your skin dry afterwards without rubbing. Avoid any actions that could irritate the skin further, like scrubbing or shaving.
- Ongoing Care Following Treatment
Moisturizing strategy
It's crucial to keep the treated area well-moisturized to avoid dryness and ensure smooth healing. Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer and apply it twice daily to keep your skin hydrated. This helps to prevent any dry patches or peeling and ensures a complication-free recovery.
Gentle washin
Wash the treated area with a gentle, scent-free cleanser to ward off infections and clear away any leftover treatment residue. Be gentle, avoiding harsh scrubbing that irritates the skin and slow the healing process. Instead, pat the area dry using a clean, soft microfiber towel to lessen irritation from friction.
Appropriate clothing
Choose loose, soft clothing made of pure cotton to minimize irritation and friction on the treated area. Tight or synthetic fabrics can increase sensitivity and discomfort, hindering the healing process.
- Sustained Post-Treatment Upkeep
To attain the best outcomes from laser hair removal, stick to the recommended schedule of multiple sessions, especially the first four to five within a month, to effectively slow hair growth. Inform your dermatologist about any changes in your medical conditions, as these can affect the treatment's success. For maintenance between sessions, use shaving or depilatory creams, but avoid waxing, plucking, or bleaching, which can interfere with the results. Keep in close contact with your dermatologist to address any side effects or adjust your care plan as needed.
What to Avoid After Laser Hair Removal
Understanding what to avoid after laser hair removal is as important as knowing how to care for your skin. Here's what you shouldn't do to minimize complications:
- Sun exposure: Avoid tanning. It can increase your risk of developing light spots and even cause burns.
- Tanning products: Avoid using tanning lotions following your treatment, as they can irritate the skin and potentially cause rashes or burns.
- Scented products: Don't use lotions with fragrances or perfumes on the treated area. These can irritate the skin, causing redness or discoloration.
- Deodorant: If you've had laser treatment on your underarms, avoid using deodorant as it can irritate the skin.
- Body scrubs: Avoid using body scrubs for at least a few days post-treatment to prevent further skin irritation.
Conclusion
Appropriate post-treatment care is essential for getting the most out of your laser hair removal. By adhering to expert guidelines and maintaining a diligent post-treatment routine, you can achieve and maintain smooth, hair-free skin. Consistency and patience are essential for the best and most lasting results. It's important to select a dermatologist who is experienced with laser treatments and offers thorough pre-and post-procedure care to ensure optimal outcomes.