Many people worry that laser hair removal treatments will lead to acne or worsen existing cases, but it is crucial to understand how laser treatments impact acne and how best to avoid any potential flare-ups.
Use non-comedogenic skincare products tailored specifically to your skin type to decrease your tendency toward clogged pores and acne outbreaks.
Causes
People want clear skin, yet acne can be an enormous hurdle for many people. Not only can it cause unsightly blemishes and scarring, but there are treatments which promise to treat both unwanted hair and acne simultaneously, such as laser hair removal or chemical peels. But can these methods really do double duty and fade acne scars while simultaneously preventing more from forming?
Laser hair removal may cause temporary acne breakouts in the treated area, but this isn’t caused by the laser itself; rather, this effect occurs as dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria accumulate within hair follicles during laser heat up of skin and become trapped therein. As this occurs, pus-filled bubbles form within these hair follicles to clear out these particles; typically this post-treatment symptom subsides within hours after treatment is completed.
Laser heat has the ability to damage or irritate skin, leading to redness and itching. In extreme cases, this irritation may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This condition causes dark spots that resemble acne that can be difficult to tell apart from an infection.
Avoiding these issues can be achieved easily by following your laser provider’s post-treatment care instructions closely, such as avoiding scented skincare products and taking extra steps to clean the area afterwards, while taking extra precaution against anything that may irritate your skin.
Make sure that the laser treatment is administered by a licensed and trained professional. A doctor or plastic surgeon might suggest medications, like corticosteroid creams, that can prevent or reduce acne after laser treatments such as corticosteroids; they can effectively manage inflammation due to folliculitis and other skin conditions. In some instances, doctors might also suggest light therapy treatments which kill bacteria and decrease skin inflammation; trained personnel can perform such treatments at either spas or doctor offices.
Symptoms
There may be temporary redness, irritation and swelling after laser hair removal; however, these symptoms will typically resolve themselves within several days on their own. You can hasten this process by applying a cooling cream (try fragrance-free aloe vera gel); for extra soothing purposes ice packs may help. Try not to rub or pick at any emerging acne spots as doing so could increase scarring as well as increase infection risks.
Post Treatment Breakouts
Laser hair removal may cause your pores to open up and become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria that clog them. As your body attempts to get rid of them, pus-filled bubbles form that look similar to acne breakouts – leading to ingrown hairs – small bumps which grow back into the skin rather than out.
If you have sensitive skin, laser hair removal could cause more severe side effects in the form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This happens when inflammation caused by laser hair removal causes your body to over-produce melanin which leads to dark patches or spots similar to acne that appear after treatment.
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs occur as a result of heat generated during laser hair removal procedures damaging or distorting hair follicles and distorting them to form ingrowns that irritate surrounding skin, aggravating acne outbreaks further.
Bacterial Infection
Laser hair removal treatments can disrupt Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and result in its overgrowth, leading to breakouts of acne-like breakouts.
Ingrown hairs may result from improper shaving techniques or other methods that cause the hairs to grow back inward into the skin rather than outward, irritating surrounding areas of your face and making you more susceptible to developing an acne-like breakout.
Treatment
Luckily, most breakouts experienced after laser hair removal tend to be mild. You can treat them by applying anti-inflammatory cream or ointment that contains soothing herbs that have healing and restorative properties like aloe vera. Furthermore, avoid picking or popping pimples, as this increases scarring risks as well as infection risks.
After your procedure, it is also advisable to avoid applying any heavy creams or ointments directly onto your skin as these could clog pores and cause breakouts. Instead, use gentle non-comedogenic skincare products specifically tailored for acne-prone skin types.
Microdermabrasion can provide another non-invasive cosmetic option to combat acne after laser hair removal: microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure which uses an exfoliation device to exfoliate skin, helping reduce the appearance of clogged pores while simultaneously decreasing acne scarring and uneven pigmentation (PIH). For optimal results, it’s wise to seek professional assistance in this field of medicine. For optimal results it is wise to seek advice from trained professionals specializing in this form of therapy.
Other treatments to help combat acne after laser hair removal include using an antibacterial soap and gently exfoliating affected areas with a gentle cleanser. Also avoid hot showers or baths, saunas, and steam rooms because their heat can irritate skin and trigger breakouts. Finally, wear loose clothing after your laser hair removal session because tight clothing traps sweat against skin which worsens acne breakouts.
Prevention
If you suffer from acne breakouts, laser hair removal treatment shouldn’t worsen them. Luckily, you can avoid this by taking some simple precautions after the procedure.
Keep the Treated Area Clean
Prior and after treatment, ensure that you use a mild fragrance-free cleanser twice daily to keep dirt and debris from clogging your pores, leading to breakouts. In addition, be wary of scratching at emerging blemishes to avoid scarring or any adverse reactions.
After laser hair removal, it is best to avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and steam rooms as these can irritate your skin and lead to an acne outbreak. Furthermore, strenuous exercise or any activities which cause excessive sweating should also be avoided as these will irritate the skin even further. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises which still provide health benefits while you heal.
After your laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to opt for skincare products designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Such products will less likely clog your pores and will help decrease breakouts caused by laser hair removal.
Antibiotics May Be Necessary Laser hair removal can lead to bacterial infections that cause red and flaky skin, and treatment options include oral antibiotics like Doxycycline or Minocycline for treatment. Women experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome may also receive hormone-related medications to control acne breakouts.
Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective way to safely eliminate unwanted hair while helping prevent future breakouts of acne. However, it should be noted that this form of treatment does not cure acne itself; oil production and bacteria play an integral part in its cause. If you suffer from acne-prone skin and wish to consider laser hair removal as a potential treatment solution, consulting with a dermatologist would be recommended before making your decision.
