Laser hair removal uses a handheld device that emits pulses of energy into your skin to kill hair follicles and gradually diminish their presence over several minutes to an hour-long session.
Some individuals may have higher pain thresholds than others, but there are ways to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during your session.
Pain Reliever
Applying topical numbing cream prior to laser hair removal appointments may significantly lessen the amount of pain experienced during treatment, as the cream contains lidocaine which blocks nerve signals sent from your brain that perceive pain. Make sure to follow all instructions from your technician when applying this topical anesthetic; application may need at least 30 minutes for it to take full effect before your session starts. Furthermore, caffeine and nicotine should also be avoided prior to sessions as they increase sensitivity to laser pain; additionally ask them about applying cooling gel – this may further numb the skin and prevent overheating during laser sessions.
Thickness of skin also plays a factor in how much pain is felt during laser hair removal sessions. Thinner areas like upper lips and temples tend to experience more discomfort as the laser heats up, feeling similar to rubber band snapping against skin.
On the contrary, areas with thicker skin such as legs and underarms typically experience less discomfort – Dr. Nicholas describes their sensation as more like an annoying “zinger.”
OTC pain relievers can provide temporary relief from mild to moderate laser hair removal discomfort. Ibuprofen should be avoided, however, as it thins blood and increases your chances of bruising post procedure. Instead, take an over-the-counter remedy containing acetaminophen such as Tylenol for optimal relief.
Schedule laser hair removal sessions before or after menstrual cycles to minimize hormonal fluctuations that could alter your pain tolerance, and ensure you keep your mouth closed throughout the procedure to keep saliva from reaching the surface and creating additional discomfort.
If the pain during laser hair removal sessions is becoming uncomfortable, you can always ask your technician to lower its setting; but the most effective way to reduce discomfort is to properly prepare and cover the treatment area while avoiding common mistakes that can cause it.
Numbing Cream
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular solution to eliminate unwanted hair. While much less painful than waxing and producing long-term results, laser treatment still can be uncomfortable for some individuals. To make the experience as painless as possible before treatment begins, numbing cream can be used beforehand – however this should only be applied with consultation from your provider first as there could be potential adverse side effects.
As much as possible, it is wise to avoid applying numbing cream on delicate areas of the body such as the face or genital area, where its application could cause your skin to swell up and cause redness that resembles mild sunburns. Your provider may provide topical anesthetics if necessary for these sensitive spots.
Most people experience minimal discomfort during laser hair removal; however, individual experiences will differ. Some can tolerate it without feeling anything while others will clench their fists tightly with every laser blast. It is important to remember that everyone’s pain threshold differs and be truthful with yourself about how much discomfort you can tolerate during treatment.
Area of your skin being treated can also have an impact on how painful laser hair removal will be. For instance, thin skin on areas such as the upper lip may make treatment more sensitive, while delicate bikini lines can make removal painful; thicker skin or clinics that utilize top of the line equipment like Candela can help mitigate any pain felt from this procedure.
Another factor which may impact how much laser hair removal hurts is your menstrual cycle. To minimize discomfort during laser hair removal sessions, it’s wise to schedule laser sessions two weeks post-period is over.
If you have a low pain threshold, hydrating before laser hair removal treatments is often beneficial. Use a high-quality moisturizing cream containing aloe vera and other soothing ingredients in order to prepare your skin and minimize any discomfort during laser hair removal treatments.
Preparing Your Skin
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution for permanently eliminating unwanted body hair from the skin. A laser beam, tuned to specific wavelengths, heats and destroys hair follicles without harming surrounding tissue – making the procedure relatively painless, yet it may be uncomfortable for some individuals. There are various things you can do beforehand to prepare your skin and make this experience more bearable.
Before your laser hair removal treatment begins, the most essential preparation step you can do is to thoroughly cleanse the area around you. Shower and wash the area to make sure all dirt and oil have been eliminated. Also try not to use skincare products such as moisturizers or sunscreen in that region.
When possible, shaving on the day of an appointment can help ensure lasers find hair follicles more quickly and with greater ease, thus decreasing their likelihood of burning top layers of skin. Just be careful not to do this too close before your appointment as that could result in ingrown hairs!
Exfoliation may help make laser hair removal more comfortable for some individuals. When selecting an exfoliant, however, make sure it is gentle; harsher methods could cause cuts that increase discomfort during sessions. It’s wise to refrain from exfoliating for two weeks post-treatment so your skin has ample time to recover fully from treatment.
Prior and following laser hair removal treatments, it is wise to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, particularly during the first week post treatment when exposed skin may become more sensitive and red. Consult your dermatologist about recommended sun avoidance periods; otherwise this is generally the best way to minimise pain and redness associated with laser hair removal treatments.
If you have exceptionally sensitive skin, using numbing cream prior to laser hair removal sessions could significantly lessen the pain experienced from laser hair removal treatments. Apply the numbing cream directly before your appointment and be sure to leave it on until you are ready to enter for your session.
Avoiding Sunlight
Staying out of direct sunlight both prior to and following laser hair removal treatments is an absolute must, as too much sun exposure can lead to dehydrated skin that makes laser treatments much more painful than necessary. You can protect your skin by regularly applying and reapplying sunscreen.
Although it’s impossible for everyone to avoid direct sunlight in advance of laser hair removal treatment, staying out for work, school, or simply shopping can make staying out for 72 hours before your appointment more realistic. Doing this will allow your skin to hydrate while making it less sensitive to heat.
Laser hair removal sessions during summer months may seem risky; however, with proper precautions taken they are perfectly safe. Just keep in mind that your skin may become more sensitive after laser treatment; also try not to tanning before or after having laser treatments as this could lead to hyperpigmentation on the skin and potentially increase hyperpigmentation risk.
Niki Garcia of Boom Boom Brow Bar in Greenwich Village of New York City recommends that people avoid tanning for two weeks prior and following laser hair removal treatments in order to ensure that skin remains protected and can heal fully post treatment. She states this will allow time for healing during recovery process.
Many clients have concerns about whether laser hair removal will hurt. If you do your research and follow our advice above, the treatment should be as comfortable as possible for you. If any doubt remains, consult a dermatologist as they will be able to assess your skin and determine whether laser hair removal is suitable for you.
