Laser hair removal can be an incredible relief to anyone tired of shaving, tweezing and using cream to remove unwanted hair. But is there a way to make this treatment even more efficient?
One way is to plan ahead for your appointment correctly and follow these permanent laser hair removal tricks to maximize results and accelerate the procedure.
1. Exfoliate Before
As is well-known, laser hair removal works by using a laser beam to heat the pigment found in unwanted hair follicles, damaging them and stopping new growth. But for this process to work effectively, your skin must be free from dead cells that obstruct laser light from reaching hair follicles for destruction. Therefore, exfoliation before your treatment appointment could speed up shedding while simultaneously destroying more follicles more effectively. For optimal results it’s advisable that this be done on either day or night prior if possible as this will facilitate quicker shed processes while more efficient destruction of unwanted follicles more quickly.
Exfoliation between laser hair removal sessions can also be beneficial, helping prevent ingrown hairs that often appear after laser treatments. When exfoliating, make sure to use gentle exfoliators such as a soft washcloth, puffy shower sponge or really soft loofah in combination with an exfoliating body wash – such as gritty scrubs like salt scrubs which could potentially be too harsh on sensitive skin.
If you experience discomfort during laser hair removal, try to remain relaxed. Most procedures take just minutes – particularly for small areas; larger ones could take an hour or more, and your dermatologist may need to apply topical pain reliever before proceeding with removal.
After your laser hair removal treatment, it’s not unusual to see some blackhead-like bumps appear in the area where you received treatment. Don’t worry: These are simply dead follicles shedding and should dissipate within several days – another important benefit of laser hair removal!
After your session, it is also wise to wait at least several hours before showering – even if it feels fine – even if the water temperature seems suitable for showering. Remember that your skin could become extra sensitive to sunlight exposure and could potentially burn under too much heat exposure.
2. Stay Out of the Sun
Laser hair removal is the only permanent way of eliminating unwanted hair that truly eliminates it, rather than temporarily diminishing it. Furthermore, it’s safer than other methods like shaving which may result in cuts, razor burns and ingrown hairs; using light energy instead, laser hair removal uses light energy to destroy both the bulb of each individual hair as well as its pigments within it thus stopping further hair growth preventing future upkeep sessions and touch ups like depilatories require for constant upkeep sessions and touch-ups.
Before beginning laser hair removal, the first thing you must do to prepare yourself is avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least six weeks prior to treatment. Your skin can become very vulnerable following laser treatment and excessive exposure can increase the risk of permanent damage and darkening in those areas.
Before beginning laser treatment, it is also vital that all other forms of hair removal such as plucking or waxing be discontinued as these techniques remove only above-skin hair removal techniques and may promote new hair growth. Shaving will provide additional benefit as it will remove any above-skin hair removal methods while decreasing chances that laser will mistake a hair for pigmented spots on skin.
If you have a tan, it is advised to allow it to fade completely before beginning laser hair removal treatment. As laser light penetrates follicles like an intense beam of light does, this could irritate any existing tans and discolorations can occur. In addition, any use of sunless skin creams which will only darken areas further should also be avoided altogether.
depending on your skin tone, regular maintenance treatments after initial laser hair removal sessions may be necessary in order to catch any stray hairs not yet destroyed by treatment; these may need to be repeated every six months at least.
3. Don’t Shower or Bathe After
After laser hair removal, it is best to avoid hot baths and showers for several days after treatment as the heat of the water may irritate your skin and make it more sensitive. Furthermore, hot water may damage hair follicles which could potentially clog them further. Your technician should provide detailed instructions regarding this.
After your treatment, it is also best to avoid using soaps or body products containing perfumes or chemicals, which could irritate the skin further and lead to inflammation, itching or rashes. Instead, opt for all-natural, unscented products that won’t aggravate it further.
Your hair grows in cycles, with approximately 30% in its growth phase at any one time. While waxing, tweezing, and shaving remove visible hair without damaging its follicles – meaning your locks could return sooner if these techniques weren’t employed; laser hair removal eliminates this problem entirely by permanently eliminating all follicles altogether.
Laser hair removal offers another advantage: it’s permanent! While you may require multiple sessions for laser hair removal to take effect, once they have done their job you won’t have to deal with pesky hairs again! Ingrown hairs are often caused by waxing, shaving and other methods of hair removal; laser hair removal actually helps prevent this issue by eliminating stray hairs that grow back more finer and thinner than before.
Laser hair removal offers another advantage: it’s much less painful than waxing or shaving. Since the laser directly removes hairs from your skin, there’s no risk of tearing or pulling at your skin during removal. Although some redness, sensitivity or irritation might occur after laser hair removal treatment, these effects should subside soon after treatment is complete.
4. Avoid Sunscreen
If you plan on getting laser hair removal during the summer, try to refrain from tanning in advance of each session as this can alter the pigment of your skin, making it harder for the laser to target hair follicles effectively. It is also wise to refrain from plucking or waxing hair since this will remove its roots and lessen its effectiveness of laser treatment.
Before getting laser treatment, it is also advisable to stay clear of skin bleaching creams with salicylic acid or alphahydroxy acids as these may discolor or irritate hair follicles and cause discoloration or irritation. Furthermore, aspirin, ibuprofen, and niacin should all be avoided as medications that reduce blood circulation such as these could hinder effective laser treatments.
Maintaining these tips will ensure the most successful experience during laser hair removal treatment. When venturing out in the sun, make sure that a high SPF sunscreen is applied over any areas treated by the laser to avoid sunburns or any serious side effects that could inhibit results.
After your laser hair removal sessions, it is also wise to refrain from tanning altogether, since your skin may become more vulnerable to sunlight and could result in permanent burns or other complications. If you do decide to suntan, make sure you wear ample sunblock to safeguard it.
Laser hair removal should be scheduled during winter when you won’t spend as much time outdoors in direct sunlight – this is particularly important if the area being treated is usually exposed, like your face or legs.
