Cooling gels and ointments should be used after laser hair removal treatments to help minimize side effects and facilitate healing afterward. Cooling agents also serve to protect from infections and promote quicker recovery times after the procedure.
Redness, swelling and small bumps may occur after treatment but should subside within several days after completion of therapy.
Redness
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to safely eliminate unwanted hair without the tedious work involved in shaving, plucking, waxing or threading. To ensure optimal results from treatment it’s wise to consult with a medical professional, who will select an appropriate laser type suited for your skin type and monitor you throughout treatment for signs of potential complications.
After laser treatment, it is common to experience redness in the treated area. This is usually temporary and should disappear within hours or so. If this does not happen quickly enough for you, apply a cold compress in order to decrease swelling and blotchiness in the area.
If your skin is particularly delicate, numbing cream or anesthetics may be helpful in avoiding burns, blisters or pain from laser treatment.
An unpleasant side effect of laser treatments is itching, which can be addressed using cooling gel or ointments. Aloe vera is a soothing natural option you’ll likely come across – look out for either its gel form or plants at grocery stores and health food shops to reduce itching symptoms.
Laser hair removal may result in crusting, scabbing or scarring on occasion; this is most likely to occur among people with darker skin who aren’t adequately prepared for treatment. To avoid this happening again, avoid applying any products (makeup, lotions, deodorant or sunless tanning creams) directly onto the treated area prior to your appointment and limit sun exposure by applying a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.
Within weeks, you should begin noticing that your hairs are falling out. This indicates that the treatment is working; exfoliation can speed up this process by exfoliating regularly after each treatment session (do not do this within 24 hours afterward due to possible irritation); use a sugar or salt scrub wash on a clean washcloth and wipe around in a circular motion to hasten hair loss.
Swelling
As part of your laser hair removal treatment, it’s common to experience some degree of swelling (follicular edema). This effect typically subsides within hours to a day after your appointment.
Laser treatments use heat energy to penetrate each hair follicle and stimulate its melanin, which then absorbs heat energy and causes swelling in each one. That is why it’s recommended that you shave prior to your laser therapy treatment.
If the swelling is moderately severe, using a cooling gel or ointment on the affected area may help. Doing this will keep skin from feeling too dry while also preventing irritation.
Should you experience persistent swelling, it is important to contact your laser practitioner as soon as possible. They may suggest applying a steroid cream directly onto the affected area in order to alleviate inflammation.
Redness and swelling are typically the only side effects immediately following laser hair removal treatments, though they should subside within days or so. It is essential to protect the treated areas with sun protection by using broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily to keep yourself safe.
As part of your effort, it’s also recommended that you forgoing tanning beds for at least six weeks and only using sunless spray tanner. In this timeframe, be diligent about moisturizing and refrain from performing harsh body scrubs or exfoliation treatments in this timeframe.
Laser hair removal treatments must be spaced out over several months to achieve maximum effectiveness. When searching for a clinic in Miami offering this service, make sure they employ experienced staff as well as offer devices tailored specifically to all skin types.
Avoid waxing and plucking hairs to minimize damage to both your skin and hair follicles, which will not only cause hairs to fall out but also result in skin discoloration and damage to hair follicles. Shaving is still recommended after receiving laser hair removal treatments but no sooner than 24 hours post treatment.
Itching
Laser hair removal treatments often cause itching as the laser heat damages hair follicles, leading to itchy skin. Although temporary, you can manage it by taking over-the-counter antihistamine or soothing ointment treatments; scratching or picking at itchy areas could exacerbate irritation further and worsen itchiness further.
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective solution to permanently reduce unwanted body hair. Plus, unlike waxing, shaving or plucking it doesn’t require weekly or daily maintenance!
To prepare for laser hair removal, it’s essential to forego waxing, plucking and shaving at least 4-6 weeks in advance of treatment. Also avoid any products such as sunless tanning lotions or bleaching creams which could potentially darken skin tones which would compromise its treatment efficacy.
Before beginning any treatment, it’s essential that the area you wish to treat is thoroughly cleansed with a mild cleanser in order to ensure its surface is free from lotions, soaps, oils, makeup deodorant or sunless tanning products which could irritate its surface.
Your doctor will use a hand-held laser instrument, equipped with either a cooling device or gel, to press against your skin and reduce discomfort during the procedure. They then activate their laser light beam and send it through to reach hair follicles in order to heat and destroy them; stopping their growth as a result.
After laser hair removal, your skin may itch temporarily as hair follicles shed. While the itching may only last temporarily, an ointment or cooling gel may help soothe itchy skin and relieve discomfort. Avoid scratching or picking at itchy areas since this could aggravate their condition and increase scarring potential; use gentle exfoliation scrubs and moisturizing skin care products instead to manage itching effectively.
Discomfort
Laser hair removal can produce heat and discomfort to the skin as it destroys hair follicles, which may be reduced with topical anesthetic or numbing cream application. Everyone’s pain threshold varies; some experience minimal to no discomfort while others might feel a slight stinging similar to waxing.
Avoid sunlight and apply sunscreen after each treatment session in order to lessen any discomfort, protecting the area being treated from potential future damages.
Moisturizers should also be used to keep skin soft and comfortable. Light, natural creams like aloe vera contain cooling properties and are known for soothing the skin; for more advice regarding which moisturizer is ideal for you speak to either your laser technician or dermatologist.
Cool down your skin by wetting a clean washcloth with cool water and placing it over the treated area for several minutes at a time. Or use an ice pack wrapped in towel to reduce swelling and pain following laser hair removal sessions. For severe pain relief take over-the-counter medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or anti-inflammatories.
After laser hair removal sessions, it is imperative to protect oneself from direct sunlight as prolonged exposure may result in permanent pigmentation and scarring of the skin. Sunscreen should always be worn daily and reapplied often after laser sessions for best results.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to avoid activities which produce heat such as hot showers or baths, saunas or steam rooms as the excess heat may lead to irritation and blistering of your skin. If necessary, visit the gym afterward, but make sure that if necessary a cool shower is used so as to not sweat too heavily.
People often experience side effects after laser hair removal treatments, although these should usually be temporary. If any side effects or infection symptoms arise, contact your physician immediately.
