What to Avoid After a Laser Hair Removal Session

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
11 Min Read

What to Avoid After a Laser Hair Removal Session

To optimize results from laser hair removal treatments it is crucial to avoid certain things, which will minimize the possibility of unwanted reactions and maximize results.

As recommended, for at least 48 hours after treating a particular area, it is advisable not to shave or wax that area.

Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds during this same timeframe to reduce hyperpigmentation and skin damage, and help avoid hyperpigmentation and additional issues with hyperpigmentation.

Excessive Scratching

Itching is a natural reaction of laser hair removal treatment and can be reduced using cold compresses. Cool compresses may also help reduce swelling after laser hair removal treatment. Rub or scratching at the area as this could cause scarring and infection if done excessively; use soft washcloth or ice pack wrapped in towel instead to soothe itching. Likewise, be careful when showering after laser hair removal to avoid excessive scrubbing as this could clog pores and cause further skin irritation; instead opt for fragrance-free soap or body wash to avoid irritating effects after laser hair removal treatment.

After receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is wise to avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds until your skin has fully recovered before tanning again or exposing treated areas to sunlight. UV rays from sunlight may lead to dark spots or hyperpigmentation on treated areas; it’s wiser to wait until after healing has taken place before tanning and exposing these areas back into sunlight again.

After laser hair removal, other forms of exfoliation should also be undertaken carefully to maintain healthy skin. This may involve using scrubs, loofahs and exfoliating creams which could further aggravate sensitive skin conditions by adding perfumed or chemical-laden soaps or shower gels into the mix.

After laser hair removal, it’s wise to limit shower time with warm or lukewarm water as this will protect the skin from becoming irritated or burnt. Avoid hot baths and showers as these can leave skin dry and flaky; also, for best results avoid sauna or steam rooms as these could further irritate sensitive areas of skin.

After laser hair removal, swimming can irritate your skin and contain bacteria or other toxins which could irritate it further. Therefore, it’s wise to wait until after your skin has completely recovered without bumps or redness before returning to swimming again. Furthermore, chemical peels or IPL photofacials should also be avoided for several days post laser hair removal as these may contribute to more exfoliation than needed.

Excessive Sun Exposure

Laser hair removal works by subjecting the skin to pulses of light energy that destroy hair follicles. Unfortunately, this process can be made worse by overexposure to sunlight; to maximize results it’s wise to limit sun exposure in the area that will be receiving laser treatments and avoid tanning beds which can cause severe skin damage and discoloration. To minimize risks it’s also wise to avoid sunblock products as this could irritate this process even further.

After your laser treatment, it’s best to avoid swimming in saltwater or chlorine pools for 24-48 hours afterward, as swimming may irritate and inflame the area being treated and cause pain. If necessary, ensure you use broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating above 15. Additionally, cover any facial treatments with loose-fitting clothing, such as hats or loose fitting clothing in order to minimize accidental sun exposure.

Also keep in mind that it is best to avoid wearing perfumed lotions or makeup on the area where you will have laser treatment done as they could irritate the skin and lead to redness, irritation and itching – thus it would be wiser to opt for natural, soothing moisturizers instead.

One rule you simply shouldn’t break is staying out of the sun for 72 hours prior to laser treatment as this could cause permanent skin damage. It is essential that this rule be obeyed as laser treatments target heat sensitive cells on your surface skin that could already be damaged resulting in burns, scarring, and hyper-pigmentation if exposed too early.

As laser hair removal treatments involve disrupting hair growth in these areas, it is also recommended to refrain from plucking, waxing or bleaching them before beginning treatment sessions as this could interfere with growth of new hair in those spots. Sunless skin creams that lighten skin may also negatively impact results – it would be wise to refrain from such products entirely for six weeks prior to laser sessions.

Excessive Wearing of Makeup

Laser hair removal treatments often cause skin to feel irritated and sore immediately afterward, so to reduce irritation a cold compress can be applied directly after treatment and used several times throughout the day until any discomfort subsides. You may also wish to add post-care calming lotion or numbing cream as additional measures to soothe facial skin afterward.

Makeup can irritate sensitive skin treated with lasers, so it is wise to wait a few days after treatment before applying makeup products on your face. If necessary, use light coverage foundation and concealer rather than heavy pressed powders; mineral makeup offers less skin-irritating ingredients, while tinted moisturizers with natural soothing ingredients may provide additional coverage of imperfections on the face.

Within 48 hours of laser hair removal treatment, it is vital that patients refrain from hot showers, baths and saunas as the hot water may burn and blister their skin. Instead, taking cool showers using a gentle soap may help avoid this happening.

Once you’ve had laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to refrain from waxing, plucking or shaving the area where new growth hairs have appeared due to laser light removal. New growth may form at areas where old hair was removed using laser; these new growths tend to be in early stages of development and any attempts at plucking or shaving will further irritate them and potentially result in scarring.

When outdoors, especially on sunny days, it’s also essential to use broad spectrum sun protection products. UV rays can damage skin cells, leading to dark spots even with sunscreen applied – so be aware!

Laser hair removal is a safe and popular solution to safely eliminate unwanted body hair. While the procedure itself can be relatively painless and quick, proper aftercare of treated skin will ensure optimal results from each laser hair removal session and provide you with smooth and beautiful skin.

Excessive Exfoliation

After laser hair removal, exfoliation should be the last thing on your mind. Exfoliation can irritate the skin, leading to itching and redness as well as blistering which only increases pain levels further.

Instead of exfoliating after laser hair removal treatments, it’s advisable to apply a gentle chemical-free body moisturizer as opposed to exfoliation. You could also try applying a cool compress on the area to help with inflammation and swelling reduction. When returning home from treatment it’s wise to stay away from hot showers, gym classes and steam rooms since exposure to excessive heat could trigger irritation in sensitive skin types and cause irreparable damage.

Sunless laser hair removal treatments have failed you in the past, you should avoid shaving, waxing, plucking, and tweezing this area as these methods remove hair from the surface of your skin, increasing its exposure to sun rays and increasing hyperpigmentation risk. Furthermore, hair left after laser treatments tends to be finer and lighter colored than before their treatments were completed.

If it is necessary to shave before having laser hair removal performed, then do so the day or night prior. This will ensure there is no visible hair on the surface of your skin so the laser can target its follicles more effectively. If after having laser hair removal sessions you must shave again, be sure to use an electric razor with a sharp blade; do not irritate skin by shaving dry areas which could result in ingrown hairs.

Apart from shaving, it is wise to refrain from using body scrubs on areas treated by laser hair removal procedures as these scrubs contain abrasive ingredients which may irritate your skin after laser hair removal treatment has taken place. Instead, wait until after your skin has fully recovered before engaging in another body scrub treatment session.

Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to permanently get rid of unwanted body hair. But it is essential that you know what steps should be taken immediately following a session in order to maximize results and enjoy beautiful, hair-free skin for life. Here are a few tips on getting the most from laser hair removal treatments:

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