Electrolysis provides permanent hair removal, but may produce side effects like scabbing and redness. Their severity depends on four factors: skin type, method used, skills of electrologist used and client compliance with postcare recommendations.
Swelling and redness following electrolysis treatments on the face are common, so using a cold pack to soothe the area helps minimize these side effects.
1. Keep the Area Clean
Electrolysis may produce various side effects on the skin depending on several factors, including type of skin, equipment quality, strength of current used and treatment duration. Reactions include redness, swelling, welts, tiny blisters scab formation or dryness. It’s important to allow these temporary reactions to resolve themselves before permanent hair removal can begin.
As part of an overall effort to prevent infection and other complications, the skin should remain clean at all times during this period. A mild, unscented soap (preferably hypoallergenic) should be used to clean this area thoroughly and periodically throughout recovery. Scabs that form should be left alone as these will dissolve naturally over time without needing to be removed prematurely as this increases both scarring and risk for infection.
Daily moisturization should also include using a non-comedogenic product without fragrances and other chemicals, to protect and hydrate the skin. Moisturization also helps prevent ingrown hairs – which are common on patients’ faces and backs – becoming established and can become hard to eliminate once established.
Follow the advice provided in your aftercare brochure as this is the key to maintaining healthy skin. For instance, using a cool compress can reduce any redness or swelling caused by treatment; this works by forcing blood vessels to constrict, which reduces bleeding and bruising. Avoid harsh exfoliants on the skin as well as sun exposure near appointments as this could irritate and slow healing times; keeping on top of regular electrolysis appointments ensures any new regrowth will be dealt with before becoming thick, tough or ingrown.
2. Apply Antibiotic Ointments
Your electrologist will apply alcohol or antibiotic ointment during treatment to the area to reduce inflammation and help heal it more rapidly. Furthermore, use triple antibiotic cream or cortisone cream at home to quicken healing by applying small amounts twice a day until healing has completed.
After electrolysis, your skin may become red and swollen. An ice pack can help soothe your skin, reduce swelling and ease pain. Make sure that any activities which increase inflammation such as working out, hot tubs or saunas do not increase this reaction further; alternatively apply light ointment or aloe vera gel to moisturize the area if necessary.
As with any treatment, the area may form scabs afterward. To prevent infection and scarring from picking at them, avoid picking at them with sharp objects as picking can cause infection to set in and even scarring can occur. It’s normal for these scabs to turn into red or brown hyper-pigmented spots due to damaged skin; over time these will shed and reveal smooth hairless skin underneath.
After electrolysis, it is best to forego other forms of temporary hair removal until the area has fully recovered. Tweezing, epilating and waxing may lead to ingrown hairs which become inflamed, irritated and itchy if they remain behind in their follicles. Also recommended is waiting until your scabs have formed before shaving as shaving causes microscopic cuts to your skin which can leave bacteria in its place causing further issues with healing. If necessary between appointments it’s best done using an electric razor without using depilatory creams, waxes or tweezers.
3. Apply Moisturizer
Utilizing an appropriate moisturizer following treatment is crucial. Skin should be moisturized at least twice per day – in the morning and evening – in order to minimize scarring. A moisturizing cream will also help prevent scabbing.
When it comes to scabs, it is crucial not to pick at them or pick at them with fingers; this may tempt us but could result in scarring. Instead, apply triple antibiotic ointment as this will protect from infection while keeping the area moist and fresh.
After receiving electrolysis treatments, some skin may swell and turn red after electrolysis treatments. This is perfectly normal and should subside within an hour or two. For maximum effectiveness and to minimize swelling/bruising effects/numbing effect use a cold compress as needed to help decrease swelling/bruising and offer additional numbing benefits.
Avoid shaving, tweezing and depilatory cream use until after your next electrolysis appointment; long enough hair must exist so the tweezers can grasp it for effective treatment. Furthermore, maintaining an appointment schedule is of utmost importance for optimal results.
Scabs can form after treatments in dry areas. These scabs are actually composed of lymph fluid that has leaked out from the follicle and dried at its surface; acting like nature’s band-aid to protect and heal healing follicles until ready to be treated again. It is essential to wait until they have healed completely before shaving or tweezing to prevent ingrown hairs forming; usually within several days but on some body areas this process could take two weeks; application of soothing gel may speed this up process and encourage faster healing timeframe. Regular application of soothing gel will aid the speedy healing process as it encourages healing process faster.
4. Apply Sunscreen
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique, but it may cause immediate redness, swelling, dryness and scabs in the treated area immediately following each treatment session due to its short bursts of heat that penetrate each follicle and cauterize the hair follicle, its blood supply and surrounding tissues – especially noticeable around sensitive facial, upper lip and bikini line skin. While symptoms should usually subside within days on their own, taking steps such as keeping calm while preventing infection may help ensure an easier recovery experience overall.
Step one of electrolysis treatment should include applying a high-caliber broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect the area being treated, which will also help prevent hyperpigmentation afterward. For sensitive skin types, mineral sunscreen such as Biomi may be better as it’s free from parabens, GMOs, vegan-friendly, gluten free and contains no perfume or nanoparticles – remembering to apply frequently is key!
One rare side effect may include pustule formation shortly after treatment, typically within 48 hours or so. If this occurs, apply warm compresses and an antibacterial ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin to speed the healing process and speed recovery time.
Avoid shaving the area before and after an electrolysis appointment if possible; hair must be long enough for effective tweezing treatment. Drink plenty of water throughout your electrolysis treatment to promote faster healing times. Apply numbing cream as directed on its label prior to each visit; caffeine, alcohol and chocolate consumption 24-hrs beforehand can dilate blood vessels making skin extra sensitive.
5. Massage the Area
After electrolysis, small scabs will appear at the opening of each treated follicle as nature provides protection for its healing process. They should fall off within several days on body areas but may take longer on facial areas. It is important not to pick or scratch at them as this may lead to scarring; keeping the area moist often decreases their formation; triple antibiotic ointment can also help maintain skin hydration and help avoid infection while keeping skin soft and supple.
Swelling and redness experienced immediately following treatment are caused by blood vessels in the deeper layers of skin expanding to increase blood flow, helping repair damage caused by electrolysis as well as to remove waste material generated during its process. Sometimes however, excessive erythema (redness of the skin) occurs which could indicate that treatment was administered too aggressively or on inappropriate types of skin.
Pitting is a temporary condition that occurs after electrolysis in some individuals, typically as the skin heals itself after having hair removed. Its presence indicates a dead space where a hair growth tissue should have been and this space becomes filled by scar tissue or wound collagen that contracts over time causing bumpy skin and requires up to one year for full maturation into smooth skin.
Electrolysis does not cause permanent scarring when performed by a qualified electrologist who takes good care in post-session care of the treated area. Therefore, selecting an experienced and knowledgeable electrologist is of utmost importance for successful electrolysis sessions.
