Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles that cause sweating. It’s typically an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour on underarms and legs; however, for backs, chests, or faces it may take longer.
During the procedure, your doctor will use a hand-held laser instrument with cooling device or gel cooling gel that protects and minimizes side effects such as swelling and rashes.
Avoiding Excessive Sweating
Anyone who has ever sweated at work knows our bodies produce a lot of fluid. Luckily, there are methods available to us for helping it dry faster; such as shaving and antiperspirant usage. Another solution may be laser hair removal; however this procedure zaps both sweat glands and targeted hair follicles, so even if you want to continue exercising after treatment it would be prudent to limit intense workouts for optimal results.
Experts advise waiting a minimum of 48 hours between laser hair removal and intense exercise sessions in order to minimize irritation to the skin and ensure optimal healing afterward. For best results, specialists recommend leaving at least four to eight days between laser hair removal treatments and any type of physical activity or workout regimes.
Laser hair removal involves having a practitioner press a handheld device against the surface of your skin and activate it with light energy to destroy hair follicles that would otherwise produce new growth. You may feel pinpricks during treatment which could last from minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the area being treated. Some devices feature cooling gel or tips which reduce discomfort during treatments.
After your skin has been exposed, it may remain red and tender for some time. A soothing lotion, aloe vera plant extract or pure gel may provide temporary comfort and cooling relief to soothe, calm and cool the area. Some areas may swell up similar to a rash; keeping loose clothing on them or using an ice pack could provide additional support.
General guidelines suggest avoiding direct sunlight after laser hair removal and wearing sunscreen whenever outdoors. Sunlight can irritate skin that has been treated and raise temperatures significantly; both elements can create an uncomfortable burning sensation that may even result in infection; for this reason it’s wise to avoid sun exposure until after your body has fully recovered after laser therapy has taken place; typically four weeks is enough time.
Avoiding Heat
Laser hair removal can be safely performed when handled by professionals, however there are certain things you should avoid prior and after your session – like intense workouts. Sweat can open pores, making it easier for bacteria to access your skin and potentially cause inflammation or even an outbreak. Therefore, it would be prudent to forgoing gym membership until after your skin has completely recovered.
After laser hair removal, it is best to wait two days before beginning any physical activity after. During this period of restful recovery it is advisable to exercise with low impact activities like walking and yoga as running or jumping can aggravate sensitive skin and worsen symptoms.
Use aloe vera lotions, available both plant and pure gel form, to soothe your skin and assist its return to its original state. Aloe can relieve burning sensations, redness and small bumps associated with laser hair removal as well as relieving any burning sensations, redness or small bumps that arise post-laser hair removal treatment. In addition, taking cooling painkillers like Tylenol may provide further comfort during recovery from laser hair removal treatment.
At your laser hair removal session, your doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. Depending on the type of laser instrument, there may be a cooling device or gel attached at its tip to reduce side effects and speed treatment. Once activated by your physician, a beam of light will pass through your skin and target hair follicles, melting away their heat-producing potential and leaving behind only healthy ones behind.
Damaged hair follicles will no longer produce new hair, leading to less sweat being trapped between it and body odor. Deodorants and antiperspirants may reduce body odor temporarily but cannot eradicate its source – bacteria that clings to sweat clings on. Laser hair removal eliminates these bacteria by destroying hair follicles causing body odor.
Avoiding Exercise
Laser hair removal treatments require certain exercises that should be avoided for several days post-treatment, specifically anything that increases body heat or induces sweating heavily. Also, avoid any activities which cause friction as these could irritate delicate skin treated with the laser; these include running, weight lifting and swimming among others.
However, you don’t have to completely give up exercise. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming and stretching should still be part of your fitness plan, provided your skin has time to recover afterwards. Wear loose-fitting clothing which won’t rub against your skin while exercising for best results.
However, you should limit your workouts to once every week in order to give the area time to heal after laser hair removal. Light weights or skipping heavy workouts is advised for several days after laser hair removal in order to allow muscles to recover without incurring additional damage.
Sweat contains bacteria that can irritate sensitive hair follicles and result in an infection or rash if laser treatment has been performed on your underarms, bikini line or legs. This is especially true after laser therapy treatments have been conducted on these areas.
When bacteria and sweat combine, they produce volatile organic compounds with foul smells – leading to body odor. Antiperspirants and deodorants may help mitigate or mask these unpleasant scents; however, antiperspirants and deodorants cannot completely stop the process. Luckily, laser hair removal changes your biological structure by inflicting microscopic damage onto hair follicles; this reduces their ability to produce hair which in turn decreases body odor.
Laser hair removal can be very effective at reducing body odor, though it’s not a permanent solution; repeat treatments on a regular basis for maximum efficacy. You might also try Botox injections as another way of controlling sweat for longer-lasting relief; this may decrease the need for regular laser hair removal sessions.
Avoiding Sunlight
After laser hair removal, it is essential to protect the treated area by avoiding direct sunlight. Sunburns may occur and hyperpigmentation could develop. To best protect your skin and avoid hyperpigmentation risks, sunscreen with a high SPF should be worn and applied frequently – and wide brim hats with long sleeves may help. Avoid tanning beds as these could increase your risk of hyperpigmentation.
Even though it’s tempting to want to look their best during summertime, it is essential that people remember they should refrain from excessive sweating and sunbathing after laser hair removal if they have darker skin to prevent hyperpigmentation from the laser treatment and make it more efficient. In addition, make sure not to undergo other treatments which could potentially change their pigmentation level of their skin as this could alter it negatively.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent permanent way of getting rid of unwanted body hair, yet before having it done it’s essential that you understand its workings and the aftercare requirements for after the procedure has taken place. Discuss it with your physician to see if this option is the best choice for you.
When seeking laser hair removal, be sure to select a clinic with experienced staff and licensed physicians. Spas and salons that employ nonmedical personnel as providers should also be avoided. You should also select a physician familiar with both your hair and skin type.
After laser hair removal, sweat may still occur after workouts; however, you should limit them post-treatment in order to protect the sensitive skin that was just treated from irritation and possible infection. Therefore, it is recommended that at least 24 to 48 hours have passed prior to beginning to work out post-laser hair removal; this gives it time to calm down and allow its healing processes.
