Laser Hair Removal Aftercare – Do’s and Don’ts

Congratulations! You have finally found the solution to get rid of body hair in unwanted areas, thanks to the laser hair removal treatment. However, the job is not done yet. Your hairs are certainly gone (for good, in most cases), but there are still some things left to do to prevent the side effects of this procedure and ensure quick healing.

So, without any further ado, let’s get to know about the most important laser hair removal aftercare do’s and don’ts:

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare – Do’s

Apply Cool Compress

Applying a cool compress to the treatment area will help to minimize temporary swelling. It will also reduce post-treatment pain and discomfort.

To apply a cool compress, take a clean and soft washcloth, and wet it using cool water. Then, place it on the impacted area for a few minutes. Another option is to wrap an ice pack in a paper towel and place it on the treatment site.

Use Prescription Creams

Although the laser hair removal treatment is fairly safe and pain-free, some people may experience discomfort and slight pain post-treatment. This is why physicians prescribe them steroid creams. They can help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the treatment.

So, if your doctor has prescribed you such a cream, do not hesitate in using them. But, be mindful of their instructions. These creams need to be used in the proper manner.

Keep Your Skin Protected from Sun

One of the many effects of laser hair removal treatment is that it makes the skin sensitive. And when your skin is sensitive, its structure becomes weak. Moreover, the skin’s resilience to external aggressors is also reduced. This makes it more prone to sun damage.

This is why doctors recommend avoiding sun exposure both a month before and after the treatment. Even after one month, patients are advised to apply sunscreen to the treatment site.

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare – Don’ts

Schedule Treatments in Quick Successions

Many people require multiple treatments for the complete removal of body hair. However, it’s recommended to not schedule treatment sessions in quick succession. This can impact the overall results. Generally, it’s recommended to have a gap of at least 4 to 6 weeks between two treatments.

Tan

This is an important laser hair removal aftercare guideline as it can result in hypopigmentation and burn spots. There is a risk of scarring as well. Hence, you must practice caution and avoid tanning for at least two weeks post-treatment. Furthermore, tanning lotions should be avoided as well. They may seem harmless, but these products can cause skin irritation, and the result could be burns, bumps, and rashes.

Lotions, Perfumes, and Body Scrubs

Perfumes or lotions with fragrances can cause skin discoloration and irritation. Moreover, it can also result in redness. Similarly, body scrubs and the use of deodorant, particularly on the underarms, can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is advised to avoid the application of these products.

Pick and Scratch the Treatment Area

It is important that you avoid scratching, tweezing, and picking the treatment site if you want the desired results without any complications. Furthermore, other hair removal products or methods should be avoided as well.

Shaving

One of the major benefits of laser hair removal treatment is that it is designed to eliminate the need for using hair removal products and time-taking procedures of shaving. However, as per The American Academy of Dermatology Association, the first session only removes 10% to 25% of the hair. Therefore, the patient is required to undergo multiple sessions, and treatment may be spread over several weeks.

On average, most people require six treatments to fully get rid of unwanted hair. However, it majorly depends on the treatment area(s). This means you may feel the need to shave your body after a single session. If you intend to do this, wait for several hours and only shave once the discoloration, swelling, and redness have subsided. Furthermore, do not shave if you still feel pain after treatment.

Wrapping Up

In all, laser hair removal has certainly made life easier for many. It has eliminated the need for wasting a lot of money and time on buying and using hair removal products. However, the optimal results of this treatment can only be achieved if you practice caution and follow the aforementioned laser hair removal guidelines.

Also, it is important to note that this treatment may not produce equally effective results for everyone. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor at Aesthetics International beforehand to know whether or not you are an ideal candidate for this procedure.