These days there are several women undergoing laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is an effective way to get rid of those excess hairs from different target areas such as the armpits, legs, bikini area, and even the face.

In laser hair removal, the laser penetrates your skin and targets the hair shaft which inhibits the growth of the hair. This process destroys the follicle which means more permanent hair removal. Therefore, this is a great option when you are looking to remove excess hair that will not grow back right away.

Laser hair removal is a straightforward procedure and there are several things to keep in mind before and after treatment that you should follow.

Before undergoing treatment be sure to make the necessary preparation such as keeping the area free from skin care products, avoid getting a suntan, among others.

But aside from going to the clinic, you can also do an at-home laser hair removal treatment with the use of IPL devices. Learn more about them here.

Things to avoid after laser hair removal

Avoid exposure to the sun

If there is one thing that you must not do after your treatment is getting exposed to the sun. It is essential because it will prevent your skin from getting irritated and getting sunburned.

Avoid sunbathing for about two weeks and make sure that you apply sunscreen when going out of your house. Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase your risk of developing hyperpigmentation, hence it is a must to follow this reminder.

Don’t use any beauty skincare products

After getting the laser hair treatment, be sure to avoid using any skincare products. Since your skin gets sensitive during the healing process, skip using body wash, perfumes, and lotions in your leg, armpits, and bikini area.

Avoid using makeup and other skincare products on your face because they may irritate your skin. Use tepid water and a fragrance-free cleanser when cleaning your face. Don’t rub or wipe hard because your skin is very sensitive after the treatment.

Take cool showers

Hot water can burn your skin and can cause blistering. It is a good idea to take cool showers after getting the treatment to reduce a bit of the discomfort.

No saunas, hot showers, and the use of heating pads for about 48 hours to avoid irritating the skin and cause redness.

Skip other hair removal methods

As a result of the treatment, you may notice that there will be additional tiny hairs growing around the treated area. Some people, naturally want to remove them and keep them looking clean. Hence, they try to shave, pluck or thread the area.

You should try to avoid these for at least 48 hours because your skin is very delicate and sensitive which may irritate. Further irritation of the skin may cause other problems such as prolonged soreness and rashes.

Be sure to avoid scratching the treatment area if there is crusting or blistering because it may cause scarring on your skin.

Additionally, there are other things you can do:

  • You may apply an ice pack on the treated area to reduce pain, discomfort, or irritation.
  • Apply an aloe vera gel or calming creams for 3 days after the treatment
  • Wear loose clothing to avoid friction on the treated area for about 48 hours
  • Ensure that the treated area is always clean and dry
  • Use sunscreen with at least SPF 50 with Zinc for about 2 weeks for further protection
  • Drink a lot of water

If further symptoms persist, contact your doctor to help you manage other side effects that you may be experiencing.

Remember that for the treatment to be effective and safe, make sure to follow these after-care reminders to avoid possible adverse effects.

Author

Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.