With all the benefits that laser hair removal provides, each session can leave your skin feeling swollen or irritated. Luckily, properly taking care of you skin after laser hair removal can ease the discomfort. Today, we are going to share the 5 most effective tips to help you receive the most benefits from your laser hair removal treatment with the least downtime.
For properly taking care of you skin after laser hair removal, you need to know what to expect after the session
The way laser hair removal works is by targeting and essentially “frying” hair follicles. The focus is on the follicles rather than on the hair itself, and, therefore, you will not see any noticeable results immediately following the session. The follicle may be gone, but the hair is still present. You may see small red bumps on the skin’s surface – this is a completely normal response from your skin to the heat produced by the laser. Within a day or two of taking care of you skin after laser hair removal, the bumps will disappear.
After a few days, you will start noticing your hair “shedding” – the treated hairs start to “come out” of the skin and eventually fall out. You may even notice more hair than you used to have! This happens because the hair that was “sleeping” in the follicle is now getting ready to leave the skin. At this point, you may use a towel to gently remove the hair. Do not pluck or wax, as your skin will still be sensitive after the laser procedure.
Remember that any given laser treatment only affects about 20% of the hair. That being said, don’t expect all of your hair to fall out at the same time. You will see more and more results after each hair removal session.
With laser hair removal, proper aftercare is important
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of undesired hair, but properly taking care of you skin after laser hair removal is crucial to reduce the downtime and unpleasant feelings you may experience. Immediately following the treatment, your skin may be red, swollen, and dry in response to the heat and light beams delivered by the laser. Make sure to moisturize your skin after the treatment and use aloe vera gel to soothe the sensitive skin. Overall, be especially gentle to your skin and avoid any irritants.
Follow these 5 simple tips after your laser hair removal session:
1. Minimize sun exposure and wear sunscreen
After the treatment, your skin will be more sensitive to light and heat. You should give it some time to regenerate - do not tan for at least two weeks following each laser hair removal session. If you do have to go out in the sun, generously apply sunscreen with at least SPF30 to all of the treated areas. Remember that at this point, taking care of you skin after laser hair removal is more important than getting tanned – the sun can wait!
2. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers
After the laser hair removal session, you should gently clean the treated area twice a day. Avoid strong soaps that will dry your skin and cause painful irritation and redness. Instead, go for gentle cleansers and apply nourishing lotions after taking a shower, as they will soothe your skin and keep it hydrated. In particular, IGBeauty recommends milk-based lotions or aloe vera gel to soothe the inflamed skin and reduce the swelling.
3. Use exfoliating products
You should use an exfoliating washcloth while in the shower about three times per week. This aids in the shedding process by removing any dead skin cells and other debris and letting the treated hairs to fall out faster. Exfoliation will also help prevent ingrown hairs as well as encourage healthy circulation. However, make sure to be gentle, as you do not want to irritate your skin any further.
4. Don’t wear irritating clothing
If you choose laser hair removal for your bikini area, it is important to wear cotton panties throughout the day. Cotton is one of the gentlest fabrics you can wear, and opting for cotton underwear is the best solution if you are experiencing a sensitive skin reaction. It will let your skin breathe and minimize the post-treatment irritation.
In addition, we recommend not wearing pantyhose or tights after the hair removal session for your legs. Having a constant tight cover over recently-treated skin can worsen irritation and redness. Let your skin breathe naturally and do not confine it under restrictive clothing.
It may also be a good idea to avoid playing sports for a few days, since sweat combined with tight athletic wear may worsen the situation. Taking care of you skin after laser hair removal should take priority over athletic achievements for at least a few days following the treatment.
5. Shave instead of wax
Avoid plucking, tweezing, or waxing the new hair growing in the treated areas. Remember that your next laser hair appointment is coming up in a few weeks, and you need to leave the hairs in the follicles in order for the laser to successfully target them. However, you can safely shave, cut, or trim hair if needed. You are also free to use depilatory creams in between appointments, but avoid them two days prior to the treatment.
At IGBeauty, we are experts in laser hair removal aftercare.
Even though taking care of you skin after laser hair removal may seem challenging, laser hair removal is worth it in the long run. By following the simple rules, you will minimize any unpleasant feelings, while receiving all the benefits of permanent hair removal.
At IGBeauty Studio, we are highly knowledgeable and experienced. If you have any questions regarding aftercare or encounter any problems, reach out! Visit our website at www.igbeauty.com or call us directly at 416-484-4884.
All we ask for is that you love yourself and take the time to properly care for the treated skin. Only then, the beautiful results of permanent hair removal won’t take long to please you.
