Are you ready to say goodbye to your unwanted body hair forever? No more shaving, plucking, or waxing? Making the decision for laser hair removal is exciting and empowering, and, of course, you want the best results possible.

Other than choosing an experienced professional for your hair removal treatments, a great way to guarantee your best outcome is in your hands with proper aftercare.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is a simple, non-invasive procedure using focused light energy to target and damage hair follicles, inhibiting future growth. The specialized laser emits a specific wavelength of light that’s absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft, effectively disrupting the follicle without causing harm to the surrounding skin.

While a series of treatments are typically required to achieve significant reduction, laser hair removal offers a convenient and long-term solution for managing hair growth on various parts of the body. Popular treatment areas include the legs, underarms, bikini line, and face.

How to Care for Your Skin Post-Treatment

Taking proper care of your skin isn’t just about making your skin feel better in the short term. Following aftercare guidelines is a large piece of the success of your treatment.

• Encourage Optimal Results: Following aftercare steps helps protect your skin, allowing the damaged follicles to fully respond to the treatment.
• Prevent Side Effects: Proper care minimizes the chances of irritation, discoloration, or ingrown hairs.
• Prolong Benefits: Maintaining good skin health helps prolong the smooth results of laser hair removal.

Here’s what you need to do to properly care for your skin after your professional laser hair removal session.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

One of the most important steps after laser hair removal is avoiding sun exposure. When your skin is healing, it’s particularly more vulnerable to UV rays, which can increase the risk of discoloration or irritation.

If you can’t avoid being outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and reapply it every two hours. Better yet, wear protective clothing or a wide-brimmed hat to shield treated areas. Do not use tanning beds at all following treatment, as they can be even harsher on your skin during this time.

Avoid Heat and Sweating

Your skin needs a cooling-off period post-treatment. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 24 hours. Heat can irritate your skin and prolong the healing process.

Additionally, minimize activities that cause sweating, such as vigorous exercise, immediately following your laser hair removal session. Sweat can introduce bacteria to your sensitive skin, leading to irritation or breakouts.

Use Gentle Hydrating Products

After treatment, your skin may feel dry or sensitive. Stick to simple, gentle skincare products free from fragrances, alcohol, or harsh chemicals. A fragrance-free moisturizer can soothe irritation and keep your skin hydrated, helping it recover more quickly.

Skip exfoliating products such as scrubs, acids, or retinoids for about a week. Once your skin has healed, gradually reintroducing exfoliating products can help prevent ingrown hairs.

Soothe Skin with Cold Compresses

If you feel any discomfort or see mild redness or swelling, a cold compress can help soothe the area. Wrap a clean, soft cloth around an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies and gently press it against the treated skin.

Watch for Signs of Infection

While side effects are minimal when the treatment is performed by trained professionals, it’s worth keeping an eye on your skin for unusual signs such as severe redness, swelling, or blistering. If you notice anything concerning, be sure to contact us immediately for guidance.

Ready for Smoother Skin?

Effortless silky-smooth skin is possible with laser hair removal. If you’re interested in learning more or have questions about your laser hair removal aftercare, we’re here to help. Call today!