Laser hair removal is a safe way to remove unwanted hair from the body. Although it's not invasive, there are some precautions you should take before and after treatment. The intense light irritates the hair follicles, which can cause rashes and sores.
Before and after laser hair removal is an integral part of the procedure. It would be best to avoid intense activities and harsh chemical soaps and lotions. Soothing creams such as aloe and ice are the best ways to soothe post-treatment irritation and potential rashes.
You may be wondering: What are the best lotions to use after laser hair removal? or What should you do before receiving treatment? We have the answers!
How Should You Properly Care For Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
After laser hair removal, you should avoid topical lotions, makeup, swimming, and extreme workouts. Sweat and chemically treated water could irritate the areas you had treated. Similarly, specific skin applications such as lotion or makeup can inflame treated areas.
After laser hair removal, proper skin care involves minor alterations to your normal skincare routine. While certain behaviors are beneficial, such as exfoliation, others can irritate your skin.
Protecting your skin from sunlight is also essential after laser hair removal. The laser irritates the surface of the skin because of the way it interacts with hair follicles. Direct sunlight likely exacerbates this irritation and may cause red rashes or scratches.
Some other everyday activities you should avoid for between 1-4 days after laser hair removal include:
Avoid direct sunlight
Wear and reapply sunscreen when outside
Avoid high-intensity workouts for 1-2 days after treatment
Do not swim in outdoor pools, lakes, the ocean, etc.
Pro Tip: Use ice or ice packs whenever the treated areas get itchy. Also, avoid itching or rubbing affected areas as much as possible.
What Should You Avoid Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
You should avoid coloring or bleaching body hair before treatment. Avoid tanning or discoloring your skin before treatment so the laser is not disrupted. Last, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, so your skin melanin doesn't become darker.
As this YouTube video demonstrates, laser hair removal relies on the skin to effectively treat follicles. If the skin and hair are too close in color, it is difficult for the laser to latch onto the hair and properly remove them.
Proper shaving and moisturizing of the areas you want to be treated are essential to your pre-treatment. If your skin is cracked and dry, it can inhibit hair removal and cause painful irritation after the treatment.
What Types of Creams and Lotions Should Use After Treatment?
Natural creams and lotions are generally safer than lotions and topicals with lots of chemicals. Scented lotions and creams should also be avoided, especially if they have essential oils or perfumes. Do not use tanning lotions or oils, and avoid tanning while recovering.
For an extra helpful boost, DermaStar Spa offers a line of Circadia skincare to help enhance your recovery.
Circadia peels and creams are special enhanced lotions and creams that help your skin renew itself. By removing old skin cells, these creams help your skin revive and come back fresh.
Aloe creams or fresh aloe are another excellent topical treatment. Aloe is a soothing herb, and the gel from the plant helps soothe painful wounds and ease inflammation.
Let DermaStar Help You Recover Properly!
Laser hair removal is not an invasive or intense treatment but requires special care. Like getting a tattoo, the skin after laser hair removal can become irritated by different activities and topicals.
DermaStar Spa offers helpful before and aftercare. There's no need to fear this treatment, as it's safe, effective, and doesn't hurt, as does body waxing.
Contact us today to schedule your treatment and get the care you deserve!