Laser hair removal is a great option if you’re tired of endlessly tweezing, shaving, plucking, or waxing away unwanted body hair. However, this complex treatment requires proper aftercare to reduce the risk of side effects and promote skin healing. Your aesthetic provider will give you specific aftercare instructions, but here are some general rules.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Keeping your newly-smooth skin away from direct sunlight for about a month may feel like a major bummer, but that’s what you should do. When your skin is sensitized from laser treatments, the sun can dry and irritate it, making the discomfort and redness worse. If you go outside, cover the area with clothing or a hat (for the face) and use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
Apply Cool Compresses
You may feel some minor discomfort, pain, or sensitivity in the treatment area for a day or two after laser hair removal. The area might also be slightly red or swollen. Using an ice pack wrapped in a towel is an easy way to cool down the skin, reduce swelling, and lessen the discomfort. You can also use a clean, soft washcloth soaked in cool water.
Apply or Take Meds As Directed
Your derm may prescribe you a steroid cream to minimize any after-burn. They may also prescribe medications for pain relief. If the pain persists after 24 hours, chat with your derm before taking any other OTC painkillers. Medication such as aspirin can thin the blood and increase healing time.
Use Gentle Cleansing
It’s important to keep your skin clean. However, you should only use a very mild cleanser or a cleanser designed for sensitive skin to clean the treatment area. Keep the water temperature cool and pat your skin dry to avoid causing irritation.
Avoid Makeup and Harsh Skin Products
After your laser hair removal, you should avoid makeup and topical facial medications like anti-acne creams. These products can have agents that irritate the skin further and even clog the pores of your skin immediately after treatment.
Avoid Exposing Your Skin to Heat
Laser treatment works by using heat to destroy hair follicles. As such, exposing your skin to additional heat can increase irritation. Hot showers, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas should be skipped for a minimum of 48 hours after your laser hair removal. Intense exercise that overheats your skin should also be avoided until advised by your provider.
Caring for your skin after laser hair removal can help you get your desired results as quickly as possible, without any complications. To find out if laser treatments are right for you, call The Skin Clinic at (480) 513-2888 or book an appointment online.
